DOT Urine drug testing

A regulated drug test typically involves a urine or alcohol collection performed for specific agencies categorized as “safety-sensitive” workplaces because of the potential influence of their job on public safety. Safety-sensitive workplaces fall under the Health and Human Services (HHS) or Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) testing authority, or are part of one of the following agencies under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT):

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Federal Motor Carrier Service Administration (FMCSA)
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Sometimes referred to as a “DOT drug test,” a regulated drug test includes these five drug classes:

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

The regulated drug test collection process and Federal drug testing program requirements are guided by the DOT’s 49 CFR Part 40. It is a U.S. Department of Transportation rule that details the requirements for employers to conduct and adhere to workplace drug and alcohol testing programs for those occupations deemed to be safety-sensitive.

As drug use in the workplace continues to be a concern, regulated drug screens help promote testing rigor for both the federally mandated, safety-sensitive workforce, as well as non-regulated workplaces through the use of “DOT look-alike” panels that mimic the specifications of regulated urine drug tests.

Download our urine drug testing FAQs for more information.

Get more workforce drug testing resources from Quest Diagnostics.