To ensure a drug-free workplace, a few employers may ask their employees to undergo a drug test. Also, the test applies to candidates before they’re hired to work at the company. Organizations, institutions, and companies usually conduct a non-DOT drug test.
There might be a situation where someone follows a non-DOT drug test but fails it. Sure, it is a big question for them regarding what will happen to their career. If you experience the same, please be calm.
Now, let’s begin to figure out the information about it below!
What is a Non-Drug Test?
A non-DOT drug test is not subject to the requirements, set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). But it can span a wide range of industries, such as retail, education, manufacturing, and many others.
A non-DOT drug test aims to meet the government’s requirements where a company is required to create a drug-free workplace or environment. The policy and criteria for conducting this type of test will vary in every state.
Additionally, the employers can set procedures for the test, including:
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- Which substances will be screened?
- What specimen will be collected?
- What type of test will be conducted?
- What form will be used for testing?
- What criteria constitute a violation?
- What consequences will be applied for the violation?
- Whose employees will be tested?
When is a Non-Drug Test Conducted?
The implementation of a non-DOT drug test has covered various sectors, and the organization will conduct it to ensure a safe and drug-free environment.
Unlike a DOT drug test, which is conducted in specific situations, like post-accident or where there’s a reasonable suspicion, a non-DOT drug test will be performed in the following circumstances:
1. Annual testing
In some companies, the annual drug test is usually part of the annual physical examination to check whether employees are completely clean of prohibited substances and have passed and avoided prohibited substances before the annual test.
2. Pre-employment Testing
The pre-employment drug test is usually carried out on prospective employees. This test will determine whether or not they can be hired to work at the company.
Some companies will use this drug test as the only way to assess their behavior. Meanwhile, others may carry out this test as an additional test during employment, which aims to help ensure employees remain free from drug use since being hired.
3. Random Testing
A non-DOT drug test can also be conducted for random testing. This test is usually to ensure employee compliance with drug-free policies in the work environment.
The employer will use a computerized random system, either numerical or alphabetical, to select employee names. Anyone selected must be willing to undergo this random test. Of course, there will be one person who may do this test more than once.
How is a Non-Drug Test Performed?
A non-DOT drug test usually uses a 10-panel test to screen any substances or drug class, including barbiturates, propoxyphene, benzodiazepines, methadone, and quaaludes, which are deemed relevant by the company. Well, it can range from illegal drugs to synthetic drugs, prescription medication, and alcohol.
The test usually uses urine, saliva, or hair follicle sample testing based on the state’s regulations.
If a document called the Federal Drug Testing Control and Custody Form (CCF) is required for DOT testing, a non-DOT drug test will use a specific form created by the employer or drug testing company.
Technically, non-DOT drug tests are not performed like DOT tests. However, every single process for administering non-DOT drug tests will depend on the employer’s decision. In addition, policies regarding drug-free workplaces vary from state to state.
To undergo a non-DOT drug test, you have to go to a lab to collect a sample if the employer does not provide the testing at the office. After the sample is obtained, the examiner will test the specific substances that are outlined in the panel.
What Happens If You Fail a Non-DOT Drug Test?
As your contribution to following your employer’s policies, you may have to undergo non-DOT drug testing.
Basically, this test is an important tool for agencies, companies, or organizations to convince the government and examiners that they’ve followed standards related to providing a safe and drug-free work environment. That’s why you should follow the test when your employer asks you at any time.
If you refuse a non-DOT drug test, it will put you at high risk regarding the decision of whether or not your employer will keep you working.
If you undergo a non-DOT drug test and fail it, you may likely be fired from the company since you’re proven to have consumed illegal drugs, even on the first offense.
Luckily, a non-DOT drug test has no legal restrictions that would prevent you from taking another job. Meanwhile, DOT drug testing will require the employee to meet the requirements of the return-to-duty process before he or she can work at another agency.
It’s important to note that both a DOT drug test and a non-DOT drug test do not allow participants to replace, change, dilute, or falsify other people’s samples with their own.
A DOT Drug Test vs. a Non-DOT Drug Test: What Are the Differences?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, a non-DOT drug test has different procedures, methods, and purposes. Sure, you may wonder how to differ between the two.
Let’s take a look at the comparison!
|
DOT Drug Test |
Non-DOT Drug Test |
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| RULES | It is subject to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. | It only follows regulations on providing a drug-free environment program at the state level. |
| PARTICIPANT | It can only be conducted on only safety-sensitive employees. | Employers will determine who will undergo the test. |
| SPECIMEN COLLECTED | Urine | Urine, hair or saliva |
| FORM | Using a CCF form. | The employers create their own form for testing. |
| PURPOSES | The test will be performed in the following circumstances:
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The test will be performed in the following circumstances:
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| SUBSTANCES | It will screen the following:
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It will screen the following:
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| COLLECTION PROCESS | It has a rigorous and specific collection process. | It runs a rigorous and infallible collection process, but employers can set it up in their own manner. |
In short, a DOT drug test is definite and more standardized, while a non-DOT drug test isn’t since most decisions and procedures are determined by the employer, so one company and another have different rules.
