Entering Test Results for Drug & Alcohol Testing

DrugTestNetwork provides three data entry editors for drug & alcohol testing results and reporting:

  • Full Editor
  • Quick Editor
  • Collection Editor

Use the Full Editor to create new test result records for existing and new participants so every detail of the report record can be managed, including features for reporting by the Medical Review Officer (MRO).

The Quick Editor is designed for TPAs and Employers to quickly enter a new test result so the entry is efficient with the fewest clicks and data entry fields and allows the user to leverage as much existing data as possible.

The Collection Editor provides data entry for users that operate a clinic with features to create invoices for self-pay customers or services that are automatically added to the customer’s invoice that will be generated later.

Reason for Testing

One consideration for the choice of editors is whether the test result is for random testing or another reason for testing: pre-employment, post-accident, follow-up, return to duty, reasonable cause, etc.

Random Selection

If the reason for testing is Random Selection, the test result record for the report already exists in the database.  When the random selection is conducted, an empty drug/alcohol record is created for each participant selected in the random.  These unresolved records are used to help notify clients that some random selection testing may not be complete. To find an existing test result, from the main page, at the top of the page, near the left, click the Edit Results symbol:

This option will open the Full Result Editor.  Enter a portion of the person’s name and click the button Search by Name.  When names are retrieved, click the edit symbol to open their record and complete the entry for the test.

Pre-Employment, Post Accident, Follow-Up Testing, …

From the Clients page, search for the company to which the report belongs.

On the line that represents the Client, click the symbol to open the module that will allow you to enter a new report record. This option is usually referred to as the Quick Result Editor. Using this resource you can find an existing personnel record for the person tested or enter a new personnel record if their name is not already in the database for the Client.  If the report is for pre-employment testing, their name may have not been yet entered.

To find an existing personnel record, enter a portion of their name and click the search symbol or click the option to Show ALL names in the participant list.
If the participant’s name is found, click the select symbol to choose their name for the report.  If the name is not found, enter their information in the area below.

Scroll down the screen to enter the rest of the information for the result and click Save when you’re done.

List All Non-Consortium Members

DrugTestNetwork: List All Non-Consortium Members

A new feature was released today in the DrugTestNetwork application streamlines the account management: the List All Non-Consortium Members option. This new “search request” is selected from the dropdown list of Consortia, on the main page where users search for companies to manage, or list the accounts that are members of the consortia setup by the subscriber.  The search query is not new. It has simply been added as a one click option.

What Does This Feature Do?

The “List All Non-Consortium Members” option is designed to make it easier for users to identify and manage accounts that are not part of any consortium. By selecting this option from the dropdown, you can instantly view a complete list of all non-consortium member companies under your management. This feature is particularly useful for quickly accessing and updating the random selection parameters (profile) for these accounts, ensuring that no company is overlooked in the random drug and alcohol testing process.

Why Is This Feature Important?

  • Simplified Account Management: Quickly access and manage all non-consortium member accounts in one place, without having to sift through individual companies or consortia.
  • Enhanced Oversight: Ensure that all accounts, including those not part of a consortium, have their random selection parameters accurately configured and up-to-date.
  • Improved Efficiency: Reduce the time and effort required to manage non-consortium members, allowing you to focus on ensuring compliance and maintaining a safe workplace.

How to Use This Feature

  1. Navigate to the Main Page: Start by logging into the DrugTestNetwork application and navigating to the main page where you typically search for companies to manage.
  2. Open the Dropdown List of Consortia: Locate the dropdown that lists the consortia you have created.
  3. Select “List All Non-Consortium Members”: Click on the new “List All Non-Consortium Members” option. This will immediately display a list of all accounts that are not currently part of a consortium.
    From the drop-down the option select ALL Non-Consortium Accounts:
    and click the first symbol on the right
  4. Manage Account Profiles: From the list, select an account to review and adjust their random selection parameters (profile) as needed. To open the account profile editor, click the edit symbol on the far left on the line that lists the account:

other list options

This search query can also be initiated from the main page, Clients, by clicking on the symbol under Search By:

When you click the symbol more query options are presented to list accounts:

SUMMARY

The addition of the “List All Non-Consortium Members” feature is part of our ongoing commitment to making DrugTestNetwork as user-friendly and efficient as possible. We believe this new feature will greatly enhance your ability to manage non-consortium accounts, ensuring that every company under your management receives the attention and oversight it needs.

