With CSA 2010 fast approaching and new trucking legislation in Congress, the Department of Transportation�s (DOT) drug testing modifications are just the latest example of widespread change in the transportation industry.

On August 16, 2010, DOT announced that as of October 1, mandatory drug testing will change to:

• Include amphetamines, such as MDMA, MDA and MDEA;
• Lower positive testing threshold for cocaine and amphetamines;
• Test for 6-AM, which signifies heroin use;
• Ensure all tests are conducted in DOT-sanctioned, full-service drug-testing laboratories; and
• Require requalification of Medical Review Officers every five years.

According to DOT, their department is the �regulator of the largest workplace drug and alcohol testing program in the world.� Reading the explanation and justification for each update to their policy reveals they take their responsibilities seriously.

The recent drug testing updates reflect the Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act of 1991�s (Omnibus Act) requirement that DOT comply with the Department of Health and Human Services� (HHS) scientific testing procedures and protocols.

The HHS drug testing guidelines have been updated to reflect the United States� evolving drug culture � and DOT is following suit with their October 1 changes. For instance, the former �party drug� MDMA is included in testing because it is now commonly abused by a wide range of individuals. Additionally, by tightening the test parameters for cocaine and amphetamines, results will reflect a more accurate picture of these drugs� prevalence.

Like CSA 2010 and other regulation, the goal is to make travel safer for transportation professionals and the general public. Using stricter, more comprehensive drug testing, DOT hopes to make American roads safer � by taking more drug users off of them.