cutoff levels

What?!? Where did you get this little gem of misinformation?


FMCSR §40.87 What are the cutoff concentrations for drug tests?

There are different levels for confirmatory test cutoff concentrations, but I'm feeling too lazy to type them all out. Look 'em up for yourself.


These levels are set forth by FMCSR and all laboratories, when giving a DOT drug test, must follow these regulations. The states have no say in what level constitutes a positive test. A carrier usually only gets a report of "positive" or "negative" and cannot set its own levels.

Drug and alcohol testing is laid out in extreme detail in Section 40 of FMCSR. I have the big book and Section 40 takes up, by far, more pages than any other section including Part 393. (Equipment requirements)

O/P: Cutoff Concentration is the level at which you are considered to have tested positive for a substance. Example: If you test at 49 ng/mL for marijuana metabolites, you have tested negative. If you test at 50 ng/mL, you have tested positive. (For initial test)

Batman, if you want people to take you seriously and to not be flamed all the time, you have to stop trying to answer questions when you don't even understand the question.

 

They are too lazy to look them up.

Many questions on the forum can be answered if they just read the FMSCA.gov website. What's that??

 

I can understand you thinking the split sample was for the secondary test but it is not true. Both the initial screening and the confirmation come from only one sample. The split is reserved for anyone exercising their right to a re-test at this lab or another.

You always have that right; alot of the procedures, the chain of custody, the split sample, the MRO being able to determine is a positive is actually 'clinically negative' by contacting the donor to see if there is a legal; reason for the positive result.

These are all brought about by the FEDS to protect the individual's right to privacy.

OP: The Medical Review Officer will contact you if your 'script shows up. If he does not hear from you, he will contact the carrier asking to have you call him [which tells the carrier somthing is up!]. If he does not hear from the donor within 3 days the carier will be told the test is positive BUT if you have a legit 'script you will be protected.

If your medication was prescribed a year ago for a short term use it will still get reported as a positive because the current useage is not related to the original prescription.

 

True but the 50 ng/ml for pot metabolites is the initial cutoff concentration. The verification test has a cutoff concentration of 15 ng/ml. The cutoff levels for Cocaine metabolites are 150/100, Amphetamines/Methamphetamines 500/250 (meth must show Amphetamine of 100 ng/ml), Opiates 2000/2000. Not certain about PCP but I believe it's 25/25 ng/ml.

 

Bottom line is if you're even concerned with cutoff levels or even worried about taking a drug or alcohol test you should not have a CDL and should definitely not drive if you already have your CDL. In a Tractor Trailer is the last place any one on any drug or alcohol should be, sorry but the roads are dangerous enough.

 

That's correct. The confirmation test is done using a separate aliquot from the first sample.

For information purposes, if the second sample of the split is tested no cutoff is considered. Presence, of any amount of a drug or metabolite that was reported in the first specimen is all that is necessary.

 

I take Tramadol for pain. My company knows i take it because i discussed it with them. It will show up as an Opiate. They are aware of this and wanted the Doc. to fax them a note saying i can drive on it 12 hrs. after taking it which he did. As stated by others, if you test positive, you will be called first. if the script checks out, you are fine.

 

I tried tramadol once. Knocked me for a loop for three days. Never again. I was better off just taking Vicodin.

But, tramadol is legal on a truck, Vicodin isn't.

 

Yea , its funny how drugs work with different poeple, Vicodin makes me real edgy, almost aggressive and Tramadol will keep me wired preventing me from a decent nites sleep so drowsiness isnt a problem with me.