DOT drug and alcohol testing programs apply to commercial drivers and other transportation workers covered by federal safety-sensitive testing rules. Testing is separate from the DOT physical: the physical evaluates medical fitness to drive, while drug and alcohol tests check for prohibited substance use under federal rules. Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre offers DOT drug testing, DOT breath alcohol testing (BAT), and DOT physicals in St. Peters, so drivers and employers can coordinate these separate services in one location.
Drivers and employers often confuse the testing, and the confusion costs time. This page explains what DOT drug and BAT testing covers, when it is required, how the process works, and what employers need from a testing provider.
What is DOT drug and alcohol testing?
DOT drug and alcohol screening programs are required under federal transportation regulations for employees in safety-sensitive roles, including commercial drivers who hold a CDL. The program sets which substances are tested, when testing is required, how specimens are collected, and how results are reviewed.
DOT tests follow federal procedures. Drug specimen collection uses documented custody and control, certified laboratory testing, and review by a medical review officer (MRO). Breath alcohol testing uses approved equipment and separate documentation, with results available during the visit. Alcohol results do not go through the laboratory and MRO review used for drug tests.
Is DOT drug testing part of the DOT physical?
No. DOT drug and breath alcohol tests are separate from the DOT physical. The physical includes urinalysis to check indicators such as glucose and protein; that urinalysis is not a drug test. For a DOT urine drug test, the collector checks the sample temperature, seals and documents the specimen, and sends it to a certified laboratory. An MRO reviews the laboratory result before it is reported through the employer’s testing program.
A driver can be scheduled for both on the same visit, which is convenient, but passing one has nothing to do with passing the other. If your employer has asked for a “DOT urine test,” ask which one they mean. Our DOT physical examinations page covers the medical side.
When is DOT drug and breath alcohol testing required?
Federal rules require testing at specific points in a driver’s employment:
- Pre-employment – a negative drug test is generally required before a covered driver begins safety-sensitive duties. Under FMCSA rules, pre-employment alcohol testing is optional and must meet federal requirements when an employer uses it.
- Random – unannounced testing throughout the year, selected from the employer’s pool
- Post-accident – after certain crashes, within strict time limits
- Reasonable suspicion – when a trained supervisor observes signs of use
- Return-to-duty – before a driver resumes work after a violation
- Follow-up – a schedule of additional tests after return to duty
Employers are responsible for maintaining the program, including random selection. Owner-operators must belong to a consortium that manages random testing on their behalf. Ask how your company can sign up with our consortium by emailing crosbychiropractic@gmail.com
What does a DOT drug test check for?
DOT drug tests screen for a defined set of substances set by federal regulation, which includes marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP. The list is set at the federal level, not by the employer or the testing site.
A common question that drivers ask in states where marijuana is legal would be “does a state medical marijuana card create an exception?”. A state medical marijuana card does not get a federal exemption. Marijuana remains prohibited for commercial drivers under federal rules regardless of state law, and a positive result is handled the same way. If this affects you, talk with your employer before you are scheduled.
How does the testing process work?
You arrive with photo ID and, where applicable, your employer’s authorization or chain-of-custody paperwork. The collector follows a standardized process to verify your identity, collect the specimen, and seal and document it so the result can be traced from collection to lab.
For drug testing, the specimen goes to a certified laboratory and an MRO reviews the result, including any legitimate medical explanation when required. Reporting time depends on laboratory processing and whether additional review is needed. Verified results are reported to the employer’s designated representative.
For breath alcohol testing, a trained technician uses approved equipment and shows you the result during the appointment. A screening result that requires confirmation is handled according to DOT procedures. Alcohol testing uses its own form and reporting process.
What do employers need from a testing provider?
Employers need a provider that follows federal collection procedures exactly, because a procedural error can invalidate a test. They also need reliable scheduling, clear paperwork, and results that reach the right person quickly.
Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre works with local employers and fleets on DOT testing and DOT physicals, and we can coordinate both for a driver in one visit. Use our DOT checklist to prepare a driver for the appointment. For employer accounts or questions about setting up testing, call (636) 928-5588.
DOT drug testing in St. Peters, MO
Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre has served St. Peters and St. Charles County since 1995, and we have handled DOT physicals for commercial drivers with a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry for years. Drug and alcohol testing is offered alongside, so drivers from O’Fallon, St. Charles, Dardenne Prairie, Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and across the St. Louis metro can get both done locally.
We are located at 331 Jungermann Road. Call (636) 928-5588 or request an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions about DOT testing
Do I need an appointment for a DOT drug test?
Call ahead to confirm availability and the paperwork needed. For a post-accident or reasonable-suspicion test, contact your employer and our office immediately because federal time limits may apply. Do not wait for a routine appointment if time-sensitive testing is required. Bring photo ID and your employer’s instructions.
Can I take a DOT drug test and a DOT physical on the same day?
Yes, and many drivers do. They are separate processes with separate paperwork, but both can be completed in one visit. Let us know when you schedule so both are set up.
What happens if a DOT drug test is positive?
An MRO reviews a laboratory-confirmed positive drug result before verifying it, including checking for a legitimate medical explanation where appropriate. A verified positive requires removal from safety-sensitive duties. A DOT-qualified substance abuse professional guides the required evaluation and return-to-duty process; completing that process does not guarantee re-employment.
Does a medical marijuana card change the result?
No. Marijuana remains prohibited for commercial drivers under federal rules, and a state card does not create an exception. A positive result is treated the same way regardless of state law.
How long do results take?
Drug-test timing depends on the laboratory and MRO review; ask when your employer can expect the verified result. Breath alcohol results are available during the visit, with confirmation performed when required. Drug and alcohol results follow separate reporting procedures.
Do you work with employers and fleets?
Yes. We work with local employers on DOT testing and DOT physicals, and we can coordinate both for your drivers. Call us at (636)928-5588 or email crosbychiropractic@gmail.com to discuss setting up an account.
