Drug testing detects the presence of drugs and drug metabolites using cutoff levels to determine whether a specimen tests positive or negative for the use of a specific drug. A cutoff level is a threshold. If the concentration of a drug is above the cutoff, it is a positive result. If it is below, it [...]
Secondhand marijuana smoke harbors numerous health risks to exposed non-pot smokers. With the legalization of marijuana in many states, secondhand marijuana smoke exposure is becoming an increased cause of concern. Many people wonder whether secondhand marijuana smoke can cause a positive drug test. Effects of Secondhand Marijuana Smoke on Drug Test Many concerns have been [...]
Non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, although helpful and convenient, come with an array of drawbacks and risks, such as the risk of addiction and abuse. When used long-term and in higher doses, many of these drugs can be deadly. Because of their accessibility and affordability (compared to prescription medication), OTC medication is frequently used for a [...]
What are the drug testing requirements for DOT-regulated employees who were furloughed or laid- off during the pandemic? Without a "negative" pre-employment drug test result, an employer may not permit a prospective or current employee to perform any DOT safety-sensitive functions. In many ways, you treat it the same way seasonal employers do. Federal Motor [...]
Historically, substance abuse increases when things are bad in the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. After 9/11, the National Institutes of Health reported that with the stress of the times, people often resort to substance use (or relapse) to cope. From a recent Medscape Article: After Hurricane Katrina , substance abuse disorders in New Orleans [...]
Many businesses regulated by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) are considered essential business and have continued operating since the state-at-home orders began. These DOT regulated employers are not “off the hook” when it comes to DOT drug and alcohol compliance requirements. Summary of the DOT guidance for DOT regulated employers: You must comply [...]
The Department of Transportation's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) issued guidance on March 23, 2020 Specifically ... Q: What happens if my agency is unable to conduct DOT drug or alcohol testing due to COVID-19 supply shortages and facility closures? A: If you are unable to conduct DOT drug or alcohol [...]
“This whole thing could have been avoided if they inform drivers, but this driver has had a CDL since 2014 so I still believe he got p***ed off and marched out.” - from an email from a colleague. This is a Refusal To Test. Under DOT regulations, a Refusal To Test is a violation that [...]
Seems like it might be. But it’s not. A workplace drug test is a toxicology test, whereas a medical test is a clinical test. In fact, these tests are conducted in different facilities on different equipment. Labs like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp conduct clinical tests and toxicology tests in totally different cities. Chain of custody [...]
On Thursday, December 26th, 2019 the FMCSA announced that it is increasing the random drug testing rate for 2020 from 25% to 50%. Alcohol testing will remain at 10%. A summary of the notice is listed below: The FMCSA announces that it is increasing the minimum annual percentage rate for random controlled substances testing for drivers [...]
