Your Go-To Location for DOT Drug Testing in Chicago.
DOT drug tests are crucial screenings mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for employees occupying safety-sensitive positions. These tests are designed to assess employees for the presence of prohibited substances, safeguarding both individual employees and the public at large.
DOT Drug Testing
- When you come in, you will be asked to fill out a two page Medical Examination Report Form. The examiner will use this form to review your medical history, including any chronic conditions, surgeries, medications, and past illnesses.
- You will also be asked to provide a urine sample. This is used to check for underlying health issues such as diabetes or kidney problems. This is NOT a drug test.
- Then, we will test your vision and hearing & measure your blood pressure, pulse, and weight.
- Next, we will conduct a thorough physical examination checking 14 different body systems.
- If everything is satisfactory, you will receive a copy of your exam and two copies of your medical certificate.
- If during the exam we uncover anything unusual, we may request additional tests or a clearance letter from your doctor.
- Pre-Employment Testing: Job applicants for safety-sensitive positions are required to undergo DOT drug testing as a condition of employment.
- Random Testing: Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to unannounced, random drug testing to deter substance abuse in the workplace.
- Reasonable Suspicion/Cause: If there is a reasonable suspicion that an employee is using drugs, based on observable behavior, appearance, or other evidence, the employer can request a drug test.
- Post-Accident Testing: After certain types of accidents, employees involved are tested to determine if drug or alcohol use contributed to the incident. This is especially important in transportation sectors to ensure public safety. According to DOT regulations outlined in 49 CFR Part 40, drug testing should be done within 32 hours of the accident.
- Return-to-Duty Testing: Employees who have violated drug and alcohol policies are required to undergo testing before returning to safety-sensitive duties after completing a rehabilitation program.
Follow-up Testing: Employees who have tested positive or violated drug and alcohol policies are subject to follow-up testing as a part of their return-to-duty agreement.
- A standard DOT urine test is only $55.
- If you need to do observed return-to-duty (RTD) or follow-up testing, the cost is $75.
- Most commonly, you will be asked to provide a urine specimen, although oral fluid testing is another method that may be offered to you.
- Next, the collector will examine the urine sample to ensure there are no signs of adulteration or tampering. The sample will then be “split” into two parts, an “A” and “B” bottle, and sent to the lab for testing.
- Sample “A” is tested right away and findings are reported to the Medical Review Officer. If the sample is negative, the MRO signs off on the results and they get reported out.
- In the case of a positive sample, the MRO will reach out to you to determine if a legitimate reason exists for the positive result (such as having a prescription). If a legitimate reason is provided, the MRO reports out a negative result.
- If no legitimate reason is provided for a positive test, a positive result is reported.
- In case the driver wants to refute a positive test result, they can request that the “B” sample be tested at another certified lab (at driver’s expense).
- Department of Transportation regulated 5-panel drug testing for FAA, FMCSA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA & USCG employees.
- DOT 5 Panel Urine Drug Test
- This drug test is for individuals in safety-sensitive positions regulated by the Department of Transportation, such as truck drivers, bus drivers, pilots, and certain railroad employees.
- DOT 5 Panel Urine RTD/Follow-Up Observed Drug Test
- This drug test is for individuals in safety-sensitive positions regulated by the Department of Transportation that need an observed return-to-duty or follow-up drug testing.
- DOT 5 Panel Urine Drug Test
- Note: The term “5-panel drug test” in the context of the Department of Transportation (DOT) is somewhat of a misnomer. While it is commonly referred to as a 5-panel test, DOT drug testing actually involves the screening of more than five substances. Check out the FAQ below for more information.
- Book Now (Calendly)
- CERTIFIED: All our collectors are certified and credentialed under Federal DOT CFR 49 Part 40 standards. Additionally, we exclusively utilize HHS-Certified laboratories for all testing, making DOTDOC as your trusted collection partner.
