DOT Blood Alcohol Tests
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Are there such tests as DOT blood alcohol tests in the Department of Transportation, or is this
a misnomer?
The Department of Transportation's Alcohol Testing Protocol
Actually, the discussion of "DOT blood alcohol tests" is a concept arising from
misinformation.
More to the point, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established
procedures for mandatory alcohol tests that require the employment of a standardized breathalyzer test rather than
blood alcohol tests.
Perhaps the main reason why the DOT does not use the more accurate blood alcohol test is that
breathalyler test are far less expensive.
The categories of testing that are allowed by the DOT are the following: random,
post-accident, and reasonable suspicion.
As a consequence of the above, if your organization or business has mandatory alcohol testing that is based on DOT procedures, and if management tells you to get an alcohol
test that is outside the latitude of DOT procedures (such as a blood alcohol test), here's what you should
do.
You should contact your local Employees' Assistance Representative or your union representative as
soon as possible and discuss these issues with him or her.
| The following represents some of the negative consequences of drinking alcohol and
the fertility of the father: killing off the sperm-generating cells in the testicles and abnormal
liver function and a rise in estrogen levels that, in turn, affect sperm development and hormone
levels. |
In a word, if your organization adheres to DOT alcohol testing procedures, you should not be required to take
any alcohol test that differs from the Department of Transportation protocol.
| As much as 50 percent of police work is spent addressing alcohol-related problems in
our nation. This would mean that the annual cost to law enforcement agencies is at least $7.5
billion dollars. |
DOT Blood Alcohol Tests: Conclusion
The issue of DOT blood alcohol tests is a concept arising from
misinformation. Stated differently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established procedures for
mandatory alcohol testing that necessitate the employment of standardized breathalyzer tests, and not blood alcohol
tests.
| Alcohol detoxification is the process of letting the body rid itself of alcohol
while managing the withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. This form of treatment is typically
done under the supervision of a medical practitioner and is frequently the first step in an
alcoholic treatment program. |
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