
DOT Announces Changes in Regulations Effective October 1, 2010
On August 16, 2010, DOT published a final rule which will go into effect on
October 1, 2010. This rule affects anyone in a random drug testing program
mandated by the US Coast Guard.
The new regulation adds MDMA known on the street as Ecstasy to the list
of drugs screened for in DOT mandated drug tests.
For initial tests, the agency lowered the cutoff levels for detecting the
presence of cocaine and amphetamines, and heroin was added to the list.
Initial tests are the first tests done on samples. If a sample shows
positive results for illegal drugs, it is then put through a confirmation
test.
Drugs that will be screened for once the regulation goes into effect include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiate metabolites of codeine and/or morphine
- 6-Acetylmorphine, which is heroin
- Phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP
- Amphetamines of AMP and/or MAMP, such as speed
- MDMA, street name Ecstasy
Beginning October 1, any USCG mandated drug tests will automatically
incorporate the regulations. There are no additional actions required