Design a drug testing program that fits your workforce
Which situations trigger a test, which panel each one uses, whether THC is included, and how alcohol is handled. Four decisions, explained, with a draft you can send to us.
Watch: your testing options, explainedPanels, THC, alcohol, and results in 2 minutesTesting options
What each panel screens for
Every panel shares a core of methamphetamine, opiates, cocaine, and PCP. Larger panels add amphetamines, prescription sedatives, oxycodone, and methadone.
Select a panel to see its coverage. THC can be removed from any of them.
Draft your protocol
Pick a panel for each reason
A starting point, not a policy. Send it to us and we will review it against your job classes and any DOT headcount.
Pre-employment
Random
Post-accident
Reasonable suspicion
Return to duty / follow-up
Ready to send someone in?
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Reasons for test
Five situations, each with its own rule
1 of 5
Pre-employment
After a conditional offer, before the first shift. The most common test and the one most employers run THC-free.
2 of 5
Random
Unannounced selection from a pool at a set annual rate. Deterrence for safety-sensitive roles.
3 of 5
Post-accident
After an injury, property damage, or near miss. Needs to happen quickly; on-site collection available.
4 of 5
Reasonable suspicion
A trained supervisor documents specific, observable behavior. Usually the most comprehensive panel.
5 of 5
Return to duty / follow-up
After a positive or a treatment program, before and after resuming work. Often on a schedule.
THC policy
The decision most Colorado employers rethink
A urine screen detects the THC metabolite, which is stored in fat tissue and released slowly. It shows that someone used marijuana at some point, not that they are impaired at work.
That is why many employers drop THC from hiring tests and keep it for safety-sensitive roles and incidents. DOT drivers are the exception: THC is always required.
How long THC stays detectable
Ranges are typical, not guaranteed. Body composition, dose, and frequency all change the window.
Alcohol and results
Same-day negatives, verified positives
A non-negative rapid screen is never reported as a positive until a certified lab confirms it and the MRO has spoken with the employee.
Collection
ID check, chain-of-custody form, observed seal. Breath alcohol result is final on the spot.
Rapid screen
Instant cup read in clinic. Every substance negative: reported to your contact today.
Lab confirmation
Specimen sent to a certified third-party lab for confirmation testing.
MRO review
Medical Review Officer contacts the employee about prescriptions, then verifies the result to you.
- Negative
- Same day. No further action.
- Non-negative, pending
- Not a positive. Await lab and MRO.
- Verified positive
- Substance class only. Your policy sets the consequence.
- Refusal
- Leaving mid-collection, tampering, or no-show. Treated as positive under most policies.
If you have regulated drivers
DOT testing follows federal rules, not yours
Employees in DOT-regulated positions are tested under 49 CFR Part 40. Everyone else follows the protocol you set. Most employers with a mixed workforce run both.
For employers
Not sure what to test for? Start with a conversation
We help Colorado employers balance a safe workplace with access to workers. Bring your policy draft or start from ours; a protocol conversation takes about 30 minutes.
Common questions
Drug testing protocols, answered
Answers from our account team and MRO. General information, not medical or legal advice.
Should we include THC?
It depends on your roles and applicant pool. THC can be detectable for weeks to months after use, so a positive does not indicate impairment at work. Many Colorado employers exclude it from hiring tests and include it for safety-sensitive roles and post-accident tests. DOT drivers must be tested for THC.
Can different reasons use different panels?
Yes. That is the most common setup: a smaller panel for pre-employment and a comprehensive 10-panel with breath alcohol for post-accident and reasonable-suspicion tests. We store the mapping under your account so the clinic runs the right one automatically.
What is the difference between a rapid screen and a lab test?
A rapid screen is read in clinic and delivers negatives the same day. Anything non-negative is confirmed at a certified lab and reviewed by an MRO before it is reported, which takes 3–10 business days. DOT tests skip the rapid step and go straight to the lab.
Can you collect on-site after an incident?
Yes. Post-incident on-site collection is available for employer accounts, including breath alcohol.
Do we have to have a written policy?
Colorado does not mandate one for private non-DOT employers, but a written policy protects you in disputes and is required by many insurers and contracts. We can share a starting template. General information, not legal advice.