Workplace drug testing is a common practice for maintaining safety and productivity. The “3477 drug test” often comes up in discussions, and understanding its designation and procedures can clarify the process for those subject to it. This article provides an overview of what the “3477 drug test” signifies and the procedures involved.
What the “3477 Drug Test” Signifies
The “3477 drug test” designation often refers to a specific panel or form for Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated drug testing. This testing is mandated for individuals in safety-sensitive transportation roles. The number “3477” itself does not directly refer to a specific test panel, but appears in documentation or internal codes, sometimes related to the DOT Federal Custody and Control Form (CCF). While some sources suggest “3477” might indicate a non-DOT test excluding THC, this is not a universal rule and depends on employer policy.
A DOT-regulated drug test, typically a 5-panel test, screens for specific substances. These include marijuana metabolites, cocaine metabolites, amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA), opioids (such as codeine, morphine, heroin, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone), and phencyclidine (PCP). Cutoff concentrations for these substances are defined in federal regulations, such as 49 CFR Part 40.
Individuals subject to these tests work in roles where impairment could endanger public safety. This includes commercial drivers regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), airline personnel under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), pipeline workers overseen by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), transit workers governed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and maritime workers under the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). These federal regulations (49 CFR Part 40) establish the procedures for these workplace drug and alcohol testing programs. The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 laid the foundation for these federal drug screening programs in response to concerns about substance-related accidents in transportation.
The Testing Procedure
A DOT-regulated “3477” drug test typically involves a structured urine collection. Upon arrival at the collection site, the individual’s identity is verified using photo identification. The collector explains the procedure, and the individual is asked to empty pockets and remove outer garments to prevent tampering.
The urine sample is collected in a private restroom, with measures like turning off water and adding bluing agent to the toilet to maintain integrity. The individual provides at least 45 mL of urine. The collector immediately checks the specimen’s temperature, which must be 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit within four minutes of collection.
The collected urine is divided into two bottles: a primary “A” specimen (at least 30 mL) and a split “B” specimen (at least 15 mL). Both are sealed with tamper-evident seals, which the individual initials and dates. This “split specimen” allows for a re-test of the second sample if the initial test is non-negative.
The chain of custody is meticulously documented using the Federal Custody and Control Form (CCF), which tracks the specimen from collection to laboratory analysis. Each person handling the specimen signs and dates the form, maintaining a continuous record. The sealed specimens and CCF are sent to a certified laboratory. After analysis, a Medical Review Officer (MRO) interprets results, contacting the individual for any legitimate medical explanations before reporting the final outcome to the employer.