Drug & Alcohol Testing

Drug testing your employees can be a very delicate matter. Whether it is company policy (nonDOT) or federally mandated (D.O.T.) it is important to have a company representing you that has a high level of professionalism and integrity. Our full service agency is committed to providing this and much more to our clients with excellent customer service and competitive pricing always our goal. The process of running an exceptional substance abuse program involves many facets including policy implementation, employee notifications, management and payment services for collection sites, result reporting, medical review and processing, D.O.T. reporting and program management, and employee rehabilitation programs. These time consuming and important tasks are consolidated into one simple process when you become a GLOBAL customer.

DOT Tests V. NonDOT Tests

The Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) implemented guidelines for Federally Mandated industries that require transportation and federal employees to follow specific guidelines on testing and subsequent policy regulations. The transportation employees are also required to follow agency specific regulations enforced in the appropriate CFR. There are countless regulations, and it is our job to know each and every one of them. Every D.O.T. specimen is tested for five (5) specific drug metabolites and tested at specific cut off levels. NonDOT specimens can be tested for many different drugs and levels depending on the customer’s needs. GLOBAL specializes in customizing your account and reporting designees, whether your employees are D.O.T., nonDOT, under Union contract, contract required testing or a combination of the four.

Our non commercial clients such as drug courts and court ordered testing enjoy special pricing and testing panels. We have customized various detailed programs, including specialty street drug panels, very fast certified laboratory test result reporting, long term drug and alcohol detection panels, color calling systems, and instant “do it yourself” point of collection tests.

Below you will find a chart of the most popular drugs tested, the ones highlighted in red are tested on the D.O.T. panel.

Red Text = D.O.T Panel

(1)Tested in combination and reported under amphetamine class under D.O.T
(2)Tested in combination and reported under opiates class under D.O.T
* Tested via breathalyzer or saliva methodology approved procedures

Drug Testing Collectors

GLOBAL offers collections anywhere, anytime.

There are three (3) different types of sample collections: on-site collections, clinic collections, and emergency collections. All GLOBAL collectors are certified in all specimen collection methodology including; D.O.T. collections, urine, hair, sweat, buccal and saliva samples. Likewise, GLOBAL collectors are certified breath alcohol testing technicians and saliva alcohol screeners.  Additionally, GLOBAL policy requires collectors to be certified and submit to successful written annual examinations from DATIA in addition to refresher training with RCPCT Alicia Patin Bouchon (request RCPCT training). These certifications exceed the federal requirements for collectors and alcohol technicians.

Types of Specimen Samples

Urine – This is the most common sample collection and the only specimen type approved for D.O.T. drug testing. The results generally report in 24-48 hours. NonDOT tests generally are sent to the laboratory, but POCT devices are available, though not recommended for employment situations. Many different drug substances and panels are available for testing. GLOBAL often recommends specific, effective, and economical panel suggestions to our clients. Different drugs affect different areas of the country. Be sure to let us know which drug(s) are in question when you set up your account with GLOBAL today.

Breath – Most common specimen type for alcohol testing and is the approved, preferred method for D.O.T. alcohol screening. Breath alcohol results are reported instantaneously. State law constitutes 0.08% B.A.C. as legally intoxicated whereas D.O.T. considers 0.04% B.A.C., and in some cases 0.02% B.A.C., a violation. Please check with the D.O.T. agency regulation and/or company policy for further guidance on positive levels and consequences of these results.

Hair – More common in some employment fields over others (i.e. casinos). Hair detection time is generally up to 90 days provided the hair is 1 ½ inches long. Results report in 2-3 days in most situations. A standard panel offers a limited number of available substance panels. These are very reliable tests and hold a specific purpose in a testing program. GLOBAL does not recommend hair testing replace your entire program; nor is it allowed under D.O.T. circumstances. In most cases, hair would be the least preferred method in post accident or reasonable cause situations. Call GLOBAL - the Drug-Free Workplace Pioneers -today to learn more.

Saliva – Results can be instantaneous on a POCT device or several days when sent to the laboratory. Usually a sample is collected using a cotton or foam swab placed in the donor’s mouth to obtain the appropriate amount of saliva while adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions. Saliva laboratory based collection supplies are billed at the time the collection supplies are ordered and additional fees incurred when the samples are tested at the laboratory. Collection supplies, laboratory testing and MRO charges can add up quickly. Saliva laboratories are currently fine tuning their testing methods and detection technologies for saliva testing. The better the technology, the more companies will use this method, and the price will be in line with equivalent laboratory based testing methods. Saliva can be used for drug and alcohol testing. Saliva alcohol screen devices are commonly used and approved for D.O.T. alcohol screening. Saliva alcohol swabs are not allowed for D.O.T. confirmation alcohol tests.

Blood – Used to determine blood alcohol content and usually administered when a breath alcohol test device is not available. Breath is the exact equivalent of Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.); however, blood results are reporting days after the collection, require a needle stick and must be kept at the right temperature until tested. Blood drug tests can be administered but usually for the purposes of liability, police investigations, coroner investigations, and under subpoena. Blood test results (alcohol or drugs) usually take 2-9 days to report from the laboratory.

Sweat – Used primarily at this time for individuals in treatment programs, recovery programs, RTD/Follow-Up, court ordered, and other similar programs. A “sweat patch” is applied to the skin, preferably the outer arm, and worn for no longer than seven (7) days. The patch is removed by the collector within seven (7) days and sent to the lab for analysis. Generally, laboratories test for no more than the standard five (5) panel for sweat drug tests. Sweat patch supplies are purchased in advance and additional charges apply when the sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Fingernails – Not very common, especially in workplace testing; however this can be an option in lieu of a hair testing sample. This type of specimen is the least used by all businesses/people who utilize substance abuse testing methods.

Vitreous Fluids – Found in the eye, vitreous fluid is collected by coroners usually for the purpose of criminal investigation, litigation, insurance, and liability. Vitreous fluids can be tested for many different substances, including alcohol and can take up to two (2) weeks to report the results. Obviously, this specimen type is collected on non-living subjects only.