Question 1

Do I need your services of drug testing?

Accepted Answer

If you have employees that work for you, drug testing is always the safest solution to ensuring you, as an employer, are creating a safe work environment for everyone. If you are federally mandated to be test; it is necessary per federal regulations.

Question 2

You're a small business; what if I need your services in a bigger service area?

Accepted Answer

I am partnered with many different labs and organizations so that if I cannot perform the test myself, I will find you someone who can wherever you need the test done.  If you prefer, on-site, I will find you one.  That is my promise to you!

Question 3

Am I going to be saving money if I switch to you?

Accepted Answer

I cannot promise you anything because every situation is different but I do make it my business to ensure you get the best and trust-worthy service possible at a reasonable cost.  I always tell my clients; I am not here to make a quick buck off of you; I am here to collaborate with you and come up with the most efficient solution to ensure your workers are safe.

Question 4

Why don't you list your prices on your website?

Accepted Answer

When I meet with my clients; no two businesses are the same so we come up with what they need and how often they will need me and we negotiate prices we are both comfortable with.  Again, I am not here to make a profit from you; I am here to ensure safety.

Question 5

What makes you an expert in your field?

Accepted Answer

Since I was a little girl I was passionate about owning my own one day; I took steps throughout my childhood and adulthood that always extended my knowledge if different fields.  I worked in many different companies, including the military, that helped me hone in on safety in the work environment.  I also went to school for Business and studied and worked in and with human resources to expand my knowledge in policies.  Working alongside my father in his trucking company got me involved in learning all the federal divisions of mandated testing where I started testing in those industries as I gain more knowledge in them.

Question 6

I need a test NOW - what should I do?

Accepted Answer

I offer doing emergency tests but please know that there is a fee that comes along with that.  It is best to schedule an appointment during business hours to avoid those additional costs.

Question 7

What kind of drugs do you test for?

Accepted Answer

We work with many labs and partners to provide what you are looking for; if there is something specific you need, we can usually find it.  Our most popular panels are 5 and 10 panels.  We can test for the following: Amphetamine, Barbiturates, Buprenorphine, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Methadone Metabolite, Ethyl glucuronide, Fentanyl, Synthetic Cannabis, Ecstasy, Methamphetamine, Morphine/Opiates, Morphine, Methadone, Opiates, Oxycodone, Phencyclidine, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Cannabis, Tramadol, etc.

Question 8

What if I am an individual/parent wanting to get a test for myself/child?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to be an employer to work with me.  If you want to purchase a test from me I can supply you with one.  I will even conduct a lab-based test for you as well.  Please note that I will not come into your home and if you want your child tested you need to be present when I conduct the testing.

Question 9

Can you do multiple tests at once for large groups of people?

Accepted Answer

Yes I can and have on many occasions.  I have done over 400 tests in one day when I worked with the pipeline and it was a smooth process and that was back before everything was electronic.  I can do it myself or if I know in advance, and you prefer, I can work with my previous company to get other testers on-site for the day.  The nice thing with the mobile unit is they all don't have to wait around.  They can all keep working until I call them in when I am ready for them.  I also can show up on-site to your job fairs and tests your potential employees in my mobile unit.

Question 10

Are your tests admissible for legal purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we follow proper procedures and chains of custody and work with trusted labs to provide the best validity there is for court procedures.  Only lab-based tests that are reviewed by an MRO are admissible.

Question 11

What is the difference between DOT and non-DOT?

Accepted Answer

DOT testing is federally mandated by the Department of Transportation for safety-sensitive employees who work in the transportation sector such as Motor Carriers, Railway, Aviation, Transit, Pipeline and Hazardous Material, and United Coast Guards.  They are required to be tested to maintain their compliance.

Question 12

Can I test my employee if I don't have a policy in place?

Accepted Answer

No you should not; but I am able and willing to meet with you to setup and implement a drug and alcohol policy so that you can go forward in promoting a healthier work place and have the ability to test your employees without any litigation.

Question 13

What if I think my employee is under the influence on the job?

Accepted Answer

Well I hope you have a drug and alcohol policy in place and depending on the verbiage you may or may NOT be able to have them tested.  We also offer reasonable suspicion training so your supervisors, managers, and HR personnel can be trained up in noticing if someone is using on the job; we teach them the proper procedure according to your policy on how to legally carry out the actions that need to be taken and getting them tested.

Question 14

How do I know if I need a DOT test or not?

Accepted Answer

Follow this link to find out. (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/am-i-covered#no-back)

Question 15

I'm an owner operator, can I be added to a larger random selection pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can!  In fact, I offer my clients the option to have their own company pools or if they'd like to be added to larger pools when it comes to DOT and non-DOT.  We have the capability to create many random selections within our system at once; you tell me the parameters and they will be set.  Remember, if you are DOT the standards are set per federal regulations.

Question 16

How long can drugs be detected in a person's system?

Accepted Answer

This is not a specific science because each person's body metabolizes differently and it depends on the drug/alcohol that they are consuming.  It also depends on the type of test you are utilizing; a hair test can detect as far back as 90 days after use.

Question 17

I want someone to have a hair test done but they shave their head; now what?

Accepted Answer

There are other areas of the body we can procure hair to be tested such as the chest, underarm, leg, or face.

Question 18

As an employer; why should I drug test my employees?

Accepted Answer

Drug abuse is on the rise and being close to the Illinois border we have different laws on marijuana use.  You as an employer may not want your workers under the influence because it alters their state of mind and produces a lack of productivity, higher absence, and high risk for potential accidents and injuries on the job.  Many insurance companies will lower your costs having a drug and alcohol policy in place because your liability probability decreases by enforcing a drug-free workplace.

Question 19

What if I take prescription medication; do I need to tell you or bring them?

Accepted Answer

No!  Please leave your prescriptions at home and do not infringe your rights; I do not need to know what you are prescribed.  I will just remind you that after the test is conducted you can write them on the back of your copy you receive from me in case you get questioned by the MRO, you can recall what you had taken.

Question 20

How will I get my test results?

Accepted Answer

If you are a one-time client I will get them to you as soon as I receive them from the lab.  If you are a contracted client you will have a portal set-up for you to receive and track all your tests I conduct on your behalf.

Question 21

How far back does a lab-based urine screen detect drugs?

Accepted Answer

Typically detects the previous 24-72 hours of use.

Question 22

Do you watch people pee?

Accepted Answer

This is only necessary in certain and rare circumstances.  But please know that men will only be witnessed by a man and women will only be watched by a woman.

Question 23

What is a DER?

Accepted Answer

A DER is a "Designated Employer Representative."  This person is the person who is responsible for working with me to make decisions when it comes to the testing procedures. They are the ones who are authorized to remove employees from safety-sensitive duties and are allowed to receive test results.

Question 24

What is a MRO?

Accepted Answer

A MRO is a "Medical Review Officer." They are a licensed physician who is responsible for receiving and reviewing the results of the drug tests from the lab to interpret whether they are negative or positive.

Question 25

Which states is marijuana fully legalized?

Accepted Answer

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington.

Wisdom brings strength, and knowledge gives power.

Knowledge & Wisdom is Key