Alcohol is a common drug that is used all around the world. Unlike other drugs, its use is legal and normalised. Because of this, Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing is a necessary process to check for excessive use. A breathalyser is all that one needs to get an accurate read on someone’s intoxication level. This makes it easy for police to check for drink drivers or operators of public utility vehicles, or workers in the transport industry.

Countless people are able to enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly, however, it still carries risks of injuries and accidents. The dangers of irresponsible alcohol use can be deadly. It is better to be overly cautious and determine someone’s intoxication level ahead of time than wait until something bad happens. This article will cover everything you need to know about drug and alcohol tests of DOT, the types of tests, and the breathalysers.

What is DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing

DOT drug and alcohol testing is a process of assessing a person’s drinking habits. This is a tool used to help identify impaired drivers before operating a vehicle. Additionally, to identify if the driver has reached a risky level. People conduct this screening for many reasons, most notably operators do a routine check or workplace testing to avoid alcohol and drug use.

Alcohol is a highly addictive drug that has been normalised in modern society. It is easy to access and a regular part of the social culture as a normal product to consume. Therefore, it is common for people to have alcohol problems. Under alcohol’s influence, it is easy for anyone to make bad decisions. This makes alcohol tests crucial to maintaining public and personal safety.

Checking for alcohol is relatively easy compared to most other drugs. Whereas typical drug tests require more substantial samples and ensuing laboratory work, an alcohol test is as easy as blowing into a breathalyser. Given the effects alcohol can have on a person, it is prudent to take the time to do the necessary checks before it is too late.

Importance and Uses of Drug and Alcohol Testing

In general, DOT is committed to the safety of workers and the public. Drugs and alcohol tests can be used to:

• Identify signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction in order to provide early intervention and help prevent accidents.
• Ascertain the excessive or addictive use of drugs and alcohol
• Protect the employees, security and finances of a company
• Determine if a person suffers from alcohol and drug addiction
• Safeguard other people from drug use effects and misuse
• Help an employee to admit or acknowledge a drug use or abuse problem
• Support a patient through the recovery stage to prevent relapse.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing: Types of Test

Employers conduct DOT drug and alcohol testing to detect the use of substances by their employees. There are different ways to test drugs and alcohol. The common method is the saliva test. This involves laboratory analysis of saliva. Another test is the urine test which involves collecting and analysing a urine sample at a laboratory. Both of these tests detect drugs such as alcohol, opiates, cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines.

A hair follicle test involves collecting and testing a few hair strands. This method is a more comprehensive method as it detects substances used in the past 90 days. The blood test is the most precise for testing drugs and alcohol use.

These methods are effective in monitoring alcohol. Although, the standard procedure is the breath sample by means of using a breathalyser such as BACtrack. It collects and analyses breath samples to detect and calculate the level of intoxication. Regardless of the methods, these tests are essential to provide a secure, safe and healthy environment.

Testing Situations

Most companies and industries conduct drug and alcohol testing. The purpose is to minimise the risks of injuries and accidents and to ensure a healthy workplace. Conducting workplace tests have valid reasons. One of the employment requirements is that pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.

When an employer suspects drugs use in his employees, periodic testing is conducted and may conduct as frequently as needed. Random drug testing is when the organisation implements drug testing spontaneously. Post-accident drug testing happens if an employee had a workplace accident to ascertain the cause of the accident.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Using a Breathalyser

Conducting an on-site DOT drug and alcohol testing can be beneficial to prevent injuries and accidents beforehand. Practising this daily at work ensures the safety and security of everyone. Breathalysers are suitable for transportation, manufacturing, mining, logging, and construction industries. Companies can use breathalysers to undertake frequent testing. With the use of workplace breathalysers, like SHIELD Express Identity, it will be easier to monitor everyone in the workplace.

Breathalysers New Zealand offers excellent pro-grade devices to help businesses with alcohol testing in their workplace. A BACtrack device from Breathalysers New Zealand can help with the procedure. Their BACtrack can measure the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels ranging from 0.00 to 0.40 per cent. In addition to that, it has fast results and is highly reliable, making it a quick way to check someone’s alcohol levels.

Aside from acquiring quick results, there are other advantages of using breathalysers. They are handy, convenient to use and cost-effective. Laboratory tests are more expensive than alcohol and drug testing kits. Therefore, employers can save money by utilising BACtrack breathalysers. Most importantly, they are easy to operate and they can provide accurate results.

Benefits of Breathalysers

Breathalysers have advantages over other alcohol testing methods. Using breathalysers in the workplace is quick and easy to use. They are portable and can be used anywhere. In addition to that, they are a non-invasive and painless sample collection. Through a breath sample, breathalysers will estimate and measure the BAC level in your body and will detect other diseases and viruses.

Furthermore, breathalysers give instant and accurate BAC results. They also allow you to do multiple tests. Using breathalysers promotes responsible and safe drinking, and peace of mind, reduces workplace accidents, and prevents you from drink driving.

Conclusion

There are plenty of people who enjoy alcohol safely every day. Nevertheless, this does not mean it is a completely safe substance. Irresponsible alcohol consumption can lead to dangerous and destructive situations. The main goal of DOT drug and alcohol testing is to keep the roads safe for everyone. The tests are required for commercial driver’s license drivers. These drivers are the ones who operate commercial motor vehicles.

Alcohol screening provides a convenient way to monitor the intoxication level and prevent something bad from happening. It is better to check for alcohol early than to ignore the risks. Remember the importance of checking for alcohol before it is too late. Breathalysers are affordable and are worth far more than their cost in terms of the price of someone’s life or career. You can visit Breathalysers New Zealand for available and pro-grade devices.