DOT 5 Panel Testing Specifications - dot testing

The DOT testing at HHS-certified laboratories is a 5-panel drug test regimen within DOT and non-DOT drug testing services.  As of January 1, 2018, the ‘Opiates’ category was renamed ‘Opioids’:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opioids
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Under ‘Opioids’, previously ‘Opiates’, DOT testing will continue to include confirmatory testing, when appropriate, for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin).  We added initial and confirmatory testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group.  Some brand names for the semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, Exalgo®.

Under Amphetamines, DOT testing includes confirmatory testing, when appropriate, for Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDMA, and MDA.  To this Amphetamines group, we added initial testing for MDA and removed testing for MDEA. 

Since January 1st, we have required confirmation testing for 14 drugs under a 5‑panel test.  Broken out, here is what DOT drug testing looks like:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines

1. Amphetamine
2. Methamphetamine
3. MDMA
4. MDA

• Opioids

1. Codeine
2. Morphine
3. 6-AM (heroin)
4. Hydrocodone
5. Hydromorphone
6. Oxycodone
7. Oxymorphone

• Phencyclidine (PCP)

For DOT testing, what does this mean for collectors, laboratories, MROs, and employers managing structured employer drug testing programs after January 1st 2018

• Collectors will keep checking the 5-panel box in Step 1 of the CCF. This box is for “THC, COC, PCP, OPI, AMP.”
• Laboratories will:
  • keep reporting to MROs the specific drugs or drug metabolites they confirm as positive. They will also add hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone when confirmed positive.
  • include hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone confirmed positive totals in their semi-annual reports to DOT and employers, as needed, under Opioids.
• MROs will keep reporting to employers the specific drugs or drug metabolites they verify as positive. They will also add hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone when verified positive.
• Employers will continue to report the number of confirmed positive drug test results.  
• They will include this information in each testing category.  
• This will be part of their annual MIS reports. This includes Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opioids, and PCP.