DOT Drug Test

Testing & Screening Types ← Back to Glossary

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.

Type	Panel Size	Detection Window	Specimen	DOT Approved
DOT 5-Panel	5 substances	1–3 days	Urine or oral fluid	Yes
Non-DOT Panel	5–17+ substances	1–3 days	Urine	N/A
Hair Follicle	5–17+ substances	Up to 90 days	Hair	No
Oral Fluid	5–12+ substances	24–48 hours	Saliva	Yes (since 2023)

Related Services

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

Related Industries

Transportation Construction Oil & Gas Government

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.