Medical Review

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Medical Review

In DOT drug testing, the Medical Review Officer (MRO) is subject to extensive education, training, testing, and certification requirements and must comply with very strict regulations in conducting the medical interview and reporting the results to the employer.  Nevertheless, even on the “level playing field” of DOT drug testing, not all MROs are created equal.  Ours is “more equal”. 

Drug Screens Plus believes that this vital component of your drug testing program is so important that just being qualified just isn’t enough.  Therefore we work with one of the most qualified MROs in the country; with experience dating back to the early days of DOT regulated testing.  In addition to the required MRO credentials, Dr. John Budnick is a board-certified Addictionologist with over 25 years experience in the clinical evaluation and treatment of substance abuse.  He’s also an Expert Witness in matters of addiction and substance abuse testing.  See Litigation Support.

Doesn’t it make sense to choose your MRO based on the MRO’s qualifications and experience, just the way you would choose your collection site based on the collection site’s qualifications and experience?  If your MRO is the “picture that came with the wallet” when you chose your collection site, this may be a good time to take a look at updating/upgrading your program.  The Cheapest Way to do a drug test is to do it right. 

In unregulated testing, (1) MRO services may not always be provided; (2) may be provided to different standards and following different policies and procedures than for DOT tests; and (3) have NO generally accepted standards for non-DOT test modalities (e.g., hair tests, POCT saliva or urine testing, and other tests you are “free” to use). 

There is certainly a lot more “freedom” in non-DOT testing.  While this freedom can open up some additional options (policies, procedures, testing modalities, etc.); beware, it can also open up some potential (and very real) liabilities.  To discuss options and get assistance in developing a drug and/or alcohol testing program that fits your organization please call Jim Carlyle @ 800-459-9012 ext 787.