MEDICO DRUG TESTING Q/A

 

Q. Who is Medico Diagnostics?

Medico Diagnostics is a reputable medical laboratory based in Marietta, GA. We specialize in a wide range of medical services and have certified and trained professionals operating in multiple states.

At Medico, we offer comprehensive drug testing services to cater to various needs, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and court-ordered testing.

We are certified for DOT (Department of Transportation) drug testing, DOT physicals, DOT consortium membership, DOT drug policy development, DOT supervisor training, and complete management of DOT drug and alcohol testing programs.

Our staff is well-versed in both DOT and non-DOT drug testing and alcohol specimen collections.

Medico exclusively partners with SAMHSA and AABB Certified laboratories for drug, alcohol, and DNA testing analysis. We are proud members of the National Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) and Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA).

Q. What is a drug test?

A drug test is a procedure used to determine the presence or absence of specific drugs or their metabolites in an individual's body.

Q. How can a drug test be administered or performed?

A drug test can be conducted by collecting a urine specimen, hair specimen, blood specimen, or oral fluid/saliva.

Q. What is the detection time frame for a urine drug test?

The detection time frame for a urine drug test varies for each drug. Generally, most common street drugs can be detected for up to three to four days. However, certain factors such as the drug type and frequency of use can influence how long it remains detectable in the body.

Q. How long does marijuana stay in a person's system?

Marijuana (THC) typically stays in a person's system for seven to thirty days if they are regular and frequent users. For individuals who rarely use marijuana, the average detection time for a urine test is three to five days.

Q. Is the detection period for a blood test different from a urine test?

Yes, in some cases. For example, amphetamines can be detected in the bloodstream for approximately 12 hours, while a urine test may detect their presence for up to three days. Similarly, cocaine may be detectable in urine for three to four days, but it may only remain in the bloodstream for one to two days. While blood and urine screens generally have similar detection times, there are exceptions.

Q. What is the difference between a five-panel, ten-panel, or twelve-panel drug test?

The term "panel" refers to each specific drug screened for in a drug test. As the number of panels increases, the specimen is analyzed for additional drugs.

Q. What drugs are screened for in a five-panel drug test?

A five-panel drug test typically screens for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Q. What drugs are screened for in a ten-panel drug test?

A ten-panel drug test screens for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, MDA-Analogues, Methadone, Methaqualone, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and propoxyphene. (Note: Methaqualone is available for lab-based testing only)

Q. Which panel is most commonly used?

The most commonly used drug test is the five-panel drug test. However, many employers and government agencies opt for the ten-panel test.

Q. What type of test does the Department of Transportation (DOT) recognize and use?

The U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes and uses a five-panel urine drug test for all agencies regulated by DOT, including FMCSA, FAA, USCA, FRA, PHMSA, and FTA, particularly for safety-sensitive positions.

DOT regulations, specifically 49 CFR Part 40, mandate that individuals in safety-sensitive positions must have a pre-employment drug test with a negative result on file, be a member of a DOT-approved random pool/consortium, and have a written drug and alcohol policy with supervisor training if the company has multiple employees in safety-sensitive positions.

To review DOT regulations, 49 CFR Part 40, please click here.

Q. Does a trucking company with part-time drivers have to comply with DOT drug testing requirements?

Yes, trucking companies or owner-operators with part-time CDL drivers must comply with DOT drug and alcohol requirements. It is a common misconception that individuals who do not drive regularly are exempt from pre-employment drug testing or being part of a DOT-approved random pool/consortium. All CDL drivers authorized to drive must comply with DOT drug and alcohol requirements. Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties.

Q. Does the Department of Transportation (DOT) require a special chain of custody form?

Yes, when conducting a DOT five-panel drug test, a federal chain of custody form must be used by the drug testing collection facility. This form accompanies the specimen to the lab and is sent to the medical review officer (MRO).

Q. If a company is regulated by DOT, can it require a ten-panel test for all DOT safety-sensitive employees?

Yes, an employer regulated by DOT can require a ten-panel test in addition to the DOT five-panel urine test. However, the DOT only recognizes the five-panel urine test. The additional test would be for in-house policy purposes and would not have any effect or consideration by DOT. The additional non-DOT test would require a forensic chain of custody form.