Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have questions about drug testing?

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.

Read these common drug testing FAQs:

Only doctors who have gone through the FMCSA training and passed the certification test to become Certified Medical Examiners are legally allowed to give the proper exam.

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.

  • 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

Laboratory test results for drugs of abuse have indicated a greater than 98% accuracy when used according to the provided directions.

It is not! Urine concentrations of THC above the cut-off sensitivity level of the test, or a positive result, is possible only through use / inhalation. However, second hand smoke will be in the system but not at the concentrations that would indicate drug abuse.
No – the results are not affected by these substances. Urine drug tests are substance and derivative metabolite specific. The commonly taken medications are chemically and structurally different after being metabolized by the body from the drugs being tested for and therefore, under most circumstances, they do not interfere with test results. However, please bear in mind that different drug tests have differing relationships with certain medications.
Yes, they are all tested using the Opiates test / sometimes also referred to as a Morphine test.

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.

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

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:

Visit National Registry for Certified Medical Examiners
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