For many companies across the country, drug screenings are a common practice as a condition of employment or other related circumstances. When properly implemented, workplace drug testing protocols can help decrease employee absences, improve productivity and performance, reduce healthcare costs, and create a drug-free workplace for the safety of your employees, customers, and business.
However, not all drug testing is alike. There are different types of screenings depending on your specific role and industry, and even a difference between a drug test and a drug screening, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Two such screenings are the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screening and non-DOT drug testing. At Barada Associates, we help facilitate a number of drug screenings for employers across the U.S., including non-DOT tests.
When you need experienced, comprehensive employee background screening services, contact our knowledgeable team. Read on to learn more about the detailed policies and processes of non-DOT drug screens.
The Basics: What is a Non-DOT Drug Screen?
Non-DOT drug tests are a type of drug screen reserved for job roles outside of federal jurisdiction. In other words, the position and workplace are not regulated by the federal government.
While a non-DOT drug screening must still adhere to state and local laws regarding employee drug screening, such as worker’s comp and unemployment laws, there is a lot more flexibility involved in the process. For example, an employer can decide how many drugs to test for, what type of test to perform, and when the testing should take place.
What Are the Differences Between a DOT Drug Test and a Non-DOT Drug Test?
Besides the basics – DOT drug testing is regulated by the federal government and is for “safety-sensitive” employees who hold jobs that can impact their own safety as well as the public’s – there are some additional features that make non-DOT testing stand out from DOT drug screens.
DOT Testing
The federal government requires anyone who is considered a safety-sensitive employee, whether they hold a federal job or not, to undergo DOT drug and alcohol screening. Some of these positions include:
- Flight crews, flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, and ground security coordinators
- People who operate vehicles that carry 16 passengers or more, such as drivers of school and public transportation buses
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)
- Drivers of hazardous materials
- Engine and train workers, train dispatchers, and signal service workers
- Vehicle operators, controllers, mechanics, and armed security for the Federal Transit Administration
DOT screenings are a simple five-panel urine drug test that identifies marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine.
Non-DOT Drug Test
It’s important to note that, unlike companies that have DOT drug test positions, companies with roles that don’t fall under this federal jurisdiction are not required to implement any type of drug or alcohol testing. Whether or not you want to drug test employees is completely up to your own discretion.
If you do decide to perform a non-DOT drug test, your business has more control over the type of test and the screening options than a DOT drug test.
What Does a Non-Dot Drug Screen Test For?
Non-DOT companies are not required to perform the basic five-panel screening specific to DOT tests. You could opt for that version, or choose a more comprehensive 10-panel urinalysis. You also have the option of hair testing or breathalyzer drug testing.
A 10-panel urine drug test typically screens for:
- Amphetamines
- THC
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methaqualone
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
When to Conduct Workplace Drug Testing
Companies who want to drug test employees should have a clear policy in place about when and why drug testing might occur. This policy should include disciplinary consequences for refusing to take a test or for testing positive. You also should share the information with all employees so they are clear on the policies and rules.
Non-DOT drug and alcohol testing of any kind can be administered for any number of reasons, including:
- Pre-employment testing
- Random drug testing
- Post-accident drug test
- Reasonable suspicion/cause
- Follow-up tests
- Return-to-duty tests
- Probationary drug test
- Scheduled testing
Professional Drug Testing Solutions
Substance abuse can wreak havoc on companies, leading to poor performance and an unsafe working environment. At Barada Associates, we work with a network of reliable, national laboratories to facilitate pre- and post-employment non-DOT drug screenings. Our drug tests are some of the fastest and most convenient in the country.
We specialize in tailored chain of custody documents and emphasize accuracy so your HR managers can get the information they need discreetly to make informed employment decisions. Every test result we procure is reviewed by a verified medical review officer (MRO), who is a licensed medical doctor specializing in the substance abuse testing industry.
When you need background screening assistance – turn to Barada Associates. Reach out to our team today.
Contact Barada Associates for Drug Screening Services
The professionals at Barada Associates are pleased to administer non-DOT drug screenings to help companies across the country improve their workforce. Our experience spans decades and our commitment to your safety and satisfaction is limitless. For more information about our drug screening services, contact Barada Associates today.