FAQs About DOT Drug Testing Compliance. National Drug Screening

Where can I get training for specimen collection for DOT oral fluid drug testing?

Training programs are not yet available for specimen collection for DOT oral fluid drug testing. Once labs are certified for DOT oral fluid testing and a specimen collection device identified, National Drug Screening will be offering oral fluid specimen collection training and the required proficiency demonstrations (Mock Collections). CONTACT

May 8, 2023

What DOT agencies will be authorized to utilize DOT oral fluid drug testing?

Once laboratories are certified, all DOT agencies and US Coast Guard will be authorized to utilize DOT oral fluid drug testing. These agencies include Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

May 8, 2023

Are there any situations where DOT oral fluid drug testing will be required?

Oral fluid collections are all non-gender specific direct observed. When DOT covered transgender and nonbinary gender individuals require a direct observation collection, these shall be conducted with oral fluid specimens. Read more about DOT Oral Fluid Drug Testing, Collections & Mocks.

May 8, 2023

Will specimen collectors be required to have training for DOT oral fluid drug testing in addition to urine specimen collections?

Yes, separate training and qualification will be required by DOT for oral fluid specimen collections. This will include required proficiency demonstration (mock collections) on any approved oral fluid collection device to be used. Once labs are certified for this and a specimen collection device identified; National Drug Screening will

May 8, 2023

Will employers be able to collect oral fluid specimens for DOT oral fluid drug testing?

Yes, employer representatives will be allowed to collect specimens for DOT oral fluid drug testing. These employer representatives will need training and qualification with proficiency demonstration (mock collections) before being authorized to collect for DOT oral fluid drug testing. See our recent blog post on DOT oral fluid drug testing for

May 8, 2023

When will DOT oral fluid drug testing be operational for DOT employers?

The final rule for DOT oral fluid drug testing takes effect June 1, 2023. No labs are currently certified for oral fluid drug testing so it will take a while before we actually see DOT oral fluid drug testing actually being used. This will more than likely be later

May 8, 2023

Is oral fluid drug testing allowed for DOT drug and alcohol drug testing programs?

Yes, final rule published May 2, 2023, takes effect June 1, 2023. As of May 8, 2023, no labs are certified for oral fluid testing so although allowed not yet in operation. It will probably be not until later 2023 or early 2024, there is no way to predict

May 8, 2023

What are the Employee Categories for DOT Drug Testing?

Each DOT agency maintains employee categories to designate covered or safety sensitive employees subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing. See the list of covered employee categories below:

April 19, 2023

What are some key items to be aware of in a DOT FMCSA audit of a drug testing program?

There are four items many trucking companies miss on their DOT audits or new entrant safety reviews. National Drug Screening can assist with compliance on these items. Written Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy – FMCSA regulation Part 382 specifically requires that employers have a written policy that is distributed

November 11, 2020

Who determines whether an accident qualifies for a DOT post accident drug or alcohol test?

The supervisor at the scene of the accident/event should know the testing criteria and make a good faith effort decision to test or not test based on the information available at the time. The supervisor may consult with others, but the supervisor is the person who has to make

July 6, 2020

What is the DOT panel for drug testing?

Effective 01/01/2018 there is a new DOT 5 panel drug test. As specified in DOT regulations 49 CFR part 40 with the Cut Off levels listed in DOT regulations 49 CFR part 40; the following substances will be tested for: Marijuana metabolites Cocaine metabolites Phencyclidine Opioids – codeine, heroin,

July 6, 2020

What is the DOT five panel test?

As specified in DOT regulations 49 CFR part 40, Section 40.87; the following substances will be tested for: (subject to change if the regulation changes. Since January 1st, 2018 DOT has required confirmation testing for 14 drugs under a 5‑panel test. Broken out, here is what DOT drug testing

July 6, 2020

F.A.Q