We encourage you to explore this new feature and see how it can improve your workflow and account management processes. As always, we welcome your feedback and are here to support you in getting the most out of DrugTestNetwork.

Random Selection Scheduling for Non-Consortium Members

Random Selection: Schedule for Non-Consortium Members / Individual Pools

Introduction

For random drug and alcohol testing, a company may choose to join a consortium, where the random selection is conducted across all the member companies from a list comprised of all the members’ eligible personnel. A company may prefer not to join a consortium and have the random selection pick participants for testing from their list of personnel as a stand alone or individual pool.

For drug and alcohol testing management, one challenge many TPAs face is ensuring that every account has random selection conducted as per the company requirements for DOT regulation and/or their Drug Free Workplace policy. The challenge is especially pronounced for companies that are not part of a consortium, where individual management of employee lists can lead to oversight. DrugTestNetwork addresses this challenge with its proprietary scheduling feature, specifically designed for non-consortium members; stand alone pools.

The Importance of Scheduling for Non-Consortium Members

For companies that do not participate in a consortium—referred to as “Individual Pools”— the task of managing random drug and alcohol testing can be a concern so the company’s random selection is not overlooked.  Unlike consortium members, whose employees are drawn from a shared pool, non-consortium companies are managed individually.

How the Scheduling Feature Works

The scheduling feature in DrugTestNetwork is designed to eliminate the guesswork and manual tracking associated with managing random selections for non-consortium members. Here’s how it works:

  • Customizable Frequency: Each account can be set up with a specific random selection profile that includes the frequency of testing. Users can choose from options such as Weekly, Monthly, Twice Annually, or Annually. This ensures that each company’s unique requirements are met without manual intervention.
  • Automated Date Tracking: Once a random selection is conducted, DrugTestNetwork automatically updates the “Next” date for the next scheduled random. This is calculated based on the frequency set in the profile, ensuring that no account is ever overlooked.
  • Query-Based Alerts: Users can easily query which accounts are due for their next random selection based on the current date. This feature is particularly useful for users who manage multiple accounts, providing a quick overview of upcoming obligations and reducing the risk of missing critical testing dates.
  • Historical Records: The system also keeps track of the “Previous” random selection date and the date the random selection list was sent to the company contact. This historical data is invaluable for audits, compliance checks, and internal reviews.

Tutorial: Configuring the Scheduling Parameters

To make full use of the scheduling feature for non-consortium members, it’s essential to correctly configure the account’s scheduling parameters. These parameters are found under the “Random Selection Parameters” section of the account profile editor. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set them up:

  • Access the Account Profile Editor:
    • Navigate to the specific account you need to configure.
    • Open the account’s profile editor by selecting the account from your list of managed companies.
  • Locate the “Random Selection Parameters” Section:
    • Within the account profile editor, scroll down until you find the “Random Selection Parameters” section. This section contains all the settings you need to control the scheduling of random selections for this account.S
  • Set the Attribute for the Account: Participates in Random Selections:
    If the TPA is not managing random selections for a company, this attribute should be set to No. Under the Utilities menu the TPA will find a report to show all accounts whose attribute is set to No.
  • Set the Frequency:
    • In the “Frequency” dropdown menu, choose how often random selections should occur. Options include Weekly, Monthly, Twice Annually, and Annually. Select the option that aligns with the company’s testing requirements.
  • Review the “Next” Date:
    • This is the date the next random selection will be conducted for the account. When the random selection control is opened to generate the randoms, the “Next” date will be calculated automatically, based on the frequency indicated for the account. You can review and adjust this date if necessary, although it’s recommended to let the system handle this automatically for consistency.
  • Monitor the “Previous” Random Selection Date:
    • The “Previous” date field will display the last time a random selection was conducted. This field is automatically updated by the system after each random selection, and is useful for tracking and auditing purposes.
  • Save Changes:
    • After configuring the scheduling parameters, be sure to save your changes. This will ensure that the system follows the newly set parameters for all future random selections.

