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Family-owned NJ C/TPA running testing programs for hundreds of clients and ~15K people.

PSI Prevention Specialists
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Explainer

How Random Drug Testing Programs Work

Selections, rates, notification, and documentation: the mechanics of a random program, explained for the employer running one.

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  • 49 CFR 382.305

35+

Years in New Jersey

Hundreds

Of clients

~15K

Safety-sensitive workers covered

21

NJ counties served

99%

Year-over-year retention

A random program is a machine with four moving parts: a pool that contains the right people and only the right people, selections that are scientifically random, unannounced, and spread reasonably throughout the calendar year, notifications that send the selected employee to collection immediately, and records that prove all of it happened (49 CFR 382.305). This guide walks each part, what the federal rates mean, and where programs typically break down: stale pool rosters, non-covered staff pooled with covered drivers, clustered selections, and gaps in the paper trail.

The short version

  • Keep the pool roster current: departures and new hires change it every month, and only covered employees belong in the DOT pool (49 CFR 382.305(j))
  • Selections must be unannounced and spread reasonably throughout the calendar year (49 CFR 382.305(k))
  • Once notified, the employee proceeds to the collection site immediately (49 CFR 382.305(l))
  • Random alcohol tests happen only just before, during, or just after safety-sensitive work (49 CFR 382.305(m))
  • Keep every selection list and every completed collection on file for the periods 49 CFR 382.401 sets

Related services

Random Pool / ConsortiumOn-Site Collection

Resources

DOT vs. Non-DOT Drug TestingDOT Audit Readiness Checklist

More about PSI

Who we are and how the program runs

The right program starts with a short conversation.

We strive to offer the best service and the best value. A short call lets us develop your program with you and shows you how we will support you.

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Schedule a callCall 732-869-2900