The truth is that most people will have to undergo a few drug tests in their lives. Everyone who has gotten a drug test knows the subtle panic that it can cause, even the most sober-minded people. Will a prescribed drug show up on the test? Does alcohol count as a drug? How long does a drug stay in a person’s system?
Before the laundry list of anxious questions sneaks into your racing thoughts, give yourself a few minutes to study. The truth is that while a drug test can be a scary thing, they are usually not as concerning as people believe.
A non-DOT drug test is any drug test not regulated or overseen by the Department of Transportation. Because of the large umbrella under which these tests can fall, your experience may differ from others. The following paragraphs will give you an essential list of things to know before a non-DOT drug test.
The Full Breakdown of Non-Dot Drug Tests
A drug screening by the Department of Transportation will always be a five-panel test. The drugs tested in a five-panel test are THC/marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP. Drug tests outside of the strict DOT guidelines can test for one or multiple substances through hair, urine, saliva, blood, or even a breathalyzer test.
A non-DOT drug test will likely be done using a urine test. These tests are the cheapest, the most widely available, and the most commonly used. If you are unsure which test you will take, it is a fair assumption to guess that you will take a trip to a nearby bathroom. Some employers will avoid these tests as they are one of the easier tests to “cheat.”
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Drug tests outside of the Department of Transportation will fall under the guidelines of state and federal laws. A non-DOT drug test does not require a person to be screened for cannabis and alcohol, though employers have the option should they choose it. Alternatively, all DOT tests require screening for both substances regardless of an employer’s wishes.
If you fail a non-DOT drug test, it does not immediately terminate you from the position. Unlike the Department of Transportation, businesses can choose the outcome of a person who has failed a drug test. That being said, if a company asks a paid employee to perform a drug test, they are likely unsatisfied or suspicious of the employee’s recent performance.
You can expect three different types of drug testing schedules from most jobs. Typically, you will be asked to perform a pre-employment drug screening, a one-time test to determine whether you get the position. While random and annual drug testing are not uncommon, a pre-employment test is the standard for most positions.
As the name suggests, annual drug testing is a yearly test that typically occurs once a year or on the anniversary of a job. Like the pre-employment drug tests, these tests are easy to predict and pass for most individuals. Random testing is typically the most intimidating, as it can be done at any time or date while employed with a company.
Because certain prescribed drugs are likely to give a positive result, it is essential to disclose to the person administering the test any medication you are taking. Employees do not need to be accused of actions they haven’t done, and no one deserves to get terminated for a doctor-recommended medication.
A Quick Summary of Drug Tests
Even if you don’t use recreational substances, getting a drug test can be a very anxiety-inducing activity. By learning what to expect from a drug test and getting prepared beforehand, you can remove the mystery and manic thoughts of the big day altogether. Ensure you know what test you will take, how far back it can be checked, and what medications you regularly take.
To help prepare for the test, search online to see if others have spoken about the company’s drug testing policy. Similarly, if your leisure time involves recreational substances, give yourself ample time to flush them out of your system. You will never love getting drug tested (no one does), but it should never cause more undue stress than you already have.