Question 1

What's the difference between DOT and Non-DOT testing?

Accepted Answer

DOT testing follows the U.S. Department of Transportation's 49 CFR Part 40 protocol — it's required for safety-sensitive employees in FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and USCG regulated industries. Specimens are processed at SAMHSA-certified labs and reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). Non-DOT testing is for non-regulated employers and individuals; panels, cutoffs, and chain-of-custody can be customized to the employer's policy.

Question 2

What testing methods do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Urine (5, 10, and 12-panel), hair follicle (detection up to 90 days), oral fluid / saliva, and evidential breath alcohol testing (EBT). Blood draws are also available for clinical and wellness programs.

Question 3

How long do results take?

Accepted Answer

Negative results are typically reported within 24–48 hours. Non-negative results go through MRO review, which usually adds 1–3 business days. Instant tests can provide preliminary results on-site, with non-negatives sent to the lab for confirmation.

Question 4

How does pre-employment testing work?

Accepted Answer

After receiving a conditional job offer, the employer sends the candidate to us (or we go on-site). The candidate presents valid photo ID, completes a Custody and Control Form (CCF), and provides a specimen under chain-of-custody. Results are sent to the employer's Designated Employer Representative (DER) once reviewed. For DOT roles, the employee cannot perform safety-sensitive duties until a verified negative is received.

Question 5

What should I bring to a pre-employment appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), the test request or authorization form from your employer if provided, and avoid drinking excessive water beforehand. Arrive 10 minutes early and be prepared to empty your pockets before the collection.

Question 6

Can a pre-employment test be done on-site at our office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our mobile collectors can come to your HR office or jobsite to test single candidates or batches of new hires. This is common for high-volume hiring events.

Question 7

How does DOT random testing work?

Accepted Answer

Employers must place all safety-sensitive employees into a random selection pool. We use a scientifically valid computer-based selection process to draw names throughout the year — at a minimum of 50% for drug testing and 10% for alcohol testing (FMCSA rates). Selected employees must report to a collection site immediately upon notification.

Question 8

Can you manage our random pool for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We act as your third-party administrator (TPA) — managing the random pool, generating quarterly selections, notifying your DER, dispatching collectors, and maintaining all records required by DOT regulations.

Question 9

What if a randomly-selected employee is on the road?

Accepted Answer

Our 24/7 mobile dispatch can intercept drivers at terminals, truck stops, or wherever they are. We coordinate with your DER to get the collection completed within the regulatory window without disrupting your operation more than necessary.

Question 10

When is post-accident testing required?

Accepted Answer

Under FMCSA rules, drug and alcohol testing is required after a DOT-recordable accident involving a fatality, or when a citation is issued and there is either bodily injury requiring medical treatment away from the scene, or a vehicle towed away. Alcohol testing must occur within 8 hours and drug testing within 32 hours.

Question 11

How fast can you respond to a post-accident call?

Accepted Answer

Our 24/7 dispatch line answers immediately. Mobile collectors typically arrive on-scene or at the receiving location in under 60 minutes for urgent calls. We coordinate directly with the DER, supervisor, or on-scene officer.

Question 12

What should the employer prepare for a post-accident test?

Accepted Answer

Have the driver's DOT information, employer DER contact, and any incident report or citation number ready. Keep the employee away from food, drink, and tobacco until collection is complete, and document the accident timeline carefully — your records must support the regulatory windows.

DOT & Non-DOT testing — answered.

What's the difference between DOT and Non-DOT testing?

What testing methods do you offer?

How long do results take?

What to bring to your collection.

Still have questions?