Fleet Drug Testing has a full line of drug testing programs and services you need to stay compliant with federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations in Michigan. When you work in the transportation industry, one of the must is meeting requirements for drug testing. Whether your route is along Interstate 75 through Detroit, Interstate 96 through Grand Rapids, or Route 28 through the Upper Peninsula, we have locations near you. Contact us today to get started.

Do I Need to Get Drug Tested?

There’s no denying that federal DOT regulations are incredibly strict and rigid, especially when it comes to drug testing. That said, not everyone in the transportation industry has to report for testing or meet the requirements. In fact, according to DOT regulations, drug testing applies to “safety-sensitive” employees. As you might expect, these are the employees whose job duties affect the safety of everyone else. Generally, this includes positions like:

• Drivers
• Air traffic controllers
• Conductors
• Engineers
• Hazardous material handlers
• Ship captains and crew
• Emergency vehicle drivers
• Heavy equipment operators
  
  

As one of these employees, you not only have to follow regulations and rules about licensing, drive time, and reporting, there’s specific guidelines for the actual drug testing program. Currently, there’s five testing intervals in the program:

These testing guidelines apply to various workers in the transportation industry, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) outlines when drug tests are required. The situations necessitating drug testing are:

• Pre-employment screening, where you’re tested prior to being hired and your hiring depends on a clean result.
• Post-accident testing, which happens after an accident where there’s an injury or property damage.
• Random testing at regular intervals. Currently, the DOT holds that 50% of employees must undergo random drug testing during the calendar year.
• Testing based on suspected drug use, known as “reasonable suspicion testing.”
• Testing before you resume duty following a prior positive test result, known as “follow up testing.”
  
  

DOT drug tests are designed to detect specific types of drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Apart from drug testing, you may also undergo periodic alcohol testing, particularly after an accident. It’s crucial to note that there are specific guidelines for individuals undergoing testing, so it’s important to understand how testing will be conducted–and where that testing can be offered.

Where Can You Get Drug Tested?

Procedurally, DOT drug testing regulations are also strictly enforced in terms of how testing is conducted. Here’s a quick overview of the DOT drug testing process:

• Getting notified – The employee receives notice of being selected for a drug test and is provided information about the testing process, including preparations for the test.
  
  
• Collection site – The employee is directed to a designated collection site, where they present a photo ID and complete necessary paperwork.
  
  
• Collection process – A trained collector oversees the collection of the employee’s urine or other saliva. The employee must provide an ample sample for testing, adhering to strict guidelines to ensure sample integrity.
  
  
• Laboratory testing – The sample is sent to a certified laboratory for testing, where the DOT-banned substances are looked for.
  
  
• Medical Review Officer (MRO) review – In the case of positive results, a Medical Review Officer (MRO) examines the results to determine if there’s a legitimate medical explanation. If none exists, the employee may face disciplinary action.
  
  
• Reporting – The laboratory communicates results to the employer or designated DOT agency, with the employer responsible for informing the employee of the results and any necessary actions.

What We Look For in a Testing Location

Simply dealing with DOT drug testing regulations is hard enough on its own. So when you have to also find a convenient and compliant location on top of everything else, it’s quickly apparent how overwhelming it can be. That’s where we come in. We have a network of testing locations across Michigan we can set you up with. Here’s what we look for:

• Our network uses only laboratories and locations that have been certified by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the DOT.
  
  
• We always look for a location that’s experienced in conducting DOT drug tests and various other types of drug testing.
  
  
• We’ll make sure the facility is reliable by checking online reviews and seeking recommendations from others for our location services.
  
  
• Our drug testing services prioritizes convenient and easily accessible locations for you , ideally situated near your workplace or daily route.
  
  
• We verify the location’s turnaround time to ensure timely provision of test results, tailored to meet your specific needs using our location services.
  
  
• Our team selects locations that place a premium on your privacy and has measures to protect the confidentiality of test results within our location services.
  
  

Although it’s stressful, drug testing is vital for your safety–and the safety of everyone you share the road, rail, air, or water with. That’s why it’s important to have access to convenient locations. The quicker you’re able to get tested, the sooner you’re able to get back to work.

Drug Testing Solutions in Michigan With Fleet Drug Testing

When you work with Fleet Drug Testing, we can not only help you find a convenient drug testing  location near you in Michigan, we can take care of everything required by the DOT when it comes to reporting and taking action on your test results. To learn more about how we can help you or your business, contact us today.