Question
Lets say I am require to take a drug test for employment, What are they actually looking for in my system?? Are they documenting every drug in my system?? Lets say that I am on some medication prescribe by my doctor for a cold or for high blood condition, will these drug come up in the test and will they cause me to fail the drug test??
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robert toms
Answer
Robert,
If you are talking about a job in the trucking industry that is regulated by the DOT, you will be tested for the following 5 substances prior to employment.
THC (Marijuana), Cocaine, PCP, Amphetamines, and Opiates.
Some employers are not regulated by any federal agancy and may test for any controlled dangerous substances such as barbituates, Quaaludes, etc.
If you are taking medications prescribed by a physician that cause a positive test result, the DOT regs state that a Medical Review Officer must speak with you to determine that you are taking these substances legally and he must then report the test result as a negative to the employer. However, let's say you are taking a medication containing Codeine. You will test positive for opiates. Codiene will affect your ability to safely operate a CMV. If you are involved in an accident and test positive you will be in big trouble if you have not previously notified your company of the use of this medication. You must notify them of any meds you are taking so that they have the option of removing you from driving duties for the duration of the treatment is they feel that the meds may impair your driving capabilities.
Blood pressure medications or over the counter cold meds do not fall into any category's being tested for on a drug test.
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
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