- CLEAN & CONVENIENT: Our facility is clean and comfortable with convenient onsite parking, including tractor-trailers. Same-day appointments AND walk-ins available!
- EFFICIENT: Streamline compliance by using ONE location for all your DOT testing needs- physicals, drug and alcohol testing.
- OPTIONS: We are capable of performing specialty testing such as observed collections, after-hours and even on-site.
- SERVICE: Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable, just take a look at our reviews (below)
Coast Guard Drug Testing
While the U.S. Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, it does follow DOT regulation when it comes to drug and alcohol testing. It’s drug and alcohol testing program is outlined in 46 CFR Part 16.
For more information, visit the CG-NMC’s drug testing page.
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/drug_testing/
Owner-Operators
We Can Manage Your SAP Required Return to Duty and Follow-up Testing Program!
- If you have violated drug or alcohol regulations and are trying to get back on the road, you have probably heard of the Return-to-Duty process.
- DOTDOC can manage the return to duty program as set by your SAP and make sure all follow-up tests are completed as ordered AND reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
FAQ
- The DOT has expanded its testing to address a broader range of substances due to evolving drug abuse trends, requiring confirmation testing for 14 drugs under the test.
- Check out this link to learn more about the categories of drugs tested in the DOT 5 Panel:
Please note that once a DOT collection is started, it needs to be completed. There is no “coming back later”; not complying with testing requirements may be considered a refusal to test.
This occurs when an employee subject to DOT regulations refuses to undergo a required drug test. This is treated as a violation under DOT regulations.
Refusal to test can include:
Explicit Refusal: When an employee outright refuses to submit to a drug test when directed to do so.
Failure to Provide Adequate Sample: If an employee fails to provide an adequate urine sample for drug testing without a valid medical explanation.
Failure to Cooperate with the Testing Process: This can include actions such as not following instructions, leaving the testing site without permission, or behaving in a way that obstructs the testing process.
Failure to Remain at the Testing Site: Leaving the testing site before the testing process is complete without a valid reason.
- This depends on the individual. At most, the medical card is good for 2 years. If you have a condition that needs to be monitored, you may be issued a medical certificate for less than 2 years.
- Negative lab-based results usually take 1-2 business days from the time the lab receives the sample.
- Positive results can take as long as 5-7 days to be reported.
During this collection, the trained observer (who is of the same gender as the donor) will accompany the individual to the restroom and visually monitor the urination process to ensure that the sample is not tampered with or substituted. This is most commonly done during the return-to duty process.
Testing positive triggers a series of consequences and procedures that includes:
Employer notification and immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties.
Evaluation by a substance abuse professional (SAP) and recommendation of education/treatment program.
Successful completion of SAP treatment program.
Providing a negative return-to-duty drug test.
- Submitting to unannounced follow-up drug testing for a specified period as determined by the SAP.
What our clients are saying
“Dr. Jenn was extremely nice and went above and beyond to help me figure out everything I needed for my drug and physical exams. I was a walk-in and was attended to right away. The whole testing process was fast and easy. The office was clean and very well organized. Overall, it was a very good experience.”
“Had a pleasant and smooth appointment here. Had to come out here on short notice for my day off work. Had an appointment 2 hrs from when I originally called. Thanks 👍”
Awesome service, was able to schedule an appointment over the phone that fit into my schedule perfectly, was given an answer to every question I had, highly recommend stopping by here if you’re in of a DOT physical”
Additional DOT Services
DOT Physicals
CDL license holders and some non-CDL drivers must successfully undergo a DOT physical. The medical examination ensures that drivers meet the necessary health standards for operating commercial vehicles.
DOT Breath Alcohol Testing
DOT Breath Alcohol tests are mandatory screenings to measure the alcohol content in an individual's breath. These tests are required for employees in safety-sensitive positions to ensure they are not under the influence of alcohol while on duty.
Consortium
We provide consortium services for DOT regulated companies and independent drivers, ensuring you maintain compliance with DOT drug and alcohol random testing requirements.