Last updated : March 24, 2025
Six months after new DOT regulations went into effect adding four semi-synthetic opioids to the mandatory drug screen panel requirements, Minneapolis’ KARE 11 reported that a semi truck driver had crashed into a church bus from Milwaukee. The bus was pulled over to the side of the interstate due to mechanical problems. Twenty people, including children, were injured, five of them critically.The truck driver tested positive for being under the influence of prescription medication.
The new DOT drug test regulations became effective in January, 2018.
In an effort to keep our roads as safe as they can possibly be, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that everyone who drives commercially must be drug free. Employers are required to conduct a DOT specific urine drug test for all pre-employment prospects. Random tests are administered to employees from that point. Drug tests are also to be administered if a driver is involved in an accident, if reasonable suspicion of drug use is suspected or when returning to duty.
The drugs tested for on the DOT drug test are amphetamines/methamphetamines, marijuana (THC), opiates, cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP or Angel Dust). The opiate screening was recently expanded and now includes the semi-synthetic opioids hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone and oxymorphone.
How is the test conducted?
It is becoming more and more common for laboratories to provide mobile test sites. Employers are finding this option to be a huge convenience, as well as very cost effective.
The collection specialist will positively identify you, usually with use of a driver’s license. Next, you should be given an explanation of each step in the process. You will be asked to remove any jackets or heavy clothing and show the contents of your pockets or purse.
You will be given a collection container to inspect for flaws or impediments that could interfere with the administration of the test. After examining the container, it will remain in the visual contact of both you and the collection specialist.
You will be escorted by the collection specialist to the designated bathroom. Once there, you will need to collect the specimen. The DOT drug test requires 45 ml (about an ounce and a half) of urine. If you are unable to produce that amount, you will be given something to drink and must remain at the test site for up to three hours. If in that amount of time there is still not enough urine collected to perform the test, it will be rescheduled.
After collecting the urine sample, cap it and walk it back to the collection specialist. At that time, the urine temperature will be checked to assure it is within normal limits. The cap will be replaced. You will place a tamper resistant strip on the container to seal it. You will initial the strip and be asked to place your signature and the date of the test on the Custody and Consent Form.
You will, then, be free to return to work. Your urine sample is off to the laboratory, unless a mobile unit is being used and your employer has requested the results be immediate. The system used for this test is strictly a pass or fail method.
Test samples sent to a SAMHSA certified laboratory undergo a test known as immunoassay. If a positive result is displayed, a second test called gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is conducted to confirm.
What does a DOT drug test detect?
- Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
- Cocaine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Marijuana (THC)
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Phencyclidine (PCP/Angel Dust)
How accurate are the test results?
If conducted correctly, the test results for these tests are very accurate. Only SAMHSA certified laboratories may be used to conduct DOT drug tests. These laboratories are held to the strictest of standards and must pass frequent inspections to retain their certification.
What do the results mean?
Positive
A positive result is not good news. A verified positive DOT drug test is in direct violation of the federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. When your employer is notified, you will be removed from DOT covered safety sensitive functions immediately.
You will be given information about qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs). Your employer is not required to pay for your evaluation or treatment, but they must provide you with a list of DOT SAPs that are available locally.
You are, then, responsible for successfully completing the DOT Return to Duty Process. It will involve being evaluated by a DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and completing recommended treatment and/or education. Finally, you must participate in a follow-up evaluation by the SAP.
The DOT SAP will notify your employer in writing upon completion of the Return to Duty Process which will include a negative drug test result. It is then at your employer’s discretion whether or not you will be returned to safety sensitive duty.
Negative
A negative result is the best case scenario, of course. It means no drugs were detected.
Inconclusive
An inconclusive result means that the test could not be confirmed to be either positive or negative. The test will need to be readministered. However, it’s important to note that some employers do not hire prospective job candidates upon receiving an inconclusive result on the drug test.