Screening Test Technician

Employee | Supervisor | DER | SAP | C-SAPA | BAT | CSP | STT | MRO-C | MRO-A

DOT regulated alcohol tests must be conducted by either a BAT (Breath Alcohol Technician) or an STT (Screening Test Technician).  Either the STT or the BAT may conduct the initial alcohol test; however, only the BAT is allowed to conduct the confirmation test for an initial positive alcohol test. 

An initial (screening) test may be conducted with a non-evidential ASD (Alcohol Screening Device) such as a Saliva ASD or Breath Tube ASD, or with an EBT (Evidential Breath Test).  If the initial test result is a concentration of 0.02 or higher, a confirmation test (using an EBT) must be conducted by a BAT. 

NOTE: Employers with so-called “Zero Tolerance” programs should consider the DOT regulations regulating employer actions following an alcohol test result of less than 0.02; 0.02 – 0.04; and 0.04 or higher.  Generally, levels below 0.02 are considered to be equivalent to a “0.00” level or a “negative” alcohol test because the tests are calibrated only to distinguish alcohol and acetone at the 0.02 level.  Since acetone may be produced by the body, a test result below 0.02 is not indicative of alcohol consumption.

Conversely, employers who fail to take action on alcohol levels below 0.08 or 0.10, because those levels have been cited by state laws (regulating driving under the influence of alcohol) may be called upon to defend themselves against charges of negligence for injuries/deaths connected to test results at or above the level (0.04) considered by DOT to contraindicate performance of safety-sensitive duties.

This is another reason to consider using Model Programs that have been developed in consideration of these and other issues related to alcohol misuse and testing in the context of employment. 

We strongly recommend using DOT-qualified BATs (or at least STTs) and DOT testing standards for all employment-related alcohol testing, whether or not the employer is required to comply with DOT regulations.  These (BAT & STT) qualifications are the only widely accepted standards for employment-related alcohol testing. 

Additional information about alcohol testing can be found in the BAT section