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DOT Drug Test - 5 Panel: Employer's Quick Guide

Everything employers need to know about DOT 5-Panel — who needs it, what's included, and how to find a provider through BlueHive.

1 min read
Reviewed by Chris Davis on April 26, 2026
DOT 5-Panel employer guide illustration
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At a glance

Turnaround
24-48 hours (negative)
Typical cost
$45–$75
Certification
DOT/SAMHSA Compliant
CPT code
80305

What Is DOT 5-Panel?

The standard DOT-mandated 5-panel urine drug test required for safety-sensitive transportation employees.

The DOT 5-Panel Drug Test is the federally-mandated drug screening required for all safety-sensitive employees in DOT-regulated industries. This test screens for five categories of drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Who Needs This Service?

  • CDL drivers and trucking companies
  • Airlines and aviation workers
  • Pipeline operators
  • Railroad employees
  • Transit authorities

What's Included

A typical DOT 5-Panel appointment includes:

  • HHS-certified laboratory testing
  • Strict chain of custody procedures
  • MRO (Medical Review Officer) review included
  • Electronic CCF (Custody and Control Form)
  • Results typically within 24-48 hours

Turnaround time: 24-48 hours (negative)

Typical cost: $45–$75

How It Works

  1. Order the Test — Request a DOT drug test through BlueHive for your employee.
  2. Collection — Employee provides a urine specimen at a certified collection site with proper chain of custody.
  3. Laboratory Analysis — Specimen is analyzed at an HHS-certified laboratory.

Ready to get started? Find a provider for DOT 5-Panel or learn more about this service.

How DOT 5-Panel works, step by step

  1. 1

    Order the Test

    Request a DOT drug test through BlueHive for your employee.

  2. 2

    Collection

    Employee provides a urine specimen at a certified collection site with proper chain of custody.

  3. 3

    Laboratory Analysis

    Specimen is analyzed at an HHS-certified laboratory.

  4. 4

    MRO Review

    A Medical Review Officer reviews results and contacts the employee if needed before finalizing.

Regulatory snapshot

49 CFR Part 40; HHS laboratory certification required; MRO review mandatory; Clearinghouse reporting for positives

Track state-by-state changes in Compliance Watch

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

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Chris Davis

Content Developer

64 articles

Chris Davis is a content developer at BlueHive Health with a background in healthcare operations, medical billing, and small-business management. He writes plain-English guides on OSHA, DOT, and PHMSA compliance for HR and safety leaders.

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