Non Dot Drug Test Is There A Difference

By Lora Jones


Drug testing has become a more common occurrence just like the use and abuse of drugs. The number of employers performing screenings has increased significantly along with private individuals. There is one governmental agency affectionately known as the department of transportation or dot for short that mandates drug testing; however, generally most screenings being performed are non dot drug test.

The main differences between mandated dot screenings and non dot screens are the chain of custody forms and the panel size. Regulated dot screens are only five panel whereas a non dot screen is usually a ten panel; however it can be more which is at the discretion of the tester. The dot chain of custody must be on the federal form where the others can be general chain of custody forms.

Non dot drug screens usually are a ten panel test looking for more specific substances than a regulated screen. The substances being looked for are marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene. There are more advanced and in depth panels that can be used to detect for even more substances.

There are different methods for detecting the presence of substances and each one varies in the detectable usage timeframe. The most common and preferred screening method is with urine samples. The results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours and can detect usage up to fourteen days prior. The samples are generally sent to a laboratory for analyzing and there are medical review officers on hand for anything that has questionable levels; however, it is possible to do an on the spot immediate uncomprehensive screening.

Hair sampling is the most comprehensive screening but in the least used. Hair screens can detect substances used up to 90 after use and the results take anywhere from 3 to 4 days to obtain. This is commonly used for court cases and accidents with fatalities.

There are also oral swab collections. A swab is used to collect samples of saliva and fluid from the mouth. This type of screen can detect the use of substances anywhere from twenty four hours to seven days out. The turnaround time is usually anywhere from twenty four to forty eight hours and similar to the urine analysis if the results are too high or too low a medical review officer will review the findings.

Most people believe a blood test is the most accurate and comprehensive means of detecting substances; however it is not. The blood cleanses itself of foreign materials usually within hours making the detection time for use only up to 24 hours prior. Blood samples cannot be collected by just anyone making this form of screening the least desirable.

Surprising someone instead of notifying them is the best way to perform dot and non dot drug test. When someone is notified they can try to alter the results to produce a false negative representing nothing being detected. The whole purpose of performing screening is to determine whether or not there is substance use and possibly abuse. It also limits liability and fault where accidents and faults are concerned and it could be the difference between saving a person from endangering themselves or someone else.




About the Author: