Advantages of Substance Abuse Testing with OPENonline:

• Comprehensive testing options, including both 5 and 10 panel drug and alcohol tests
• Add on tests for the popular street drug ecstasy and/or adulterants that are often used to try and hide illegal drugs
• MRO Services included at minimal extra expense
• DOT & Non-DOT services available
• Testing conducted through SAMHSA certified laboratories
• Comprehensive selection of collection sites; easily found by state and zip code
• Easy online ordering
• Fast web-based results
• Simple, easy-to-read reports with color coded results
• Consolidated invoicing with other background check services

Key Features

• Easy sign up
• Simple and quick online ordering
• Secure, online results
• Fast turnaround (24 hrs or less for normal test; approximately 48-72 for abnormal; MRO Review may delay results)
• Seamless integration with Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services for fast initiation of verification process
• Billing integrated with your regular OPENonline invoice

How it works

1. Sign Up
   After establishing your drug screening policies, simply complete the Workplace Drug and Alcohol Screening Customer Application to get started. To include MRO Services, an MRO Review Service Account Form is also required. Once your application is processed, you will be notified that you may begin placing drug screening orders.
2. Order Custody and Control Forms (also called Chain of Custody Form)
   For each drug screening, a Custody and Control Form (click here to view a sample), or CCF, must be completed. The form requires entry of the subject's name, SSN, reason for test, and selection of drug screen to be performed. This form accompanies your applicant or employee to the collection site. Forms can be ordered from the OPENonline drug screening main menu.
3. Find Patient Service Center/Collection Site
   Find the most convenient Patient Service Center using the Collection Site Locator. Give the location information to test subject so they may make their appointment.
4. Enter Drug Screening Order
   Before giving the Custody and Control Form to the test subject, log on to OPENonline.com and select Workplace Drug & Alcohol Screening from the menu. Select 'New Order', complete all required fields and electronically submit your order via our secure website.
5. Order Processing
   After your applicant or employee has visited the collection site, the drug screen process will commence. Once the test results are completed by the laboratory, they are securely sent to OPENonline. If you have elected to include MRO services, the laboratory results will be forwarded automatically to the MRO for review. Once the MRO review is complete, results are securely sent to OPENonline.
6. Review Results Online
   You will receive an email when test results are ready. To review results, log on to OPENonline.com and select Drug Screening Services, then 'Order Status'.

Laboratory Services

OPENonline processes all urine samples through laboratories owned and operated by Quest Diagnostics. All of the laboratories are certified by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is one of the largest providers of drug testing services in the country and is recognized for the quality of their service.

SAMHSA-Certified Labs
All Quest Diagnostics Labs are fully accredited and certified by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration). SAMHSA is the department of the Federal Government that regulates and certifies laboratories currently processing DOT specimens. Laboratories with the SAMHSA certification are also available to test Non-DOT samples. These laboratories confirm all positive drug screen samples by GC/MS testing.

GC/MS Confirmation
GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) testing is considered to be the most definitive method for confirming the presence of a detected substance in urine. GC/MS is utilized to confirm test results that indicate any level of a controlled substance. When a laboratory suspects adulterants, dilution, or other sample abnormality, GC/MS will identify the exact chemicals compounds present in suspicious samples.

Facts about Substance Abuse

• According to the Department of Health and Human Services, almost 76.4 percent of all adult illicit drug users are employed.
• According to the Department of Labor, the annual cost to American employers of on-the-job substance abuse is estimated to be one hundred billion dollars.
• Studies done by the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace report that employees who test positive for drugs were 60 percent more likely to be responsible for plant accidents, use a third more sick leave, and have many more unexcused absences.
• U.S. Dept. of Labor reports:
  • Up to 40 percent of industrial fatalities and 47 percent of industrial injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism.
  • Of callers to the National Cocaine Helpline, 75 percent admit to having used drugs on the job, 64 percent report that drugs have adversely affected their job performance, 44 percent say they have sold drugs to fellow employees and 18 percent say they have stolen from coworkers to support their drug habit.

Key Benefits of Drug Screening

• Drug and alcohol-free employees have fewer accidents and make fewer errors.
• Screening out substance abusers helps employers control the costs of excessive absenteeism and improve productivity.
• Drug and alcohol testing programs can reduce liabilities with customers and fellow employees.
• Removing drug abusers can reduce the number of staff conflicts and workplace violence.
• Eliminating substance abusers can reduce the costs associated with higher health care benefit usage and workers' compensation claims.
• Serves as a deterrent to continued use of an illicit substance.

Risks of Not Using Drug Screening in the Workplace

Hiring an employee with a drug problem can result in

• higher turnover
• increased training costs
• reduced productivity
• increased workplace errors
• accidents and fatalities
• potentially costly lawsuits

Standard 5 and 10 Panel Urine Testing
One of the most common screening methods, urine testing is an accurate and reliable way to detect casual drug use that occurred within the last 72 hours. Testing is performed at one of the six SAMHSA-certified laboratories located across the United States.

Presently, urine is the only specimen collected for federally regulated Workplace Drug Testing Programs and for most private sector programs. Urine drug testing in the Federally-regulated workplace is currently recognized as the standard because of its proven accuracy, reliability, and fairness.

In addition to the Federally-mandated (SAMHSA/DOT) 5-drug panel, OPENonline offers a variety of test panels:

• 5 or 10 Panel Tests with NIT/Adulteration Testing
  Adding adulteration testing ensures the integrity of your urine drug test by identifying adulterants that may be added to hide drug use. All "invalid results" are tested twice automatically to ensure accuracy. Specimens suspected of containing certain prescription and non-prescription drugs that may interfere with analysis during the initial enzyme immunoassay screen are automatically tested again using an alternate methodology.
• 5 or 10 Panel Tests with Ecstasy and NIT/Adulteration Testing
  Along with testing for adulterants, you can also add a test for the popular street drug Ecstasy to your standard drug panel.
• 5 or 10 Panel Tests with Alcohol Testing
  For a more complete substance abuse screen, include alcohol testing with your 5 or 10 panel drug screen.

Department of Transportation Testing
The Department of Transportation is an operating administration of the United States administering regulations requiring alcohol and/or drug testing in accordance with 49CFR Part 40 of the federal regulations.

A DOT drug screen is a screen that tests a specimen for five drugs (Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Cocaine). A DOT-approved chain of custody form is used during the collection process and the sample is collected and forwarded to the MRO for review. Following the MRO's review, results are reported to OPENonline for posting.

Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services
OPENonline provides the ability to include MRO services with any type of drug screening. MRO services are comprised of a network of licensed physicians that provide independent evaluation and interpretation of test results. Our Internet-based reporting tool allows the MRO to receive results directly from collection site and release them to you quickly after review. If you elect to include MRO services, they will be included with all drug screens.

Turnaround Times
Normal results are usually reported within 24 hours. MRO reviewed and abnormal test results are usually reported within 48 to 72 hours. If MRO must contact donor, results may be delayed.

How do I get more information on test sites and locations?
OPENonline is dedicated to providing your company with unparalleled access to a combined nationwide network of over 7,000 collection sites. Two network options are designed to better meet your needs: the Quest Diagnostics Network Labs and the Extended Third-Party Collection Network Labs.

Our combined nationwide network of full-service collection sites features two options for comprehensive specimen collection for lab-based and instant testing:

1. Quest Diagnostics Collection-Site Network
   • Quest Labs: Quest Diagnostics Network Labs consists of over 1,000 Quest Diagnostics-owned Patient Service Centers (PSCs) in the U.S. Fees for in-network collection services are included in our drug screening prices.
   • Preferred Third-Party Network Labs: Additionally, over 600+ Preferred Third-Party Collection-Site Locations are available. Quest Diagnostics contracts with these preferred sites to provide collection services to our clients who are not located near a Quest Diagnostics PSC. Fees for preferred third party collection services are included in our drug screening prices.
2. Extended Third-Party Network Labs
   • If you are unable to find a convenient site within the Quest Diagnostics Collection-Site Network, the Extended Network includes over 6,000 third-party partner collection sites to provide you with quality drug-screen collections, identical to those offered with the Network. Third party collection service charges are not included in our drug screening prices and will appear on your monthly OPENonline invoice.

Finding Collection Sites
Our Collection Site Locator will help you find the Patient Service Centers most convenient for your subject. You will also find more information for the chosen Patient Service Centers, such as hours of operation and phone numbers. You can also get assistance with locating a collection site by calling 1-800-366-0106.

Donor Scheduling
Employees or applicants that need to schedule an appointment can easily do so by calling the chosen laboratory. Some collection sites offer extended hours, including the accommodation of evening appointments if needed.
back to top

What's so important about keeping drug abuse out of the workplace?
Hiring an employee with a drug problem can result in higher turnover, increased training costs, reduced productivity, increased workplace errors, accidents and fatalities and potentially costly lawsuits.

back to top

What are the most common drugs of abuse and what are their effects?
Please review our Common Drugs of Abuse Quick Reference Guide for more information.
back to top

What are the time limits on detection?
The detection window for urine based testing is 72 hours. For more information, please see our Common Drugs of Abuse Quick Reference Guide.
back to top

How do I order drug screens?
It's simple. You log on to OPENonline and select Workplace Drug and Alcohol Screening from the menu. Select Enter new order and after completing required fields, simply submit your order via our secure website.
back to top

How do I receive results?
Results are available via our secure website. You will receive an email when your test results are ready for review.
back to top

Can everyone at my company order screens and receive results?
The individual designated as your account administrator will identify who is authorized to order and review results.
back to top

What is required to order a drug test?

1. A Custody and Control Form
2. The employee or applicant's name and social security number.

back to top

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act apply to Drug Screening?
Yes, so you should specifically state drug screening on your pre-employment release as one of the elements that may be investigated as part of a background check. You will need a specific disclosure and authorization form for each employee or candidate.
back to top

Does OPENonline offer Drug Screening training classes?
Yes, free classes are offered by Customer Support several times a week. Visit the Training page for more information.
back to top

What if I need assistance?
Customer Support is available to assist you and answer any questions you may have about drug screening. Call 800-366-0106 or send an email to customersupport@openonline.com.
back to top

Importance of Policies

When starting a drug screening program, a new set of legal issues must be considered. Drug screening programs have been targets of lawsuits, based on challenges to privacy rights, discrimination and due process. Properly implemented programs, however, can improve workplace safety, increase productivity, reduce costs, and reduce risks for your company in many areas. It is important that employers have the information they need to launch a drug screening program without fear of legal obstacles.

As you develop your workplace drug screening policies or review your existing policies, keep in mind the following:

• Put it in writing. Drug and Substance Abuse Policies should be written, circulated, reviewed and acknowledged in writing by employees.
• Treat employees with consistency. Do not single out any one employee or class of employees.
• If employees test positively, treat them all the same. Do not give anyone in your company immunity or assume they are not susceptible to abuse.
• Make sure you have witnesses when confronting employees in substance abuse matters.
• Offer rehabilitation as a matter of policy to all employees as needed.
• Become familiar with the recommendations published by the DEA for a Drug Free Workplace.
• If your workforce is represented by a union, you will need to work with the union representatives before you start drug screenings. A drug screening policy must be incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement.
• Keep in mind that drug screenings are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, so you should specifically state drug screening on your pre-employment release as one of the elements that may be investigated as part of a background check. You will need a specific disclosure and authorization form for each employee or candidate.

Policy Development Assistance

There is no substitute for consultation with an attorney experienced with labor and employment matters in your state before implementing a Drug-Free Workplace program. However, there may be several other sources of guidance developed with the advice of attorneys specifically for employers implementing Drug-Free Workplace programs. Coalitions of community and business leaders have been created in some states and in many towns and cities to help employers address substance abuse, comply with applicable laws, and provide supervisor training and employee education and access to assistance.

Sample Policy: Sample policy from the Society for Human Resource Management

Federal Drug Free Workplace Requirements

The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 applies to all federal contractors or federal grant recipients with contracts in excess of $25,000. The Act requires a written policy statement that prohibits the manufacture, possession, distribution and consumption of controlled substances at the workplace. The Act includes provisions for pre-employment certification that the employee will not use drugs in the workplace and drug prevention training during orientation.

The link below helps employers determine coverage and requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988: Drug-Free Workplace Advisor-Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

FAQs about the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988: Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A complete copy of the Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs can be found here.

