Drug testing

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mr T, Sep 2, 2011.

  1. Mr T

    Mr T Bobtail Member

    4
    0
    Sep 1, 2011
    Marysville, Washington
    0
    Although I am not further looking into becoming a trucker, the question that still wants an answere is. How do you find out what type of drug test a company is giving. The reason is that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and although not using pain meds anymore, I know that in the recent months I did indeed use some. I know that I'm clean as far as my urine goes, but would not pass a hair follicle. Such as does C.R. England. Does anyone know how to find out which companies use hair follicle?

    Again, not to fear.... I am not pursuing a job as a trucker as my health makes me disqualified. Which sucks because I don't actually have any flares with my medicine, Enbrel......For the first time, I know what it's like to be discriminated against because of my PERSONAl HEALTH RECORDS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTED BY HIPPA!!!!

    Thank you for your help,

    MR. T :biggrin_25510:
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. RAGE 18

    RAGE 18 Road Train Member

    1,529
    941
    Jan 31, 2011
    GOLD£N☆STAT£
    0
    Its too expensive for companies to do a hair test unless your in an accident or have reasonable suspicion of being a druggy in general urine testing is widely used. But why are you worried about it you aint gonna truck anyway?
     
  4. OmcCheese

    OmcCheese Light Load Member

    185
    81
    Aug 22, 2011
    Colorado springs, Co
    0
    Drug tests are for quitters
     
    DrtyDiesel Thanks this.
  5. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

    17,502
    12,015
    Sep 23, 2007
    Ask my GPS...
    0
    Trucking is a highly regulated, safety-sensitive industry, just like commercial flying. Because your health can affect your job performance - and put the safety of the general public at risk, your health (and records) become open to government scrutiny. It is what it is...
     
    DrtyDiesel Thanks this.
  6. Injun

    Injun Road Train Member

    8,501
    9,491
    May 15, 2010
    West o' the Big Crick
    0
    Yeah. That's helpful and constructive.:biggrin_25513:


    Mr. T: I have psoriatic arthritis. I have been symptomatic since I was 32, diagnosed at 36. I didn't get my CDL until I was 37. I had to get a letter from my doctor stating my arthritis is under control and will not pose a problem for driving a truck. If your rheumatologist is willing to vouch for you, the option to drive is not off the table.

    Drug testing: Even if a company uses hair folicle testing, as long as you can prove you were using narcotics under a prescription and as directed, you should have no problem. If you were using marijuana, even under a medical permit, it won't be as easy to explain. I'm not going to get into the politics of dope nor my personal feelings about it. Not worth the row that inevitably ensues.

    My arthritis is controled with Meloxicam and a mild antidepressant as an enhancer. I have been able to avoid the real heavy duties like MTX and Enbrel. I do not believe Enbrel is a disqualified medication. Don't give up.
     
    BigJohn54 and Miles_Of_Truckin Thank this.
  7. robngraves

    robngraves Light Load Member

    161
    50
    Aug 2, 2011
    indianola, MS
    0
    Just like any time you take a drug test. Bring your meds up that you take to show what your taking or if you stopped them a while back bring the old bottle if you still have it with your name on it. As Injun said having a note from a doctor saying you have or had used this meds might help knocking out some of the warning lights when getting yourself tested for drugs.
     
  8. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
    18,731
    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
    0
    Anyone that takes prescription medicine legally prescribed by a doctor has nothing to fear. The first thing that happens with a false positive is the MRO calls you and asks for an explanation. He might just say okay or he might ask for proof.
    Anyone can go online and pull their own prescription records or get their pharmacy to print them out or fax them to the MRO. Problem solved. He won't even tell your company.
     
  9. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
    0
    Nothing to worry about it your doctor confirms your history.
     
  10. GSWx

    GSWx <strong>Doc In The Box</strong>

    428
    139
    Aug 13, 2011
    Coastal Alabama.
    0
    I was the Drug Free Workplace Coordinator for three years before I retired.

    Under the Federal Guidelines we were allowed to test for PCP, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and opiates which are your typical pain pills such as morphine and prescriptions that contain codeine.

    The cut of for drug testing was limited to eight days. For example, if I took a Lortab today I "should" test CLEAN on the ninth day. Unfortunately, there is one big Fat caveat.

    Some of the aforementioned drugs are metabolized by the body fairly quickly. Others may be stored in the adipose or fat tissues of the body for weeks and even months especially if you have a fat belly, like I do.

    While the stored residual drug is in the fat tissue it can be released from the fat and into the blood stream upon exercise, heavy lifting or fasting. When the body runs out of carbohydrates to fuel the body it will use/burn the fat stores.

    There are no reasons why anybody should test positive for PCP and marijuana unless one is using those drugs. On the flip-side, cocaine, morphine and opiates can be explained: rhinoplasty or as prescribed by a physician with the exception of cocaine.

    Positive drug test results are sent ONLY to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) who is a licensed physician for the company. The company cannot see the results of the positive test unless the MRO calls the test a Positive. Please keep in mind that a Positive test for drugs are reported as a Negative test providing you have or had a prescription for the drug during the testing period.

    Some companies may do an expensive hair follicle test but if you had a prescription, you're covered.

    I hope this helps.
     
    Injun Thanks this.
  11. msfern29

    msfern29 Light Load Member

    180
    39
    Sep 23, 2010
    SW Kansas
    0
    I've been told similar to what Injun said;
    If go one year with no issues, and your Dr. willing to state, in writing, that you are safe to drive a commercial vehicle within the guidelines of the medical card requirements for gov, you are still able to obtain a CDL. You would have to check with your State DOT to know details of what is required in the Dr. letter.

    And I agree with everyone on: If you had a prescription for the medication, and inform them of all previous medications (ask them how far back you should list, I did 6 months cause was on muscle relaxers for back injury and I have no clue how long things last in system, but was the last prescription taken, lol. I had already listed Tylenol-PM cause I do take one couple times a week, the person where did the drug screen/test said Advil or other over the counter things didn’t count.. She got a good laugh, said last 3 months would have been enough, and was very nice. lol)
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.