Quick Answer
Random drug testing means employees in a testing pool are selected by a random process and tested without advance notice. It is required for DOT-covered safety-sensitive employees and is an option employers can adopt by policy for other roles.
How Random Testing Works
- The employer defines the testing pool: which employees or roles are covered. DOT-covered employees belong in a DOT pool; other employees can be in a separate non-DOT pool.
- The employer (or its consortium or third-party administrator) selects employees with a truly random method, so every employee in the pool has an equal chance each time.
- Order each selected employee's test in the SaffHire portal and send the employee to a Labcorp facility promptly.
- Results are delivered through the SaffHire portal.
- Keep records of selections and results, and review results under your written policy.
DOT Random Testing
For DOT-covered employees, random testing is mandatory. The responsible DOT agency sets the minimum annual random testing rates, and tests must follow 49 CFR Part 40. See DOT drug testing for the other required test types.
Non-DOT Random Testing
Outside DOT rules, random testing is a company policy decision. State laws on workplace testing vary, including rules on notice, which employees can be tested, and how marijuana results are treated, so review your policy with counsel for each state where you have employees.
Working with SaffHire
SaffHire offers pre-employment, random, post-accident and reasonable-suspicion drug testing, DOT and non-DOT, with instant result options. The employer orders each test through the SaffHire portal, the employee or candidate is tested at a Labcorp facility, and results are delivered to the employer through the SaffHire portal.
SaffHire is Veteran-Owned, headquartered in Frisco, TX and serves employers nationwide, with no setup fees and no minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is random drug testing required?
For DOT-covered safety-sensitive employees, yes. For other employees, random testing is an employer policy choice, subject to state law.
Can DOT and non-DOT employees be in the same random pool?
DOT-covered employees should be in a DOT pool tested under DOT rules. Keep non-DOT employees in a separate pool under your company policy.
Does SaffHire manage the random pool?
No. Your company, or a consortium or third-party administrator you choose, manages the pool and selections. You order each selected employee's test through the SaffHire portal, testing is done at Labcorp, and results come back through the portal.
What other drug tests does SaffHire offer?
SaffHire offers pre-employment, random, post-accident and reasonable-suspicion drug testing, DOT and non-DOT, with instant result options. The employer orders each test through the SaffHire portal, the employee or candidate is tested at a Labcorp facility, and results are delivered to the employer through the SaffHire portal.