The procedures for drug testing certain employees in the transportation industry are well-documented. Not only that, but they also carry the full regulatory and enforcement power of the federal government. When the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) orders drug testing, it’s extremely important to understand the guidelines and, ultimately, comply with them.
If you’re unsure about the DOT’s drug testing guidelines for your particular job, Fleet Drug Testing is here to help you. Our team of experts is ready to not only address your questions but also provide various programs and solutions to make sure you stay compliant with DOT regulations. Contact us today to get started.
Privacy During a DOT Drug Test
Procedurally, every DOT drug test is supposed to unfold in the same way. At the same time, your privacy and confidentiality are also taken into account. Despite the invasiveness of the process–which can sometimes include being watched by a collector–there’s several ways that your privacy is taken into account:
- Collection facility – The collection facility, where the drug test is conducted, should ensure a private and confidential space where you will be tested. This space should be free from onlookers and intrusion.
- Gender of collector – The DOT regulations require that a collector of the same gender as the person being tested performs the collection. This is to safeguard privacy and ensure comfort.
- Secure process – The collection process should be conducted with discretion. This means that the collector should not disclose any personal information or test results to unauthorized individuals.
- Confidential results – The results of the drug test and all related documents should be treated as confidential. Access to these records are restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Chain of custody – The chain of custody is a critical document that tracks the handling of the urine sample from the moment of collection to the receipt of results. It will be carefully maintained to prevent any breaches of privacy.
- Notification of rights – When you’re being tested, you should be informed of your rights regarding privacy. You have the right to request a private collection if you believe your privacy is being compromised.
- Objection to observer – If you feel uncomfortable with the presence of an observer during the collection, you can object, and the collector must make accommodations to address this concern while still ensuring the integrity of the test.
- Mandatory observation – In some cases, if there are specific concerns about tampering or adulteration, a DOT drug test may require direct observation, which can involve an observer ensuring the sample’s integrity. This is done while still respecting your privacy as much as possible.
Obviously, DOT drug tests follow rules to be fair and accurate. If you’re worried about how you’re being watched during the test, talk to the testing place or your boss to learn more about the rules and your rights during the test itself.
What Are Other Aspects of DOT Drug Testing?
To fulfill its mission of ensuring the safety of all road users, the DOT places a strong emphasis on regulating certain employees who are considered “safety-sensitive.” This category of employee involves job responsibilities that may affect their ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely or who are responsible for the safety of themselves, their passengers, and others on the road, rail, or in the air.
Safety-sensitive employees include various roles, such as:
- Truck drivers
- Bus drivers
- Pilots
- Air traffic controllers
- Ship captains
- Crew members
- Engineers
- Conductors
- Railroad workers
The DOT enforces specific regulations for safety-sensitive employees, including drug testing. This program mandates regular drug and alcohol testing at specified intervals, and any positive test results must be reported to the employer immediately.
The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure that employees, particularly those operating vehicles, are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty. The DOT closely monitors the testing procedures to maintain a high level of control and accuracy.
Under DOT regulations, drug testing for safety-sensitive employees is mandatory in several circumstances, including prior to being hired, after an accident, at random intervals, before returning to duty and follow-up testing after a positive result. The testing panels usually consist of five substances:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opioids
- Amphetamines
- PCP
The testing process also involves several crucial steps:
- Employers must inform their employees about the testing procedures, including the timing and location of the tests.
- A trained collector at the testing site obtains a urine sample from the employee and ensures proper labeling and sealing to prevent tampering.
- The urine sample is divided into two containers: the primary specimen is dispatched to a certified laboratory for testing, while the split specimen is securely retained at the collection site, serving as a safeguard in case of any disputes.
- The primary specimen undergoes an immunoassay test at an accredited laboratory. If the outcome is positive, a confirmation test is conducted using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
- A Medical Review Officer (MRO) scrutinizes the test results and, in the event of a positive result, reaches out to the employee. The MRO may inquire about any prescription medications that could account for the positive result. If a valid medical explanation is provided, the result is recorded as negative.
- The MRO promptly informs the employer of the test results. If a positive test occurs, the employee must be immediately relieved from safety-sensitive duties, and the employer may be obligated to report the positive result to the DOT.
- Employees who test positive are obliged 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 resuming safety-sensitive responsibilities.
As with any endeavor by the DOT, the drug testing procedure and program is done with the highest levels of accuracy. However, as an employee, you do have a certain right to privacy and confidentiality that also must be factored in. Thus, if you are being told that you’ll be watched, make sure to lodge any objections and then try to follow any orders to make sure you can stay compliant and licensed.
Fleet Drug Testing Has the Solutions You Need
Regardless of the reason for your participation in drug testing, Fleet Drug Testing is here to help you. Our programs and services provide effective solutions for drug testing, ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting. Whether you’re a truck driver or a company seeking to streamline your drug testing program, we have what you need. Get in touch with us today to get started.
