Frequently Asked Questions from Employers and Employees

Get to Know PROCOM's Compliance and Drug Testing Services

See why businesses of all shapes and sizes in a variety of industries rely on PROCOM for partnership in compliance for comprehensive drug and alcohol screening services that alleviate stress, not add to it. See what we can do for you — whether you are an employer who only needs pre employment testing or who has a robust drug and alcohol testing program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Testing

Get Answers That Make Sense for You And Your Employees

We understand that you may have questions about our drug and alcohol collection services. Here are some things we get asked most commonly to help you better understand how we can meet your needs anytime, anywhere.

Get to know what PROCOM has to offer employers. If you don’t see your question answered here, please reach out to us and share your thoughts.

What kind of testing can PROCOM do?

PROCOM can test for almost all controlled substances in urine, hair, and oral fluid specimens. We do so for all types of workplace testing (pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return to duty/follow-up) and in most cities across the United States.

What if my employee is in a different location?

PROCOM has an affiliate network of over 20,000 collection locations across the nation which will enable your employee to get tested. If you contact PROCOM, we will be happy to set up a one-time test or establish a multi-use protocol with those facilities on your behalf.

Do you offer onsite and after-hours testing?

A PROCOM team member is available 24/7/365 for testing assistance. If you call our main line, after hours you will receive an immediate prompt to request after-hours service and will be asked to select your region. We are happy to come to you or open our office to assist. We also offer scheduled on-site services at all hours of the day and can accommodate your schedule.

When are my drug testing results available?

We strive to have results back in the hands of the employer by the end of the day after the test takes place. There are some circumstances that result in a longer turnaround time: results requiring confirmatory testing, results requiring MRO review, and rural areas that may not have daily courier services. We keep track of where every test is in the process and proactively reach out if we know it is going to be delayed. If you are concerned about your screening results, don’t hesitate to call us and ask when you can expect it.

How do you pick for random tests? Can I just pick my own randoms?

We pick random selections utilizing a software algorithm that is truly random. This means that there is no consideration given to previous picks. Because of this, an employee may go years without selection and then be selected several times in a row – it really is the luck of the draw. We always discourage employers from picking their own randoms. Even if you have a sound process for doing so, there is always the risk of perceived bias on behalf of your employee. If we do the pick, you can always blame the selection on us.

Do you work with substance abuse professionals?

We recognize that drug testing is only one small part of the puzzle when it comes to substance abuse in the workplace. We have several outstanding Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) who we have worked with over the years and have trust in their practices. We can also provide qualified referrals nationally should you need an SAP close to your location.

PROCOM cares for individuals, too, in addition to companies or corporations who have many questions about their rights and responsibilities for drug and alcohol testing.

Do I have to make an appointment, or can I walk in?

All of our Colorado clinics are walk-in facilities. No appointments are required. Please double-check our hours to ensure we’re open and ready to serve you. If you have any questions, please give the PROCOM professionals in Pueblo a call.

Can the court access my results?

We ask donors to sign a release for their results. If you authorize us to send the results to a court system or other entity, we will do so when they are available. Nothing will be shared unless you give PROCOM permission to release it. We greatly appreciate your customer service and respect your privacy.

Am I notified of the results before my employer?

PROCOM gives a courtesy call to donors who have tested positive. Our next call is to inform the employer. From there, it will be your responsibility to follow up with them and adhere to any compliance guidelines or requirements, depending on what your test results indicate.

How long does a drug test take?

The average urine drug screen (UDS) takes between 5-10 minutes to complete the paperwork and collect the specimen. However, if you are unable to provide a sufficient amount of urine in your first attempt, we will provide you with some water and you must wait at the office until you provide the sample. This can take up to 3 hours, so be sure you are ready to provide a sample when you arrive.

How do I get to see my drug and alcohol test results?

We can report your results verbally over the phone, send results via email, or mail a letter to the destination of your choosing. Please be sure to let us know what you prefer, and we’ll be happy to communicate with you and accommodate your needs.

What is a refusal to test?

A refusal to test is generally one of three things:

(1) Not showing up for a test within your allotted time, (2) Trying to ‘beat the test,’ or (3) Not following the instructions of the drug screen collector. A refusal to test is generally interpreted by employers as a worse outcome than testing positive and may have more strict consequences.

What is included in a 5-panel drug test? What is included in a 10-panel drug test?

A 5-panel drug test screens for the following drugs:

Marijuana
Cocaine
Opiates
Amphetamines
PCP

A 10-panel drug test screens for these additional substances:

Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates
Propoxyphene
Methadone
Methaqualone

Other common substances tested are for the presence of alcohol (breath alcohol or urine alcohol), synthetic opioids, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Do you test for marijuana?

Yes. Although marijuana is legal for those of age in Colorado, many employers prohibit its use as part of their drug-free workplace policy. Generally speaking, employers do not allow for medical marijuana as an excuse for testing positive.

If I use CBD products (oils, lotions, etc.), will I test positive for marijuana?

Probably Not. We only test for the metabolite of THC (the psychoactive ingredient in Marijuana), and there are many CBD products claiming to be ‘THC Free’. Those products should not result in a positive drug screen if they truly do not contain any THC. Utilize at your own risk, as CBD will not be accepted as an excuse for testing positive.

Owners and operators have very unique needs for employee drug testing. Here’s what we hear most commonly from this group and how we can assist with any issues.

What is a consortium?

A consortium is a grouping of employees from different companies to create a single, larger pool. From that pool, the consortium administrator then selects a certain percentage of random drug/alcohol tests to comply with certain requirements. Employees are not removed once they have been selected, so it is possible for each individual to be selected multiple times or not at all.

What files do I need as an owner-operator?

Owner-operators need to comply with almost all the DOT rules that larger companies do. PROCOM can help you ensure you have all the necessary files on hand to avoid an audit with detailed record-keeping requirements. If something should happen and an audit is involved, know that you’ll have the PROCOM professionals ready to fight for you.

Do I need a pre-employment test as an owner-operator?

Yes, you must have a negative DOT pre-employment test in the 30 days prior to joining the consortium. If you are a new driver or have been out of a consortium for longer than 30 days, you will need a DOT pre-employment drug test before you can be enrolled.

Do I need reasonable suspicion training as an owner-operator?

No. If your company has only one driver, you are not required to have reasonable suspicion training. If you hire another driver, however, the company must designate a manager to be trained in reasonable suspicion.

If I'm on the road, can PROCOM still schedule me for a test?

Yes, if you call our office (719) 295-1911, we can help you arrange a test wherever you are heading.

How does random testing work as an owner-operator?

Owner-operators are enrolled in a consortium of other DOT-regulated companies, and their employee lists are pooled together. When an owner-operator is selected for a random test, we notify them or their Designated Employee Representative (often a spouse or partner), and they head to their local collection site to have the required testing completed.

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If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for personalized assistance. PROCOM can help answer any questions and guide you through the process of partnering with us for expert drug and alcohol compliance support anywhere in the U.S.