FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Companies may offer a second chance to drivers who have completed a substance abuse program (SAP) and passed a return-to-duty (RTD) test, as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

This may show that the company is supportive of its employees and willing to help them overcome their challenges. However, the company must also ensure that the drivers follow a follow-up testing schedule and report any violations to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

A DOT violation is a breach of the DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations by a truck driver. Prohibited behaviors include testing positive for drugs or alcohol, refusing a test, or using drugs or alcohol in certain situations.

The RTD process is a series of actions that a driver must take to resume safety-sensitive functions after a DOT violation. The steps are: getting a SAP evaluation, completing a treatment or education plan, passing an RTD test, and following a follow-up testing schedule.

After completing SAP assessment and providing a negative return to duty drug test driver becomes eligible to continue the job provided that he must adhere to his follow-up testing plan.

Drug testing is the methodological investigation of biological testers such as urine, hair, blood, breath, or saliva to regulate the occurrence of a precise parent drug. The purpose of drug testing is to explore drug use and exploitation, as well as the use of any prohibited drug, such as cocaine or club drugs.

Yes, if your pre-employment drug test comes back as "invalid," it is common practice to be asked to take a second test. An invalid result usually means there was an issue with the initial test, such as a problem with the specimen or the testing process. Employers typically request a retest to ensure the validity of the test.

An invalid drug test result can be caused by factors such as a diluted sample, sample tampering, improper collection, lab errors, medication interference, inadequate quantity, temperature issues, or contaminated environments. Ensuring proper procedures with SAMHSA-approved laboratories helps prevent invalid results.

A hair drug test is primarily designed to detect drugs. Alcohol is metabolized quickly and doesn't remain in hair like drugs do. If you need to test for alcohol, a breathalyzer test is more appropriate.

Drug tests can provide accurate results, but their accuracy can vary based on factors like the type of test, substances being tested for, testing methods, and sample quality. Generally, these tests are reliable in detecting a range of drugs, but false positives (incorrectly indicating drug use) and false negatives (failing to detect actual drug use) can occur due to various reasons, including cross-reactivity, sample contamination, and testing thresholds. Confirmation tests are often used to verify positive results.

You should do:

Drivers must see a Substance Abuse Specialist (SAP). SAP will conclude whether the driver needs medical treatment.

Drivers must complete a DOT return-to-duty test, which is confirmed negative.

Drivers must complete any follow-up tests recommended by SAP if any.

Yes, according to the FMCSA, every driver should pass a negative pre-employment drug test before they can start driving on the road.

Urine Test is the most commonly used for drug testing.

Yes, drug tests can detect alcohol in the system 12 to 48 hours after drinking alcohol.

You may have a urine drug test in a bathroom specially prepared for drug testing. You will receive a specimen cup from the person who performed the test. Urine into the cup. You need to produce at least 45 ml for your sample.

It all rests on the collection centers and labs, delivery of the specimen, the test center getting, processing it, and reporting it back to the clinic. On average, a negative result takes up to 48 hours. For any positive result, reporting times can differ extensively.

No, any adequate hair sample from an individual's body should not affect any drug test results.

A urine drug test result typically takes 1-2 business days to come back, whereas hair drug test results can take 7-10 days to return.

Yes, it does. On average, THC can be detected in urine for seven days after its last consumption. For chronic users, THC metabolites can be detected for 30 days.

If you smoked weed 5 days ago, you can be tested positive for THC in a urine drug test.

THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, and its metabolites can be detected in urine, saliva and hair for varying periods of time after use. Marijuana products having THC less than 0.3% are legal and will not result in a positive drug test. However, to pass a THC drug test it is recommended to abstain from marijuana use for as long as possible before the test.

If you rarely smoke weed, THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) can typically leave your system in about 3 to 4 days after last consumption. However, it can take up to a week for some individuals. For infrequent users, THC usually clears the body relatively quickly.

A breath alcohol test indicates how much alcohol is in your blood. This BAT measures the amount of alcohol in the air you breathe out. The device uses for tests to estimate the alcohol level in your blood.

If you fail a Department of Transportation (DOT) alcohol test, you may face serious consequences, including suspension from safety-sensitive duties and mandatory substance abuse evaluation/treatment. Repeated violations can lead to permanent disqualification from safety-sensitive positions regulated by DOT.

Yes, using mouthwash containing alcohol shortly before a breath alcohol test can potentially lead to higher alcohol readings. Alcohol-based mouthwash may temporarily elevate the alcohol levels in the breath, potentially affecting the accuracy of the test. It's advisable to avoid using such products before a breath alcohol test to ensure more accurate results.

The legal BAC limit for drivers is 0.08%. This means that if your blood alcohol concentration (the amount of alcohol per volume of blood) is measured at 0.08% or higher, you are considered legally intoxicated and can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).