What is DOT drug testing?

What is a DOT drug testing in Colorado Springs?

To put it simply, it’s a drug test that is mandated by the federal government—specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Conspire! is here to help you test, check, and educate. As your global employment screening partner, we can ease your burden and give you peace of mind with your Colorado Springs DOT drug testing.  

For all employees that DOT deems as “safety-sensitive”—someone who holds a job that can impact both their own safety and the safety of the public—DOT drug tests are required in the following scenarios:

1. Pre-employment. Must drug test before job responsibilities begin.
   
2. Random. Completed quarterly, this is truly a random process where each individual has the same probability of being selected for testing each quarter.
   
3. Post-accident. This is required if an employee is involved in an accident meeting certain DOT criteria. Each mode has its own requirements. The drug test must be completed within 32 hours of the accident.
   
4. Reasonable suspicion. One trained supervisor or company official can make the decision based upon specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech, etc. of the employee. Learn more about reasonable suspicion through Conspire! Corporate Training.
   
5. Follow-up. In addition to other DOT required testing, follow-up tests are done when the employee fails a random or reasonable suspicion drug test and the employer decides to keep them on staff. Employees must see a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), who will determine the number of random follow-up tests to be completed, with the minimum being 6 tests in a 12 month period.
   
6. Return-to-duty. Required after a violation in order to return to any DOT job, employees must be tested. This test occurs following the aforementioned follow-up testing.
   

All DOT drug tests use the same 5-panel tests that check for:

• Marijuana metabolites/THC
• Cocaine metabolites
• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, MDMA)
• Opiates (including codeine, heroin (6-AM), morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)