Drug testing is typically optional for NonDOT private sector employment
Individuals may also need reliable drug testing services for many personal reasons, includingÂ
- court ordered,Â
- probation,Â
- school registration,Â
- child custody,Â
- child protection,Â
- divorce,Â
- and other personal reasons.
National Drug Screening offers reliable drug testing services, medical review officers (MROs), electronic ordering and results delivery, workplace substance abuse prevention programs and more in Milwaukee and nationwide that can help you prevent workplace drug use.
What is the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy in Wisconsin?
Alcohol
In general, Federal Motor Safety Carrier (FMCSA) regulated drivers are prohibited from:
- working with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 or higher.
- operating a vehicle while possessing alcohol unless it is manifested cargo.
- consuming alcohol during work or within four (4) hours before duty.
- refusing to submit to post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, pre-employment, return-to-duty, or follow-up alcohol testing.
Following an accident, employees are required to abstain from alcohol for a minimum of eight (8) hours (or until tested). When tested, drivers need to provide identification and fully complete all forms provided by the test technician. Failure to do so is considered a refusal to test. If a driver’s evidential breath testing (EBT) shows a concentration of 0.02% or above they will be immediately removed from duty.
Controlled Substances
As a standard, employees are not allowed to report to work or remain on duty if they use a controlled substance. The only exception to this is if a physician has prescribed the substance and confirmed it does not impair the employee’s ability to perform their job duties.
Controlled substances urine testing must be conducted by a DHHS certified laboratory and in accordance with procedures. A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is required to review the specimen results and notify the employee if there is a positive result. If they receive a positive result, the employee has the option to challenge the test result with a retest at an alternative laboratory.
Pre-employment, Random Testing and Post-Accident Testing
Wisconsin does not have any restrictions on pre-employment and random testing. A written drug free workplace policy should be in place prior to drug and alcohol testing. Alcohol testing for pre-employment is allowed but typically not performed as part of a hiring process.
Random drug and alcohol testing is required for DOT regulated employers in Wisconsin and not required but a good idea for non-DOT employers. Random drug and alcohol testing puts teeth in the drug and alcohol testing policy and provides a deterrent effect for employers that might be exposed to peer pressure to use illicit drugs.
In Wisconsin, Drug testing policies should limit post-incident testing to situations in which employee drug use cannot be ruled out as potentially contributing to the incident.
Can you refuse a drug test from your employer?
Yes. Technically, you can refuse a drug test from your employer, but it comes with consequences. When a pre-employment drug test is refused, it is seen as a rejection of suitable work. In all cases the refusal to allow a drug test can have serious consequences, typically an employee will lose their job.Â
Common Drug Tests
No two drug tests are exactly the same, as each screening method is designed to detect specific substances and usage patterns. Urine drug testing has been the primary screening method used in the United States for years. As technology becomes more precise, employers are now using a mix of specimen types and expanded panels, including oral fluid and hair testing.
Urine
- AMP-Amphetamines (MAMP-Methamphetamine, MDMA-Ecstasy),
- COC-Cocaine,
- OPI-Opioids (including heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone),
- PCP-Phencyclidine,
- and THC-Marijuana.
- BZO-Benzodiazepines,
- BAR-Barbiturates,
- MTD-Methadone,
- PPX-Propoxyphene,
- Meth-Methaqualone.
Hair Testing
The 5-panel hair drug test is the base for all hair drug screens for the following substances:Â
- Marijuana,Â
- Cocaine,Â
- Opiates (Heroin, Morphine, Codeine),Â
- Amphetamines (Ecstasy, MDA, MDMA, Methamphetamines),Â
- and PCP (Phencyclidine).
There is an Expanded Opiates option which includes:
- Oxycodone,Â
- Hydrocodone,Â
- Oxymorphone,Â
- and Hydromorphone.
7-Panel Hair Test also tests for:
- Barbiturates,Â
- Benzodiazepines,Â
- and expanded Opiates (Codeine, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Morphine, and 6-MAM Heroin Metabolite).
9-Panel Hair Test also tests for:
- Propoxyphene,Â
- and Methadone.
12-Panel Hair Test also tests for:
- Oxycodone,Â
- Tramadol,Â
- and Meperidine.Â
14-Panel Hair Test also tests for:
- Sufentanil,Â
- and Fentanyl.Â
17-Panel Hair Test is the most comprehensive test available and screens for all of these substances:
- Amphetamines,Â
- Methamphetamines,Â
- Cocaine,Â
- Marijuana,Â
- Benzodiazepines,Â
- Barbiturates,Â
- Methadone,Â
- Opiates,Â
- Synthetic Expanded Opiates,Â
- Fentanyl,Â
- Tramadol,Â
- Buprenorphine,Â
- PCP,Â
- Propoxyphene,Â
- Meperidine,Â
- Ketamine,Â
- and Zolpidem (Ambien).
Using this information, you can determine which test best suits your employment or individual needs. If you’re still unsure, contact National Drug Screening for recommendations. We provide MRO services, electronic results delivery, workplace drug prevention programs, and a wider range of alcohol and drug testing than what is listed here. You can rely on us for fast and accurate results. Want to know more or book a test for your employees or for yourself? Contact National Drug Screening today.
