Have A Drug Testing Question? - EBI Has The Answer
We understand that many of our clients and future partners have questions about the screening industry and the products and services we offer. For your convenience, we have gathered many of those important questions and answers to educate you and help you make better screening and hiring decisions. This section was created as a convenience to our site visitors and should not be taken in anyway as legal advice. If you don’t find your answer here, please feel free to contact us at our toll free number (800) 324-7700 and one of our friendly staff will assist you.
DRUG TESTING
Why drug test?
What do I need?
What does the donor need?
What is a chain of custody form?
Where should individuals go for their test?
As an employer, how do I know if I'm subject to DOT testing?
What is the difference between a DOT drug test and a Non-DOT drug test?
What is a Medical Review Officer?
What is SAMHSA?
What is a “false” positive?
Will commonly used items such as vitamins, penicillin, aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol) affect the results?
Is it possible to beat a drug test?
What are random drug tests?
How do I order more drug testing supplies?
How long will it take to receive my results?
Where do I log in for my results?
Who provides my username and password?
What do I need to view the results?
How long are drug testing results on the website?
What if I don’t see a result or have a question regarding a result?
Why drug test?
Having a well established random drug testing program does not mean that you do not trust or even like your employees. It means that you care enough about their safety and workplace security to protect them, and yourself, from the costs of on-the-job alcohol and drug abuse. Random testing programs have proven effective in reducing workplace incidents and lowering worker’s compensation claims, saving employers money.
What do I need?
All drug tests require a chain of custody form from a qualified drug-testing laboratory. You will need to select the reason for test as well as the test code on the form when you send the applicant for the test.
What does the donor need?
The donor will need to have their copy of the chain of custody form in hand when they go to the collection site as well as a photo ID to present to the collector.
What is a chain of custody form?
Chain of custody is the process of ensuring and providing documentation of proper specimen identification and handling from the time of collection to the receipt of laboratory results. Positive specimens not handled exactly and according to chain-of-custody protocols may in some cases be successfully challenged.
Where should individuals go for their test?
If you are set up with one of the major laboratories, then you can use any one of the patient service centers (PSCs) that these labs have nationwide. If, however, an individual is not in a location served by a PSC, then you will need to contact our office at 800.324.7700 to set up a third party collection site.
As an employer, how do I know if I am subject to DOT testing?
Generally, Department of Transportation regulations cover safety-sensitive transportation employers and employees. Each Department of Transportation agency (FRA, FMCSA, FTA, FAA, PHMSA), as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, have specific drug and alcohol testing regulations that outline the agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use:
- Who is subject to the regulations
- What testing is authorized
- When testing is authorized
- Consequences of non-compliance
What is the difference between a DOT drug test and a Non-DOT drug test?
A DOT drug screen tests a specimen for five drugs—opiates, PCP, amphetamines/methamphetamines, marijuana and cocaine. A DOT-approved chain-of-custody form is used during the collection process, a split sample is collected and the specimens are forwarded to the laboratory for testing. Following the MRO's review, results are reported to the designated reporting agency. A non-DOT drug screen can be expanded into a 10-panel drug screen by testing for the above five drugs and adding barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone and propoxyphene.
What is a Medical Review Officer?
A licensed physician with a history of substance abuse diagnostic work. Per DOT regulations all DOT drug screens must be reviewed by an MRO. Many states also require an MRO review, and this service is available for non-DOT testing if desired. Services include the interpretation and evaluation of test results from confirmed positive, adulterated and substituted specimens in addition to the employee's medical history or other relevant biomedical information necessary to determine if there is a legitimate explanation for a confirmed positive test.
What is SAMHSA?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992, SAMHSA was created as a services agency to focus attention, programs, and funding on improving the lives of people with or at risk for mental and substance abuse disorders. SAMHSA works to ensure that people with or at risk for a mental or addictive disorder have the opportunity for a fulfilling life that includes a job, a home, and meaningful relationships with family and friends.
What is a “false” positive?
During a screening, if the test detects a drug it is called a non-negative or "presumed" positive. If the drug detected is one you are taking through prescription at your doctor's orders, it is a negative, or negated positive. Some over-the-counter medications will preliminarily test non-negative (positive), but the confirmatory tests will rule out any non-illicit substances. What is generally called a "false" positive is simply a result which has not been confirmed.
Will commonly used items such as vitamins, penicillin, aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol) affect the results?
No - the results are not affected by these substances. The commonly taken medications are chemically and structurally different after being metabolized by the body from the drugs being tested for and do not interfere with the test results in most cases.
Is it possible to beat a drug test?
The only 100 percent guaranteed method to pass a screening is to avoid using illegal drugs. Laboratories test for the presence of substances intended to alter test results. Laboratories can now detect if an individual took a substance to alter results or has diluted the specimen by drinking lots of water. Occasionally, a subject may also attempt to substitute a counterfeit urine specimen or other liquid, but this too can be detected.
What are random drug tests?
Random drug tests are used by employers as a preventive tool to try and discourage drug use in the workplace. Random drug testing is a scientific process that selects employees for drug testing on a monthly or quarterly basis. Department of Transportation regulations require all DOT regulated employees in safety sensitive positions to be in a random population and EBI can make this process easier by managing your random population and performing your selections for you. Employers that are not subject to Department of Transpo