Can You Outsmart a DOT Test? Spoiler Alert: You Can’t
If you're a safety-sensitive employee, there's one test you can't avoid: the DOT drug test. And while some may think they can find clever ways to cheat the system, the truth is you can't really outsmart it. Whether you're a truck driver, operating a ferry or train, or repairing an airplane, passing your DOT drug test is essential to your job—and, more importantly, to your safety and the safety of others.
So, let's go over what a DOT drug test really is, who's required to take it, and what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.
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What is a DOT Drug Test, and Who Is Required to Get It?
A DOT (Department of Transportation) drug test is a mandatory screening designed to detect the use of certain drugs and alcohol among employees in safety-sensitive positions. These tests are part of federal regulations intended to ensure public safety, particularly in industries like transportation and aviation.
Who Needs to Take It? The List Includes the Following (and more!):
You'll be subject to DOT drug testing if your job falls under these categories. It's not a matter of "if"—it's a matter of when. And the rules are strict.
What Do DOT Drug Tests Test For?
DOT drug tests are designed to detect five classes of drugs, which include:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Opioids (including heroin, morphine, and codeine)
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
DOT tests are highly sensitive and can pick up even trace amounts of these substances. So, trying to beat the system by using a "detox drink" or other tricks is likely to fail.
When Are Safety-Sensitive Employees Required to Get a DOT Drug Test?
As a safety-sensitive employee, you're required to take a DOT drug test in several situations. These include:
How Are the Drug and Alcohol Tests Administered?
When you're selected for a DOT drug test, you must follow a particular process to ensure the test is administered correctly and fairly. This is the overview of the DOT Drug Testing process:
- Your employer or testing coordinator will notify you to submit for a drug test.
- Once you're notified, you must report immediately to the designated collection site. Any attempt to postpone or refuse testing can have serious consequences.
- When you arrive at the collection site, you must verify your ID and empty your pockets. Then, select a sealed kit and provide 45 ml of urine sample. The collector checks the temperature of the sample to ensure it hasn't been tampered with and divides your urine sample into two bottles (Bottle A and Bottle B). Both bottles will be sealed in your presence with tamper-evident seals. After that, you must sign the paperwork.
- The urine sample in Bottle A is sent to an accredited lab for testing. The lab will analyze the sample for the presence of drugs. Once the testing is complete, the lab sends the results directly to a Medical Review Officer (MRO) for further evaluation.
- The MRO is responsible for reviewing the lab results and determining if a legitimate medical explanation exists for a positive, adulterated, or substituted result. The MRO may interview you, review your medical records, or request an examination by a physician.
- If the MRO informs you of a positive result, you have 72 hours from the MRO interview to request that the sample in Bottle B be tested at another certified lab. This allows you to contest the results if you believe there has been an error.
- After reviewing all the information, the MRO will verify the results and report them to your employer. The possible outcomes are:
- arrow_right Negative: No drugs or alcohol detected.
- arrow_right Positive: Drugs or alcohol were detected, and you failed the test.
- arrow_right Refusal: You refused to take the test, which is treated as a failed test.
- arrow_right Canceled: The test was invalid due to issues during the collection or testing process (e.g., contamination or insufficient sample).
Additionally, people working in safety-senstive jobs must also pass the breathalyzer (alcohol test). This test checks your blood alcohol content (BAC). If you're in a safety-sensitive position, any blood alcohol content of 0.02 or higher is a violation.
Test Refusals Must-Knows
Refusing to take a DOT drug test violates federal law, which means you could face suspension, termination, or even disqualification from working in a safety-sensitive position. So, think twice before saying "no" to a test. There's no "getting out of jail free" card here.
What Happens if You Fail the DOT Drug Test?
So, what if you fail the test? First, it's important to realize that failing a DOT drug test is serious. You may face:
You will not be eligible to return to work until you've successfully completed a rehabilitation program, and you may be subject to follow-up testing to ensure ongoing compliance.
Are the Results Confidential? Will Your Next Employer Know the Results?
Yes, DOT drug test results are kept confidential. However, there are exceptions. Your employer can share your results with other employers, especially if they're considering hiring you for a safety-sensitive position.
Remember, while you can't outsmart a DOT drug test, there's good news: If you follow the rules, stay clean, and pass your tests, you can continue working safely and legally. And you'll help keep our roads, skies, and rails safe for everyone. So, next time someone suggests using a "magic detox potion," you can confidently say, "No thanks, I'll just stick to the rules."
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