An FAA drug test is required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for pre-employment for FAA covered employees. The FAA drug test may also be required for random testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing and follow-up testing.
An FAA drug test can be ordered online.
The FAA drug test is the DOT 5 Panel Drug Test consisting of a test for OPI-Opioids (including heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone), PCP-Phencyclidine, AMP-Amphetamines (MAMP-Methamphetamine, MDMA-Ecstasy), COC-Cocaine and THC-Marijuana. This is lab-based test with a urine specimen and tested at a lab certified by the Federal Government. The results of the FAA drug test must always be reviewed by a medical review officer (MRO).
Employers often ask about the pre-employment FAA drug test upon return to the job after an extended absence or furlough. It is not required. If the employee has been removed from the random pool, FAA best practice is to conduct a pre-employment test and have a negative result if the absence or furlough lasted longer than 60 days. This policy should be consistent amount all employees. This question is addressed in the FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing regulations Title 14 Part 120 Section 120.209 – FAA Drug & Alcohol Regulations.
Another frequently asked question is about an employee who is hired and completes the pre-employment drug test with a negative result but does not start in a safety sensitive position right away. If 180 days elapses from the time of the original negative result, the employer must conduct another pre-employment drug test and receive a negative result prior to the performance of safety sensitive duties.
The FAA provides a great resource for drug abatement frequently asked questions. Employers regulated by FAA should review these questions to help them understand the regulations.
National Drug Screening, Inc has experience since 1993 with the FAA drug abatement program and alcohol misuse program. Check the links below for more great information and video presentations on drug and alcohol testing required by the FAA.
Video Blog – FAA Drug Testing – Consortium
