Return-to-Duty & Follow-Up Instructions

Return-to-Duty Instructions

Send drivers for a Return-to-Duty DOT drug test after completing a full Clearinghouse Query and the Drug & Alcohol Policy.

• A Return-to-Duty drug test satisfies the pre-employment drug test requirement for new hires.
• All DOT drug tests must be ordered through Express Labs
• Results from other consortiums or third-party programs are not accepted

When Drivers are Added & Cleared to Drive

Drivers are automatically added to the random pool once negative Return-to-Duty DOT drug test results are reported by the Express Labs MRO (Medical Review Officer) and cleared to drive when the Employer reports the negative Return-to-Duty results to the Clearinghouse.

Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

The SAP Evaluation determines when a driver may be sent for Return-to-Duty drug testing and how many Follow-Up tests are required.

• A minimum of 6 Follow-Up DOT drug tests within the first 12 months is required
• Follow-up testing may continue for up to 5 years

Clearinghouse Reporting – View Instructions

• Employers must report negative Return-to-Duty results to the Clearinghouse
• Employers must report the date of the final Follow-Up test to the Clearinghouse

Additional Requirements – View Instructions

• Clearinghouse Registration & Query
• Drug & Alcohol Policy
• Supervisor Training Course

RTD & Follow-Up Drug Testing Instructions (Observed)

Order DOT drug tests online through your Express Labs account using QPassports.  If you are unable to order online, use Quest paper forms provided by Express Labs.  All DOT drug tests must be ordered through Express Labs; results from outside consortiums or third-party programs are not accepted.

Ordering Drug Tests Online Instructions (Observed)

1. Login to your Express Labs account
2. Click “Order Drug Tests” on the top tabs
3. Select the Reason (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up)
4. Site Locator - use ZIP code
5. Click “Complete Order”
6. Check your email for the QPassport from Quest within 1 hour of ordering
7. Review your order (only charged for results not orders)
8. Drivers must bring the QPassport (printed or on phone) to the site selected.
9. Drivers should only sign forms that list their name and employer/company name.

• Call the collection site after ordering the test to confirm they are open and accepting walk-ins before notifying the driver - same-gender collector required.
• Follow-Up Testing - Employers are responsible for scheduling and monitoring follow-up testing.  DOT requires drivers to report for follow-up testing immediately upon notification.

Owner Operators

Express Labs does not manage the Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up process for owner-operators.

• Owner Operators who have a violation in the Clearinghouse can not enroll in Express Labs Consortium
• Owner Operators who test positive will be removed from the consortium

Express Labs FMCSA Random Drug & Alcohol Consortium
Return-to-Duty | Follow-Up | Updated 2026