Employers who aren’t regulated by the Department of Transportation Industry (DOT) still need or desire drug testing for their employees. Even if you don’t operate heavy machinery or professionally transport people, these tests are paramount to workplace safety. In contrast to DOT drug tests, the requirements for a non DOT drug test vary. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and different varieties of non-DOT drug testing.

What is a Non-DOT Drug Test?

So, what is a non-DOT drug test, exactly? For one, these tests do not need to be conducted in an HHS-certified lab. Non-DOT testing can be rapid or instant, and point-of-contact testing is permitted. A non-DOT drug test can involve either a 5-panel or a 10-panel test. The latter tests for benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes in addition to the substances found in the 5-panel test. A standard 5-panel non-DOT drug test will test for Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana (THC), Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP) and be inspected in a laboratory. There is also an option to choose an instant/rapid results 5-panel urine drug test which will test for the same substances as mentioned above. However, you can discover the results right away at the point of collection. Non-negative rapid results collections are, however, sent to the laboratory for further inspection. In addition, non-DOT drug tests can include urine, saliva, or hair samples, as well as a breathalyzer test. The preferred method depends on what the employer is screening for. Non-DOT tests offer a wide range of options employers can decide to test for. At Soteria Screening Laboratories, we also offer a 5-panel and alcohol urine drug test with the addition of alcohol testing.

Why Opt for Non-DOT Drug Testing?

For employers that drug test, the state may recognize them as a drug-free workplace. This contributes significantly to the integrity, liveliness, and feasibility of the organization. Often, this provides an additional financial benefit to the institution.

A Range of Options for Non-DOT Drug Testing

A comprehensive test that is growing in popularity is the 9-Panel (No THC) Urine Drug Test. It tests for:

• Amphetamines (including methamphetamines, also known as crystal meth)
• Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax)
• Cocaine
• Methadone
• Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
• Opiates (including heroin, codeine, and morphine)
• Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust)
• Propoxyphene

If you do choose to test for THC, the 10-Panel and Alcohol Urine Drug Test may suit your needs. This one tests for:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (THC)
• Methadone
• Methaqualone
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Propoxyphene.

Drug Test Non-DOT: Choosing the Right Option for You

As you can see, the range of drug test non-DOT options goes far and wide. Ultimately, it’s up to the employer to determine what they want to test for. In a non-DOT setting, refusal to test doesn’t imply the loss or termination of a job. Meanwhile, DOT-regulated industries automatically discard potential employees who refuse a drug test. In both testing situations, employers reserve the right to fire an employee if they fail a drug or alcohol test. An employer may decide to terminate you on the first offense or give you another chance to resolve a substance abuse issue.

Choose Soteria Screening Laboratories

Soteria Screening Laboratories partners with three different laboratories with over 10,000 facilities spread out statewide. We offer company accounts to companies that would like to manage drug testing on their own. With this option, you only pay for the tests you complete. Also, there are no monthly or upkeep fees, and compliance programs are included for both employers and employees. We utilize user-friendly software that gives you access to:

• Over 3,500 nationwide electronically capable in-network collection sites
• Electronic scheduling
• Electronic result reports
• And more

Soteria understands the wide variety of non-DOT drug testing can be confusing. If you are unsure about which services may best serve your company, give us a call at (202) 679-6670.