One of the many ways the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces DOT regulations is in administering drug tests for certain safety-sensitive employees. So, if you work in the transportation industry in one of these roles, you’re probably well aware of the fact that you’re going to be drug tested. Because these drug tests are tightly controlled, ways of getting around them–such as using synthetic urine–are not only prohibited, but can bring even heavier consequences.
At Fleet Drug Testing, our programs and team can make sure that you stay up-to-date and in line with any FMCSA or DOT guidelines. Whether you want to be a part of a consortium of owner-operators or simply want a more efficient program for your fleet, we can help. Contact us today to get started.
What is the FMCSA Drug Testing Process?
As the DOT’s main body responsible for ensuring the safety of the commercial trucking industry, the FMCSA enforces the specific regulations set for drug testing. What this means for you as a driver or other “safety-sensitive” employee is that you will have to be drug tested at certain intervals:
- Pre-employment
- Random testing
- Reasonable suspicion
- Post-accident
- Return-to-duty
- Follow-up
Procedurally, the testing panel looks for certain substances, including marijuana, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP. The testing process then proceeds in the following way:
- Employers provide employees with information regarding the drug testing procedure, including details about the test’s timing and location.
- At the testing location, a trained collector will take a urine sample from the employee. They take care to label and seal the sample securely to prevent any tampering.
- The collected sample is divided into two containers: the primary specimen and the split specimen. The primary specimen is sent to a certified laboratory for analysis, while the split specimen is retained at the collection site as a precaution in case of any discrepancies in the results.
- In the certified laboratory, the primary specimen undergoes testing using the immunoassay method. If the result indicates the presence of drugs, a more precise test called gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is conducted to confirm the finding.
- A Medical Review Officer (MRO) thoroughly reviews the test results and contacts the employee in the event of a positive outcome. During this communication, the MRO inquires about any prescription medications the employee may be taking, which could have influenced the test results. If the employee has a valid medical explanation, the result is reported as negative.
- The MRO then informs the employer of the test results. If a positive result is confirmed, the employee must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties, and the employer may need to report the positive outcome to the Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Employees who test positive are required to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and participate in a follow-up testing program. They must achieve a negative result on a return-to-duty test before being allowed to resume their safety-sensitive duties.
Following these procedures ensures that the drug testing process complies with DOT regulations and is conducted with accuracy and then reported to either your employer or the DOT Clearinghouse. Obviously, because these tests are so important to drivers and their continued employment, some may try to use synthetic urine or some other workaround.
Synthetic Urine and FMCSA Drug Tests
Not surprisingly, trying to use synthetic urine for a FMCSA drug test–or any other drug test–is illegal and will immediately result in a failure of the test. That said, there are a number of other consequences that can come about from using synthetic urine:
- Violation of regulations – Attempting to use synthetic urine to pass a drug test is a violation of FMCSA regulations. Commercial drivers are required to undergo drug testing as part of their safety-sensitive duties, and any attempt to deceive the test is against the law.
- Legal consequences – If you or any other commercial driver is caught using synthetic urine or attempting to tamper with a drug test, they may face legal consequences, including fines, suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL), or even disqualification from operating commercial vehicles.
- Safety concerns – The FMCSA’s drug testing program is in place to make sure that commercial drivers are not impaired by drugs while operating large vehicles. Using synthetic urine undermines this safety objective and can put the driver, other road users, and the public at risk.
- Detection methods – Drug testing laboratories are equipped with advanced technologies that can detect the use of synthetic urine. Attempting to use synthetic urine may result in a failed drug test, which can have serious consequences for a commercial driver’s career.
Better Practices
In terms of drug testing, the only way to guarantee success and accuracy in the results is to not use drugs. That said, there are steps you can take that can help reduce the anxiety and stress that can come from the process:
- Stay drug-free – The best and only legitimate way to pass an FMCSA drug test is to refrain from using illegal drugs or substances that are not prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
- Know your medications – If you are taking prescription medications, make sure to inform the Medical Review Officer (MRO) during the testing process. Provide documentation of your prescription to avoid any confusion or false positives on the drug test.
- Follow the testing procedures – Comply with all testing procedures and instructions provided by the testing facility and the MRO. This includes providing a urine sample, following proper hygiene protocols, and avoiding any tampering with the sample.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water is generally recommended for a urine test. However, excessive water consumption right before the test can raise suspicion and may lead to retesting. Maintain normal hydration levels.
- Be transparent – If you have any concerns or questions about the drug testing process, don’t hesitate to ask the MRO for clarification or guidance. Honesty and transparency are essential.
- Understand the consequences – Attempting to cheat or manipulate a drug test can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of your commercial driver’s license (CDL), fines, and legal penalties.
- Be prepared – Make sure that you are in good health and well-rested on the day of the test. Being physically and mentally prepared can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with the test.
Remember that the FMCSA takes drug testing seriously to ensure the safety of commercial drivers and the public. As such, your continued employment and success in the industry rests on staying compliant with DOT and FMCSA regulations, including passing drug tests.
Contact Fleet Drug Testing Today
When you need to comply with DOT or FMCSA regulations, our team at Fleet Drug Testing has you covered. We can help explain the procedures to you, and make sure you have what you need to keep moving. Explore our programs or contact us today to get started.
