Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have questions about drug testing?
Read these common drug testing FAQs:
Can any doctor perform a DOT physical exam?
How long can drugs be detected in the urine?
Simple rule of thumb for most “street drugs” is about 2-3 days. It usually takes a few hours after drug use for drugs to be detected in the urine.
How long do drugs stay in the system?
- Amphetamines: 2-6 days
- Barbiturates: 3-8 days
- Benzodiazepines: 2-14 days
- Cannabis / Marijuana: 14-30 days
- Cocaine: 2-5 days
- Methadone: 2-8 days
- Methamphetamines: 2-6 days
- Opiates: 2-5 days
- PCP: 3-8 days
- Tricyclic antidepressants: 10 days
How accurate is drug testing in urine?
Laboratory test results for drugs of abuse have indicated a greater than 98% accuracy when used according to the provided directions.
Is it possible to test positive for THC (Marijuana/Cannabis)from exposure to second hand smoke?
Can commonly used chemicals and substances such as vitamins, penicillin, aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol), affect the results?Accordion Title
Are morphine, opiates, and heroin the same kind of drug?
What would cause me to fail a DOT physical?
Over all the years we’ve been working with drivers, the biggest cause for concern we see is high blood pressure. Another concern is uncontrolled sugar in the urine. There are ways you can manage your blood pressure and blood sugar. See our tips to prepare for your DOT physical.
Any condition that would cause a loss of ability to control, operate, or drive a commercial vehicle safely – loss or impairment of limbs, poor visual acuity, insulin-controlled diabetes, high blood pressure (more than 180/110), heart disease, respiratory dysfunction, epilepsy, mental disorder, use of certain drugs, alcoholism. See a complete list of FMCSA rules and regulations.
Does a DOT physical include a drug test?
Drug testing is not part of a DOT physical exam but your company may request to have drug alcohol testing done at the same time. DOT drug testing and breath alcohol testing are additional charges.
Use this link for some good ‘did you know questions’: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3160.pdf
What qualifies as a drug-free workplace?
- Drug-free work policy
- Employee education
- Drug testing
- Supervisor training
- Employee assistance program
Benefits of a drug-free workplace:
- Increased productivity
- Reduced lost days
- Safer work environment
- Save time in the hiring process
- Reduced insurance premiums
Did you know?
- Nearly 75% of all adult illicit drug users are employed, as are most binge and heavy alcohol users, and problems related to alcohol and drug abuse cost American businesses roughly $81 billion in lost productivity yearly.
- Substance abusers are 33% to 50% less productive than individuals who are not substance abusers.
- Approximately 40% of the industrial fatalities and 47% of the injuries that take place in the U.S. workplace are associated with alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
- Substance abusers are 5 times more likely to file workers’ compensation claims.
- Substance abusers are three to four times more likely to have an accident on the job and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Substance abusers, when compared with people who are not substance abusers, file 300% to 400% more costly medical claims.
- Approximately 90% of all alcohol users and 74% of drug users are employed.
- 40% of the time a substance abuser causes an accident in the workplace, a co-worker is injured.
DOT regulations require testing for five types of controlled substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strict, drug-free program for your company or organization has enormous benefits.
For more information on the required Department of Transportation (DOT) Physicals, please click on the following link: