FAQ
Employer Drug Testing — Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Call us at (219) 315-0345 or contact us here.
Basics
- What is on-site drug testing?
- On-site drug testing means a certified collector comes to your workplace to collect specimens from your employees — instead of sending them to a clinic. It's faster, less disruptive, and gives employers more control over the process.
- How is on-site testing different from a clinic?
- At a clinic, employees travel to a fixed location on their own time. With on-site testing, the collector comes to you. The test itself is identical — same specimen, same chain of custody, same accredited lab.
- How long does a drug test take on-site?
- A single employee takes about 15–20 minutes. A group of 10 can usually be tested in 1–1.5 hours. Large batches are scheduled in shift windows.
DOT Drug Testing
- What is DOT drug testing?
- DOT drug testing is federally required testing for employees in safety-sensitive jobs regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation — including CDL truck drivers, pilots, railroad workers, and others under FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, or USCG rules.
- Does a new CDL driver need a drug test before driving?
- Yes. A negative pre-employment DOT drug test is required before any covered employee performs safety-sensitive duties for your company.
- What does a standard DOT drug test check for?
- The standard DOT 5-panel test screens for: marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP.
- What happens if an employee fails a DOT drug test?
- They must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties. They cannot return until they complete a SAP evaluation, any required treatment, and a return-to-duty test.
Non-DOT & Workplace Testing
- What is non-DOT drug testing?
- Non-DOT drug testing is standard workplace drug testing for employees not subject to DOT federal regulations. It follows your company's written policy and applicable state law.
- Can I drug test my employees randomly?
- Yes, for most employees in most states — but state laws vary. Some states restrict random testing for non-safety-sensitive employees. Check with your HR attorney before implementing a random program.
- What's on a 10-panel drug test?
- A 10-panel test screens for: marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone.
Post-Accident & Reasonable Suspicion
- When should I do a post-accident drug test?
- You should test as soon as possible after a qualifying accident. For DOT employees, alcohol testing must happen within 2 hours (and no later than 8 hours). Drug testing must happen within 32 hours. For non-DOT employees, follow your written company policy.
- Do I need two supervisors to authorize a reasonable suspicion test?
- It depends on your policy and program type. DOT rules require one trained supervisor's documented observations. Many non-DOT company policies require a second supervisor to confirm. Check your written policy.
Scheduling & Logistics
- How quickly can you come out for post-accident testing?
- For urgent situations, call us directly at (219) 315-0345. We'll give you a realistic ETA based on your location and collector availability.
- Do you work after hours?
- Yes — post-accident and urgent testing situations don't follow business hours. Contact us via the urgent dispatch line for after-hours needs.
- How do I get started?
- Fill out our quote request form or call (219) 315-0345. We'll confirm coverage, discuss your program needs, and set up your first collection.
Still deciding on coverage?
Send program notes through the quote request — we will confirm what is realistic for your locations and timelines.