About DOT Urine Test Facts You Need to Know

With every passing day, there is a rapid increase in people traveling from one point to another. There is a huge responsibility to drive safely so that the rate of accidents can be lower. People driving large vehicles are at higher risk to be the reason of accidents so they must be assessed for their medical impairment and to confirm that they are not under the influence of drugs to avoid a dangerous outcome.

What is DOT Drug Test?

Transportation companies and truck drivers performing safety-sensitive work have to go through drug testing program under the law implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

When DOT Drug Test is performed?

Employees working in sensitive workplaces should be drug tested under following scenarios:

  1. Pre-employment
  2. Reasonable Suspicion
  3. Random Drug Testing
  4. Post-accident
  5. Return-to-duty Process
  6. Follow-up Drug Testing

What is DOT Urine Test?

It is a painless, convenient, and rapid urine analysis to determine the presence of illegal drugs and substance usage.

What is a 5-panel test?

Following are five classes of drugs included in DOT Drug Testing:

  1. Marijuana
  2. Cocaine
  3. Opiates – opium and codeine derivatives
  4. Amphetamines and methamphetamines
  5. Phencyclidine – PCP

Which drugs are checked in DOT Urine test?

Above mentioned 5-panel test is observed in DOT Urine Test.

Can alcohol also be detected in DOT Urine Test?

A urine drug test can detect alcohol if taken 12 hours before the test. DOT Urine Test is exclusively performed for drug testing. Alcohol can be tested through breath and saliva test.

How DOT Urine Test is conducted?

The process consists of three components:

●      The collection of samples

●      Testing by laboratory

●      Reviewed by Medical Review Officer (MRO)

How much urine is required for DOT Drug Test?

Approximately 45ml urine is needed in a sealed container and its temperature is tested. If it is not in the temperature range set by lab the sample is recollected.

What is the detection window of Urine Drug Test?

It means a period in which a drug can be identified in the system by the analysis of urine. The detection window for urinalysis is 2-3 days after that drug leaves the system and cannot be identified.

7 steps for DOT Urine Test

DOT provided steps are stated below:

  1. Notification to submit drug test
  2. Immediate reporting to your nearest collection site
  3. Urine Collection

●      Verify your ID

●      Keep pockets empty

●      Selection of sealed kit

●      Provide 45ml urine

●      The collector will check the temperature and pour it into two labeled containers as “A” and “B”

●      Collector again will seal both containers

●      Sign the documentation

  1. Laboratory Tests

●      Analysis of container A

●      Results will be shared with Medical Review Officer (MRO)

  1. Medical Review

The MRO reviews the lab reports and observes results keenly and makes sure if the results are substituted or not. An interview is also conducted to review all medical reports and an examination is also taken by the MRO-approved physician.

  1. Verified Results

Results are verified by MRO as:

●      Positive

●      Negative

●      Refusal

●      Canceled

  1. Right of employee

Employees after receiving a notification and interview by MRO within 72 hours can request an examination of container “B” by another certified laboratory.

Is fake urine be used for DOT Urine Test?

Fake/synthetic urine is available in the market to fool the system, but advancement of technology nullifies the attempt. But it cannot fool anyone especially MRO who has keen observation and analysis and the whole process of collection of urine samples is highly efficient to be cheated. Direct observation drug test during urine drug test sample collection makes it more foolproof. Cheating the system can cost you heavily so better to keep yourself refrain from it.

goMDnow works with commercial truck companies and self-owned and operated truckers and help them with all the hustles of DOT Urine Test. Contact us and get benefits from our professional expertise.


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