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DOT Drug Test

A federally regulated urine drug test following strict 49 CFR Part 40 procedures, required for safety-sensitive employees in DOT-regulated industries.

Key Facts

  • Standard 5-panel: marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, PCP
  • Oral fluid testing approved by DOT since June 2023
  • MRO reviews all non-negative results before reporting
  • Chain of custody required from collection to reporting
  • Pre-employment test must be negative before safety-sensitive work

DOT drug testing follows precise chain-of-custody procedures mandated by 49 CFR Part 40. The standard DOT panel tests for five drug classes: marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines, opioids (codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, 6-AM/heroin), and PCP. Testing is required pre-employment, randomly, post-accident, upon reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and for follow-up. All specimens must be analyzed by SAMHSA-certified laboratories and results reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO).

Drug Testing Methods Compared

Side-by-side comparison of common workplace drug testing approaches.

TypePanel SizeDetection WindowSpecimenDOT Approved
DOT 5-Panel5 substances1–3 daysUrine or oral fluidYes
Non-DOT Panel5–17+ substances1–3 daysUrineN/A
Hair Follicle5–17+ substancesUp to 90 daysHairNo
Oral Fluid5–12+ substances24–48 hoursSalivaYes (since 2023)

Related Services

DOT Drug Test - 5 PanelDOT Drug Test (10-Panel)

Related Industries

TransportationConstructionOil & GasGovernment

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Managing Drug Testing and Health Screenings Across the Transportation Sector

With ~4 million DOT drug tests conducted annually and positivity rates climbing to 5.1%, transportation employers face mounting compliance pressure. Non-compliance penalties average $16,000 per violation — here is how to build a bulletproof program.

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