The Difference Between DOT and Non-DOT drug testing

The Department of Transportation carefully researched and analyzed drug testing programs before they wrote the Federal Regulations, know as 49CFR Part 40 into law. Among many factors, they considered:

• which drugs to test for
• what cutoff levels to use for testing
• whom should be covered under the regulations
• what types of tests should be required
• what procedures should be used for collections

The D.O.T. regulations are very specific and designed to cover all possible issues. Testing that is not regulated by D.O.T. can vary in many ways, including what drugs are tested for, the types of tests that may be administered, and what procedures will be used for collection and testing.

Some of the major D.O.T. requirements for testing are:

• Only specially approved laboratories are authorized to perform the testing.
• Only marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and opiates can be included in the drug test
• Alcohol testing may be done with one-use test devices or a breathalyzer, but confirmation testing requires a breathalyzer test.
  
• Breathalyzers must be certified for DOT use by SAMHSA.
• Alcohol testing must be performed by a certified Breath Alcohol Technician.
• Every positive screen drug test must be confirmed using a GC/MS laboratory test.
• A Medical Review Officer confirms every positive test, and only after speaking with the donor.
• Split Specimen testing must be used.
• Collectors must be trained and certified.

The D.O.T. has done an excellent job in creating a comprehensive and legally defensible testing program. Drug and alcohol testing being performed for purposes other than the Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Testing Program would do well to follow their guidelines.