DOT drug testing uses a standardized federal 5-panel. Knowing exactly what is screened helps drivers and employers avoid surprises.
The Five Panels
The DOT 5-panel screens for:
- Marijuana (THC metabolites)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, MDMA)
- Opioids (including codeine, morphine, heroin, and semi-synthetics like oxycodone and hydrocodone)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Federal, Not Optional
For DOT-regulated testing, the panel and cutoff levels are set by federal regulation — an employer cannot add or remove drugs from the DOT panel. Non-DOT (company) testing can use different panels, which is where expanded screens come in.
Cutoffs and Confirmation
A screen that reads above the cutoff is confirmed by a second, more specific lab method before an MRO reviews it. This two-step process keeps false positives extremely low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DOT test include alcohol? No. Alcohol is tested separately with a breath or saliva test, not as part of the 5-panel drug screen.
Can employers test for more drugs than the DOT 5? Not under DOT authority. But employers can run an expanded non-DOT panel for their own company policy.
What about prescription opioids? A valid prescription is reviewed by the MRO, who can verify the result as negative.
Let Test Pro Handle It
Test Pro LLC in Kent, WA helps owner-operators, motor carriers and employers stay compliant across Washington and beyond — drug and alcohol testing, random pools, IFTA, filings and driver files. Call (206) 518-2097 or book an appointment. Questions first? Contact us.