Mobile collection is simpler than most employers expect, but a few decisions made before the visit make the difference between a smooth ten minutes per person and a stalled morning. Here is what to work out in advance.
Know which program each employee is under
The first question we ask is whether the test is DOT-regulated or Non-DOT, because it changes the forms, the methods and the reporting. If you have both kinds of employees, say so; we will bring both sets of paperwork. If you are not sure whether a position is DOT-covered, our DOT vs. Non-DOT explainer walks through it.
Decide the panel and method
For DOT tests the method is fixed: drug tests are currently urine collections analyzed at an HHS-certified laboratory (DOT also authorizes oral fluid, but it is not yet available), and alcohol tests use an approved ASD or EBT for screening with EBT confirmation. For Non-DOT tests you choose. Lab-based urine is the default for most employers; rapid screens add speed; hair adds history; breath or EtG handles alcohol. Write the choice into your policy so it is applied consistently.
Line up the space
We need a private room for the paperwork and, for urine collections, a restroom the collector can secure (blueing the water, removing products from the counter). A conference room, first-aid room, site trailer or supervisor’s office all work. The restroom does not need to be adjacent, just nearby. For breath alcohol and hair collections, a private room is enough.
Have the paperwork and contacts ready
- Your laboratory, Medical Review Officer and, for DOT programs, your consortium or TPA. If you use one of our laboratory relationships, we can supply the chain-of-custody forms.
- The name of the person who should receive results.
- For random programs, the selection list.
- For post-accident tests, the time and a short description of the incident.
Plan the timing
Routine visits (pre-employment groups, random cycles) are easiest to schedule a few days out, ideally around a shift change or orientation session. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion collections should be called in immediately; the dispatch line is staffed 24/7/365 and we will give you an honest arrival estimate. After-hours, weekend and holiday visits carry an additional charge, quoted before dispatch.
Tell employees what to expect
Employees are calmer when they know the process. Tell them who will arrive (a collector in plain attire, unmarked vehicle), that they will need photo ID, that the collection takes a few minutes, and that the specimen is sealed in front of them. For random programs, do not announce the date; that defeats the purpose.
What happens after
Breath alcohol results are documented on-site and reported the same day. Laboratory specimens are shipped the same day and results come back through your MRO or designated contact, typically within a few business days of receipt. Rapid screens give a preliminary result at the collection; any non-negative should be confirmed by the laboratory before a decision is made.
Ready to schedule? Send a request with your location, program and head count, or call 1-800-539-4934.