Are there such tests as DOT blood alcohol tests in the Department of Transportation, or is this a misnomer?
The Department of Transportation’s Alcohol Testing Protocol
Actually, the discussion of “DOT blood alcohol tests” is a concept arising from misinformation.
More to the point, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established procedures for mandatory alcohol tests that require the employment of a standardized breathalyzer test rather than blood alcohol tests.
Perhaps the main reason why the DOT does not use the more accurate blood alcohol test is that breathalyzer test are far less expensive.
The categories of testing that are allowed by the DOT are the following: random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion.
As a consequence of the above, if your organization or business has mandatory alcohol testing that is based on DOT procedures, and if management tells you to get an alcohol test that is outside the latitude of DOT procedures (such as a blood alcohol test), here’s what you should do.
You should contact your local Employees’ Assistance Representative or your union representative as soon as possible and discuss these issues with him or her.
In a word, if your organization adheres to DOT alcohol testing procedures, you should not be required to take any alcohol test that differs from the Department of Transportation protocol.
Final Thoughts on DOT Alcohol Tests
The issue of DOT blood alcohol tests is a concept arising from misinformation. Stated differently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established procedures for mandatory alcohol testing that necessitate the employment of standardized breathalyzer tests, and not blood alcohol tests.
