DOT Drug Testing.... Baffling
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by deviltalk, Jan 18, 2012.
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And for the bald floks?
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The hair folicle test still only tests the 5 panel - it just covers a longer time period (90 days); whereas the urinalysis covers 30 days...
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I think the outcome of my situation for better or worse is worth documenting.
K, so here is my exact scenario and concern. Firstly, I need to sternly say that I do not use any illegal drugs. I don't even drink.
I do however use prescription medication which has been discussed widely on other threads. I've been forthcoming and honest with this information when speaking with recruiters. VERY FORTHCOMING!
On Sunday I leave by bus to orientation and will be drug tested/physical on Mon/Tues.
It was understood that the medication I am taking will not fly with my carrier. I would have to stop taking them. After consideration and discussion with my family and doctor, it was decided that it would be better for my health and safe to stop taking them.
I've been off the medications for several weeks now, and I'm fine.
Here is the situation/concern/catch 22-
The recruiter is aware of my choice to stop taking the medication. But I noted that while I will pass a piss test with flying colors, a hair follicle test which goes back as far as 90 days will most certainly yield a positive result.
My recruiter spoke with the company Dr, who advised me to bring my prescription with me "in case there is a problem".
"Ok, no problem".
I know on Monday that I will pass my urine test.
My concern now is what will happen when the hair follicle shows +.
I've run this exact scenario by the recruiter and been 1000% honest. I told her the last thing I want is to take a bus ride and start my career with a DAC report.....
As I type this I sense that I am "covered" and perhaps I am obsessing over this, but it the start of a new career and that is very valuable to me.
I apologize for the lengthy reply and info and complication of my scenario. Any info or advice would be appreciated as always.
DT -
The DOT test is not only the minimum standard a company must use, but it also is the only standard a company can report to a future possible employer. I honestly have no idea in regards to DAC if higher standard tests can be reported on their report. If past employer X is contacted about future employer Y directly they can not report the findings of say a hair test to employer Y.
From Daniel England in testimony to FMCSA:
deviltalk Thanks this. -
I have been in very regular contact with the recruiter, confirming over and over again that I am covered. I decided that I will not only bring the RX, but also a copy of the email conversation.
It's going to be a very melodramatic "no problem", or "we've been stroking you, see you later..."
Either way I will post what happens. -
If you bring the prescription you shouldn't have any problem. Especially considering that if you pass the urine test you've proven you no longer take it. That's the reason they have a medical officer at the drug testing facility independent from the hiring company to review the test and interview the person tested upon a positive test. A positive doesn't mean failure unless you have no legal explanation.deviltalk Thanks this. -
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Valium, Xanax and other benzodiazapines ARE tested for, usually on a chem7 test, which more and more companies are using. The hair test while touted as the be-all-end-all test is fairly unreliable though. I know someone that was a regular drug (heroin, methadone, meth, pot, coke...actually, you name it) user that stopped only 60-80 days before their test. They passed with ease although they were told that the hair test will detect use for much longer. My best advice is to stay away from drugs at all costs. If you are on Dr. prescribed meds that will show up on a DOT test, find a job that keeps you out from behind the wheel of 80,000 pounds of rolling death. Someone's mother will be grateful.
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