What is a non-DOT urine drug test?

A non-DOT urine drug test is a drug test given to an employee in a non Department of Transportation (DOT) industry. Whilst employees of DOT regulated companies must undergo DOT drug testing, non-DOT companies will have a broader range of drug testing options to choose from.

Employers in non-DOT industries may consider urine drug tests for employees in safety sensitive or security sensitive roles. Other reasons to consider non-DOT urine drug tests include whether the business is federally funded, whether it is in the transportation sector, and whether there is an existing drug or alcohol problem in the workforce.

Non-DOT drug testing can include a wider range of substances

A DOT drug test involves a 5-panel test. This tests for cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids and phencyclidine (PCP). With a non-DOT urine drug test, the employer can choose to test for a wider range of drugs. They may opt to screen the employee for the five drugs tested for DOT employees. Or they can choose from a 7 panel, 10 panel, 12 panel or 15 panel test.

Some of the additional substances that can be tested for in a non-DOT urine drug test include:

• Barbiturates
• Methadone
• Benzodiazepines
• Propoxyphene
• Methaqualone
• Hallucinogens
• Prescription painkillers
• Anabolic steroids
• Ecstasy

Non-DOT urine drug tests come with a little more flexibility

DOT companies are always required to undergo DOT drug testing. However they can still establish their own drug testing protocol, which may include non-DOT urine drug tests. These companies must conduct DOT drug testing first and any non-DOT drug testing must be carried out separately to DOT testing.

The process of a non-DOT urine drug test may be faster than a DOT drug test and you could receive the results on the same day as testing. A DOT drug test follows quite a thorough process and it could take a few days for the results to come through.