At Fleet Drug Testing, we’re here to help you stay compliant with DOT regulations. Our experienced team offers a wide range of drug testing services and programs. We can help you find a convenient testing site in Iowa, whether you’re passing through Iowa City, Des Moines, Ames or anywhere else along I-29.
No matter where you’re going in Iowa, our team is committed to helping you find a drug testing facility that meets DOT regulations. Contact us today to get started or visit our enrollment page to explore the programs that suit your needs.
Understanding the Need For a DOT Drug Testing Program in Iowa
According to data from American Addiction Centers (AAC), found that nearly 28% of truck drivers have admitted to drug use while on the job. Because of the inherent danger of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol–as well as the dangers of driving huge commercial trucks and other vehicles–shows how important the United States Department of Transportation’s (DOT) drug and alcohol testing program is.
Under this program, truck drivers and other “safety-sensitive” employees must be tested at the following intervals:
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- Pre-employment testing – Done before hiring, it ensures that new employees are drug and alcohol-free before starting safety-sensitive jobs.
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- Post-accident testing – Conducted after work-related accidents or incidents to check if drugs or alcohol might have been a factor.
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- Random testing – Employees are selected randomly throughout the year for drug and alcohol testing. The DOT sets rates for how many employees need to be tested. Currently, 50% are tested for drugs and 10% for alcohol. This discourages substance use and promotes a safer work environment.
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- Return-to-duty testing – If an employee previously tested positive or violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations, they must complete a return-to-duty process. They undergo testing to show they no longer use drugs or alcohol and are fit for safety-sensitive duties.
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- Follow-up testing – After completing the return-to-duty process, employees continue with ongoing testing as part of their follow-up program. This ensures they remain drug and alcohol-free to maintain their safety-sensitive positions.
Following these regulations can be challenging. Not only do you need to make sure you and your employees aren’t using drugs or alcohol, but finding a nearby testing location can also be difficult.
How Does DOT Drug Testing Work?
Not only are the DOT drug testing regulations stringent, they’re also comprehensive. This means that there is a strict process in place when you have to get tested. First and foremost, the DOT drug testing program tests for these five substances:
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- Marijuana
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- Cocaine
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- Amphetamines
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- Opioids
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- PCP
The most common testing method is currently a urine test. With that in mind, it’s important to understand the procedure in place by the DOT. Doing so can help you know what to expect:
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- Notification – You are informed that you need to undergo drug testing and understand the requirements.
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- Collection – A trained collector collects urine or other samples from you using proper procedures.
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- Split Specimen – The collected sample is divided into two containers (A and B) and sealed in front of you to create separate samples for testing.
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- Laboratory Testing – The sample is sent to a certified laboratory approved by the DHHR and NLCP. They conduct tests to check for drug or alcohol substances.
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- Review by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) – The laboratory provides the results to an MRO, who reviews them and contacts you if needed.
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- Reporting – The MRO informs your employer about the test results.
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- Corrective action – Depending on the results, appropriate actions are taken. If the test is positive, you may be removed from your safety-sensitive position and may need to complete a substance abuse treatment program before returning to work.
Ensuring accurate drug test results is important for you and your employer. Following the regulations helps maintain a smooth-running business and provides for your family. Being prepared and knowing the process is the best approach for a safety-sensitive employee or transportation business manager.
How Should You Prepare For a DOT Drug Test in Iowa?
Preparing for a DOT drug test in Iowa may feel overwhelming, but it’s essential for the safety of the transportation industry. As an employee, it’s important to understand the procedure and how to get ready. Here are some tips:
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- Avoid drugs and medications that could give a false positive result. Inform the medical review officer (MRO) about any prescribed medications you take.
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- Stay hydrated by drinking fluids, but don’t overdo it to avoid a “negative dilute” result. If you have trouble providing a sample, let the collector know.
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- Follow all instructions from the collector. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport.
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- Arrive on time at the testing site. You may need to fill out paperwork and provide the urine sample. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and won’t interfere with the collection process.
Following these steps can make the testing process smoother and increase the accuracy of the results.
What are the Consequences of Failing a DOT Drug Test in Iowa?
Accurate test results are crucial for you and your employer. Compliance with DOT regulations is important to keep your business running smoothly and support your family. Being prepared for any drug test is essential. However, it’s also important to understand the consequences of failing a drug test in Iowa.
As an employer, if you don’t comply, you may face:
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- Financial penalties
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- Lose contracts
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- Potential legal actions
In addition, the DOT might also keep a closer eye on your operations, making it harder to get permits or licenses in the future.
For employees or owner-operators, potential consequences include:
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- Suspension or losing your job.
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- Loss of commercial driving privileges
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- Struggling to find future employment in the transportation industry
Obviously, your livelihood can depend on your ability to stay compliant with the DOT’s drug testing regulations. At a minimum, this means finding convenient and dutiful testing locations.
Let Fleet Drug Testing Work For You
If you’re in Iowa and need to find a DOT drug testing location, our team at Fleet Drug Testing can help. We offer various programs to ensure compliance with DOT regulations. We have a network of certified drug testing facilities in Iowa that meet all the necessary requirements to keep you on track. Visit our enrollment page and let us find a program that works for you.
that meet all the necessary requirements to keep you on track. Visit our enrollment page and let us find a program that works for you.
