In a previous article, we told you about the updated DOT drug testing panel that went into effect January 1, 2018, which expands the panel to include four semi-synthetic opioids: hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone and oxymorphone.
The addition of these drugs is intended to address the nationwide epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse. Each of the four listed are Schedule II controlled substances more commonly known as OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Vicodin, Norco and Dilaudid, among others.
DOT-regulated employers include those administered by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and Maritime Administration.
While the DOT 5-panel urine test is required, employers should not stop there.
Even though the DOT’s test expansion is timely and certainly necessary given the tidal wave of drug addiction and death in the U.S., the test still does not cover barbituates (e.g., phenobarbital or secobarbital), benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam or methaqualone), methadone and synthetic marijuana. Employees subject to the DOT panel alone simply will not test positive for those substances.
That’s why we encourage employers to not only conduct DOT testing to satisfy governmental requirements but also test employees under the auspices of their company policy using a 10-panel test to screen for a more comprehensive variety of drugs.
>> Click here to view and download the entire list of drugs included in the standard non-regulated 10-panel urine drug test for 2018 as determined by the Houston-area business roundtable, Golden Triangle business roundtable and Houston-area refineries and plants. <<
Keep in mind that you must perform the non-DOT test separately and that DOT testing must be done first. Also, remember that company drug testing has to comply with state and federal laws set out by the Department of Labor and American with Disabilities Act. (When in doubt, refer to SAMHSA guidelines.)
Something else to remember is that Beaumont Occupational Services offers employer drug testing services, including pre-employment random testing on-site, to catch offenders in the act.
Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer or to schedule tests for your employees, and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your workplace is drug-free.
We have two locations to serve you:
Beaumont office:
4925 Ward Dr., Suite B
Beaumont, Texas 77705
Phone: (409) 212-9706
Fax: (409) 212-9908
Bridge City office:
3147 Texas Ave.
Bridge City, Texas 77611
Phone: (409) 444-2104