Follow up testing is mandated by DOT for regulated companies. Follow-up testing is a series of unannounced tests after a return-to-duty test is completed. According to DOT regulations any employee testing positive in a return-to-duty drug test is subject to at least six unannounced follow-up tests in the first 12 months after returning to their positions. These tests are under direct observation to maintain the integrity and authenticity of test results.
The number of follow-up tests is determined by the employee’s substance abuse professional or SAP. Follow-up tests are in addition to other drug tests like random drug testing.
Unplanned or unannounced drug tests are a great deterrent to cheating a drug test. Unannounced drug tests tend to yield a higher positivity rate than other types of drug tests.