GOLD STANDARD
Drug Free Business provides the highest level of drug testing available today. Often referred to as “the gold standard method”, our drug testing follows the guidelines set forth by the federal government, giving you assurance that your company’s drug testing is being done fairly and accurately. Drug testing at this standard has withstood legal challenge and been upheld by various courts. Not conducting drug testing at this “gold standard” exposes your company to needless liability.
Please consider the following when implementing your drug and alcohol testing program…
A comprehensive “gold standard” drug test consists of:
- Specimen collection by a trained collector using a strict chain of custody
- Testing of specimens at the closest SAMHSA certified laboratory
- Testing of at least the five common illicit classes of drugs, referred to as the “NIDA-5” or “DOT look-alike” at appropriate cut-off levels (see note #1)
- Integrity testing (testing for adulterants and dilution)
- GC/MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or an approved more sophisticated method) confirmation of all initial positive specimens
- Certified Medical Officer Review (MRO) of all results, negative or positive, with confidential reporting to a designated representative at your company (DER)
To save money, some drug testing administrators will avoid using certified laboratories, and/or will not provide comprehensive MRO services. In lieu of laboratory testing, some will even use instant testing kits not approved by the FDA for workplace testing. Instant Drug Testing: Let the buyer beware. Others will charge extra for integrity and confirmation testing. Is it worth exposing your company to needless liability to save a relatively small amount of money by taking shortcuts in the testing process?
Note #1: The NIDA or DOT 5 are now sometimes called the NIDA or DOT-7, because after Oct 2010 the approved laboratories now also screen for heroin, and confirm for MDMA or Ecstasy. On Oct 1, 2017 the federal DHHS expanded their required panel to include synthetic opioids and the DOT followed, effective January 1, 2018. We strongly recommend that everyone follow these new standards which have become the de-facto industry standards.
Things to look for in a good TPA | Drug Free Business | other guys |
Conducts drug
testing using the gold standard | YES! | ? |
Offers sample
policies and policy development assistance - no extra charge - actually knows and tracks federal and state laws and regulations | YES! | ? |
Knows the new FMCSA
Clearinghouse regulations and can help you comply | YES! | ? |
Provides
round-the-clock test result reporting - overnight turnaround for drug test
results in most locations - no extra charge | YES! | ? |
Includes MRO review
of all drug testing, DOT and non-federal, at no additional cost - our 4 Doctors
are in-house | YES! | ? |
Provides secure
web-based test reporting, random selections, and roster management at no
additional charge - | YES! | ? |
Offers unlimited
consulting and troubleshooting | YES! | ? |
Has over 8,000
network testing locations throughout the nation - and eCCF forms available. Has a nationwide Collection Site Locator online
24/7. | YES! | ? |
Offers guidance in
complying with state and federal drug/alcohol testing laws | YES! | ? |
Offers random
selection services at no additional charge | YES! | ? |
Facilitates the
setup of drug testing anywhere in the nation at no additional charge | YES! | ? |
Offers DOT and
Non-DOT supervisor training nationwide at no additional charge | YES! | ? |
Has certified
trainers (collection, BAT, STT) on staff | YES! | ? |
Is a member of
national drug testing, drug prevention organizations such as | YES! | ? |
Will assist your
company throughout a DOT audit at no additional charge | YES! | ? |
Has a Certified
Substance Abuse Program Administrator (CSAPA) on board | YES! 4 | ? |
Low cost. Best
bargain, best service, best support. | YES! | ? |
