[MCOH-EH] Alcohol confirmation testing?

[Swift, Melanie]

Ouch! Under 49 CFR part 40:

§ 40.277 Are alcohol tests other than saliva or breath permitted under these regulations?
No, other types of alcohol tests (e,g., blood and urine) are not authorized for testing done under this part. Only saliva or breath for screening tests and breath for confirmation tests using approved devices are permitted.

Probably time to consult your counsel!

Melanie Swift, MD
Director, Vanderbilt Occupational Health Clinic
http://occupationalhealth.vanderbilt.edu

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Craig Thorne
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2016 9:11 AM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Alcohol confirmation testing?

Everyone, for DOT random alcohol testing we use an onsite saliva test and safely transport anyone with a positive test to a nearby occupational health clinic (such as Concentra) for confirmation testing using a breath analyzer.

However, now in Maryland we cannot use a breath analyzer for testing, due to the following regulation:

Md Code, Health Gen. 17-214: It contains the process employers must follow when conducting job related testing, and provides that the only specimens that can be used in this instance are blood, urine, hair and saliva.

Do you have any recommendations apart from us trying to find a nearby clinic that can do a stat alcohol blood test? My concern is that alcohol would metabolize is any blood specimen that is not processed ASAP.

Thank you.

Craig Thorne, MD


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