DOT Drug Test

The DOT pre-employment drug test time frame is fast. Negative urine specimens typically come back the next business day, but in some cases can take longer. If the drug screening is not negative, further testing is required. Our lab will run a GC/MS confirmation test on all non-negatives urine samples, which provides an official, quantitative measurement of the level of drugs in the system. Confirmation testing takes approximately 3-5 days.

Most negative DOT drug test results are returned within one business day. However, delays can happen for a few reasons. If the test is non-negative, it must go through a more detailed GC/MS confirmation process, which can take an additional 3–5 days. Delays can also occur because of issues like incomplete paperwork, specimen temperature concerns, or if the Medical Review Officer (MRO) needs to contact the employee for more information, such as verifying prescriptions.

All transportation industry modalities require DOT drug screening for various purposes. For example, trucking companies must ensure that safety sensitive positions, such as drivers, are tested on a pre-employment and random basis, as well as for post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing when indicated.

DOT regulations are silent about who is responsible for paying for drug testing. Typically, the drug testing for trucking companies is covered by the company, but not always. However, if a driver fails a test, smaller companies are much less likely to pay for a driver's return-to-duty and follow-up testing, putting the onus on the driver to pay for the tests.

Large fleets, on the other hand, often pay for all logistics drug testing, including return-to-duty and follow-up testing, especially if the drivers are unionized.

Return to duty tests are only required if a person has failed a test, sought out the counsel of a Substance Abuse Professional, and was subsequently cleared to return to duty by the SAP. DOT regulations require trucking firms to ensure that drivers who are subject to the return to duty process and follow up testing are complying with those testing protocols, including passing all tests as outlined by the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

Drug tests are reviewed by Medical Review Officers (MRO). An MRO signature is required on all valid DOT tests, whether positive or negative.

If you fail a DOT drug screen, please review the information provided by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to learn more about the next steps. Health Street is available to assist you in scheduling DOT drug screens as required.

A DOT physical is a medical exam required for certain workers, like truck drivers, to ensure they meet health and safety standards. It includes vision and hearing tests, a blood test, and a urinalysis. Some packages also combine the DOT physical with a drug test.

No. DOT testing is federally regulated, and you cannot take an at-home drug test to fulfill the requirements. Under 49 CFR Part 40, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) only authorizes urine and oral fluid specimens for drug testing, and only when collected under specific procedures at certified collection sites. These specimens must be screened and confirmed at HHS-certified laboratories.

To schedule a drug test with Health Street, we will ask for the following information during the registration process: