On November 13, 2017, The Department of Transportation published a final rule in the Federal Register, adding four semi-synthetic opiates to the DOT drug test panel. It also added methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) as an initial test analyte and removed the testing of methylenedioxyethylamphetaime (MDEA). Since the final rule was published, we’ve been answering a lot of questions from our clients about how this rule will affect them. Below we’ve included some of the more common questions from our clients (with answers), regarding the new rule:
Q: When is the final rule effective?
A: Now. The rule went into effect on January 1, 2018.
Q: What does this mean for employees?
A: You will be tested for all drugs on the previous DOT drug panel (with the exception of MDEA). You will also be tested for four additional semi-synthetic opiates- hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone. Common brand names for these drugs include: Oxycontin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid® and Exalgo®, among others.
Q: Does this change the drug testing process?
A: Not really. The shy bladder process was modified slightly; under the old rule, any specimen of insufficient volume was to be sent to the laboratory in the event that a donor couldn’t produce a sufficient quantity of urine within 3 hours. Under the new rule, the collection technician is to discard the (insufficient) specimen after three hours in the event that the donor cannot provide a specimen of at least 45mL.
Q: Does this rule mean we can’t use the old Custody and Control Form (CCF)?
A: Not yet- from January 1 until June 30, 2018, old CCFs can be used for DOT drug tests. However, beginning July 1, 2018, all DOT urine collections MUST be done on the new CCF.
We hope you found this information useful. As always, please call our office at 314-963-3404 our shoot us an email with any questions.
