A DOT drug test cannot be completed online. 49 CFR 40.3 defines a collection site as a place selected by the employer where employees present themselves to provide a specimen for a drug test, and defines a collector as a person who instructs and assists employees at a collection site, receives and inspects the specimen, and completes the federal Custody and Control Form. Under 49 CFR 40.210, instant tests and point-of-collection tests are not authorized, so the specimen goes to an HHS-certified laboratory.
A DOT alcohol test also takes place in person. 40.3 defines a breath alcohol technician (BAT) as a person who instructs and assists employees and operates an evidential breath testing device, and a screening test technician (STT) as a person who operates an alcohol screening device. Under 49 CFR 40.277, only saliva or breath screening tests and breath confirmation tests with approved devices are allowed.
Some parts of the DOT process can be remote. Under 49 CFR 40.291, a substance abuse professional (SAP) may perform the initial evaluation and the follow-up evaluation face to face in person or remotely, if the technology allows real-time audio and visual interaction and meets the quality and security criteria in the rule.
Online drug and alcohol courses or evaluations offered for non-DOT purposes are not DOT tests. Collection sites and SAPs are listed in the MyDrugTesting.com directory and can be searched by location and service.
Sources: 49 CFR 40.3, 49 CFR 40.210, 49 CFR 40.277, 49 CFR 40.291
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