12/18/2023
Let's talk Drug and Alcohol testing…..
Did you know that a drug and alcohol collector must be certified to administer lab based drug tests (DOT and NON DOT) and a BAT (Breath Alcohol Test)?
In order to be certified, a collector must be instructed and tested on the proper procedures and laws on administering the tests. This includes, but is not limited to post accident, reasonable suspicion, pre-employment, return to duty, shy bladder, random, specimen tampering, etc.… they must also know how to set up and calibrate the alcohol machine according how high above sea level the testing location is, re calibrated after a positive test, shy lung, etc.. These are just a few of examples of what they need educated on.
Each DOT agency (FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, USCG) has different laws regarding post accidents and time frames and how they expect each to be handled. Federal testing is very specific on procedures.
A series of mock tests are given to the collector for them to perform, and administer properly (including paperwork). In depth discussion and quizzes on different scenarios are relayed to the student and they must be able to answer correctly for both the drug and alcohol testing.
Once the student has correctly completed the mock tests , quizzes and scenario questioning. They will receive a certificate. They must be re certified every five years.
If you go into a clinic such as med-express or Q- care or even the hospital depending on staffing and the time of day they may not have somebody at their facility that is certified to do the procedure. I have found by talking to a lot of people that they don't understand that a doctor or a nurse can't just perform the test when they need it.
If you have a job that requires you to be random drug and or alcohol tested. It is not your employer or the collector that chooses for you to be tested. Most companies are in a consortium, which is an association of companies or group of employers that join together as a single entity for the purpose of drug and alcohol testing of its employees. The consortium will send your employer the monthly or quarterly group of names that were pulled by a lottery that need to be tested. There are different percentages required for each agency.
I hope this clears up some of the questions and discussions I have been having lately. A drug test is required not only for your safety but for the safety of others.
Have a great day!!
