The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires testing under very careful standards. Guidelines for DOT drug testing are very clear and requirements and procedures must be followed closely.

Collection of samples is carefully monitored. Supervisors of individual employees as well as employees themselves are not allowed to act as sample collectors. A supervisor may only act as monitor when there is no other alternative on site. Also, employees who are subject to DOT testing rules who are in jobs that require extra caution due to safety should not be used as collectors or observers because there is a risk of problems due to the fact that they work with the same people on a regular basis. It is important that conflict of interest is avoided, so anyone working together regularly or in any way related in our out of the workplace should not act as collector or observer. This rule is in place to attempt to preclude any tampering of samples. That is also the reason the collector must supply proper identification and certification regarding their training as a collector.

There are also rules regarding the collection site. There should be private facilities provided for the employees. Water for hand washing must be provided and it is preferable that it is located outside of the toilet area in order to prevent people from diluting their urine sample with water. If there is no other way, the collector must find a way to ensure that the sample has not been tampered with. If there is no water available, the collector must provide a way for the person to wash their hands in some way. If the bathroom contains soap dispensers, waste containers, or any other container that can be used to stash water or adulteration agents; they must be carefully monitored to ensure that they are not misused.

Drug tests used for DOT drug and alcohol testing must be approved for use. A DOT drug screen must be done with tests that can be conveniently used in a DOT collection facility. If the collection site for urine tests is difficult to monitor and properly maintain, other tests can be considered. One of the easiest and least invasive methods of testing is Alco screen Saliva Tests. These tests detect the level of alcohol in human saliva. The results are very close to blood levels of alcohol. For only $2.75, you can use a D.O.T. approved saliva alcohol test that is easy to use. The reactive pad is placed in the mouth and touched with saliva. The results can be read in four minutes. It is difficult to aim for a DOT drug pass test with a saliva screen that is used randomly because it readily detects recent drug use. A saliva test also eliminates the trouble involved with providing proper facilities and adulteration protection that is necessary when using a urine test.

DOT drug testing is not simple. There are many guidelines and rules regarding the tests themselves, collection procedures, collection personnel, collection sites, and many other details.