When to Test

• Pre-Employment/Post Offer: Employers who conduct pre-employment tests make offers of employment contingent on a negative drug test result. Pre-employment tests clearly decrease the chance of hiring a current substance abuser and they also may discourage current users from seeking employment in organizations where pre-employment tests are conducted.
• Reasonable Suspicion / "For Cause": Employers who test on the basis of a reasonable suspicion that an employee is abusing substances typically rely on such evidence as direct observation of use or possession, physical symptoms, patterns of erratic behavior, or arrests or convictions for drug-related offenses.
• Post-Accident/Incident: Employers who test following an accident or incident on the job usually develop criteria that establish the reasonableness of the suspicion that an employee's substance use caused or contributed to the accident. When appropriate, employees involved in accidents may be asked to take a drug test after an incident to determine if substance use was a factor. Even if the accident does not appear to be drug or alcohol-related, these tests may be necessary for legal or insurance purposes.
• Random: Most employers confine random tests to employees occupying positions of safety or security sensitivity. Random tests provide a deterrent to substance use and abuse because individuals have no way of knowing when testing will be conducted or whether they will be selected for testing.
• Return-to-Work: Employees returning to work following treatment for substance abuse are often subject to a return to work agreement that calls for follow-up testing at specified or random intervals to ensure that the employee is continuing to abstain from substance abuse.

Selecting the Right Test

OPENonline offers both 5-panel and 10-panel urine-based tests. The 5-panel tests screens for Amphetamines, Cocaine metabolite, Marijuana metabolite, Opiates and Phencyclidine. The 10-panel test not only screens for those substances, but also Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Methaqualone and Propoxyphene.

Role of Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services

An MRO performs 3 major functions:

• Receives reports from the laboratory
• Reviews lab reports for integrity, authenticity and detail
• Interprets lab results, including verification of lab positives

The MRO serves as an advocate and helps protect both the rights of the employee being tested and the employer requiring the testing. Medical Review Officers perform the critical task of reviewing the key steps of the drug testing process to ensure that it was followed to the letter, that there have been no attempts to compromise the integrity of the test, and then provide review of test results. This important service ensures that an applicant or employee is not unfairly affected by the test. During the MRO review it may be necessary for them to contact and speak directly with the donor to verify any types of medication the donor has taken. The employer will not be notified if this occurs and will only be notified when a test result is available.

MRO qualifications require that the MRO is licensed as a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) in any one state. The MRO must have knowledge of substance abuse disorders plus clinical experience. The MRO must pass a certification test by a nationally recognized MRO certification board (e.g., ASAM, MROCC, AAMRO) and complete a mandated training curriculum.

Drug Screening Terms

Chain of Custody:
Chain of Custody is the term that refers to the process of ensuring proper specimen identification and handling from collection to the receipt of laboratory results. This protocol helps to ensure the specimen belongs to the individual indicated on the specimen bottle, that no tampering has taken place, and that the specimen was handled in a secure manner.

Collection Site (Patient Service Center):
A facility where donors (applicants/employees) provide body fluid(s) to be analyzed for specified controlled substances.

D.O.T. Drug Screen:
A D.O.T. drug screen is a screen that for five drugs (Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Cocaine) A D.O.T. chain of custody form is used.

GC/MS (Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry):
GC/MS testing is the most definitive method for confirming the presence of substances in urine. GC/MS is used to confirm results that indicate any level of a controlled substance. When a laboratory suspects sample abnormality, GC/MS will identify the exact chemicals present.

MRO
MRO stands for Medical Review Officer. An MRO is a licensed M.D. with a history of substance abuse diagnostic work. The MRO serves as an advocate and helps protect both the rights of the employee being tested and the employer requiring the testing.

SAMHSA:
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (formerly NIDA, National Institute of Drug Abuse) is the department of the Federal Government that regulates and certifies laboratories currently processing DOT specimens. Laboratories with the SAMHSA certification are also available to test Non-DOT samples. These laboratories confirm all positive drug screen samples by GC/MS testing.

Helpful Resources

• Making Your Workplace Drug Free: A Kit for Employers
• U.S. Dept. of Justice Guidelines for a Drug-Free Workforce