Find out how often random testing should take place from the DOT Publication Best Practices for Random Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Random testing is effective because of the element of surprise.

Employees know they will be tested, but they are never sure when. For this reason, employers should conduct random selections and testing at least quarterly. This is guidance from the DOT, although it is not specifically in the regulations.

At InOut Labs, we offer a consortium tailored for seasonal employers. In this program, we do not make any selections in Q1.

Some employers choose to select and test more frequently. That’s a smart approach when deciding how often random testing should occur.

An effective random drug testing program spreads tests equally throughout the year.

Best practices: Smart strategies to determine testing times

Here are smart things you can do to figure out when to test:

  • Distribute testing dates evenly throughout the year in a non-predictable pattern.
  • Conduct random drug tests whenever employees are on duty or performing safety-sensitive duties.
  • Check your agency regulations for specific industry requirements on when to test. FRA includes “hours of service” considerations.
  • Perform random alcohol tests just before, during, or immediately after an employee handles a safety-sensitive job, as your industry regulations describe.
  • Vary the test times. You can test at the start, middle, or end of any shift—on weekdays or weekends.

Avoid predictability. The worst scenario is when employees say, “Yup, the last Friday of every month, the second shift gets tested.”