Benefits of the Scheduling Feature

  • Ensures Compliance: By automating the scheduling of random selections, DrugTestNetwork helps users maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies, reducing the risk of penalties or legal issues.
  • Reduces Administrative Burden: The scheduling feature significantly reduces the administrative load associated with managing random drug and alcohol testing, allowing users to focus on other critical tasks.
  • Increases Efficiency: With the ability to quickly identify which accounts need their random selections conducted, users can efficiently manage their workload and ensure that no account is left behind.

Summary

The scheduling feature for non-consortium members is a convenience and a great tool for ensuring the integrity and reliability of your drug and alcohol testing program. By automating the process and providing clear, actionable insights, DrugTestNetwork empowers users to manage their responsibilities effectively and with confidence. This feature is essential for any organization committed to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Random Selection for a Consortium and Individual Pools

DrugTestNetwork Overview

DrugTestNetwork is an SaaS (Software as a Service), browser-based drug and alcohol data management system application designed to facilitate the management of drug and alcohol testing Third Party Administrators who manage multiple companies, employers who manage their own DOT compliance and drug free workplace, or schools who need to mange drug free sports and a drug free campus. It enables users to oversee and organize lists of people who participate in random drug testing, ensuring compliance and maintaining safety standards across different organizations.

Consortium Feature

One of the standout features of DrugTestNetwork is the Consortium Management functionality. This feature allows users to group together multiple companies under a consortium, making it possible to perform random selections of employees from a shared pool. When a company’s list of employees is declared as part of the consortium, these employees are added to a collective pool from which random selections are made. This is especially useful for organizations that prefer or require pooled testing across several companies, ensuring a broader and more randomized selection process.

  • Non-Consortium Companies (Individual Pools): For companies that do not participate in a consortium, DrugTestNetwork provides the option to manage these companies as Individual Pools. In this setup, random selections are conducted exclusively within the company’s own employee list, rather than from a shared pool. This is ideal for companies that prefer or require independent testing protocols.

Random Selection Scheduling

To further enhance the random testing process, DrugTestNetwork offers a robust scheduling feature that allows users to automate and manage the timing of random selections.

  • Random Selection Profiles: Each company or individual pool is assigned a Random Selection Profile. This profile includes the following critical components:
    • Frequency: The user can specify how often random selections should occur. Options include Weekly, Monthly, Twice Annually, and Annually.
    • Next Date: The system tracks the next scheduled date for a random selection. This date is automatically updated when a new random selection is generated.
    • Previous Random Date: The date when the last random selection was performed, along with the results, is recorded and can be reviewed at any time.
    • Result Reporting: After a random selection is run, the results are automatically sent to the designated company contact.
  • Automatic Scheduling Updates: Once a random selection is generated, DrugTestNetwork automatically calculates and sets the Next Date based on the specified frequency. This automation reduces administrative burden and ensures that random testing schedules are consistently maintained without manual intervention.
  • Query-Based Scheduling: Users can easily query which accounts are due for their next random selection based on the current date and the scheduled frequency. This query function simplifies the process of identifying and managing upcoming tests, ensuring that no account is overlooked.

Benefits

  • Efficiency: Automates the management of random drug and alcohol testing, reducing manual effort and administrative overhead.
  • Flexibility: Accommodates both consortium-based and individual testing models, catering to different organizational needs.
  • Compliance: Ensures consistent adherence to testing schedules, helping companies maintain compliance with legal and policy requirements.

Summary

DrugTestNetwork’s comprehensive features, including consortium management, individual pool management, and automated random selection scheduling, make it an indispensable tool for organizations that prioritize effective and compliant drug and alcohol testing practices.

Follow-Up / SAP / EAP / Periodic Random Testing

Setting Up an Employee for Random Periodic Drug and Alcohol Testing After a Positive Test and Issue a document with the dates to the Employer:

When an employee tests positive for drugs and/or alcohol in a random drug test, the employee may be required to participate in random periodic testing to protect their employment, ensure compliance, safety, and rehabilitation. This process involves setting up a testing schedule that covers weekly, or monthly testing over a specified period; for example, a year.  Scheduled dates are randomly generated based on the Periodic Testing Profile established for the employee as outlined below.

Developing a Testing Schedule: Frequency & TimeFrame:

  • Frequency: The number of tests required within a TimeFrame.
  • TimeFrame: For example:
      • 7 = Weekly
      •  30 = Monthly
Frequency/TimeFrame determines how often the employee requires testing:
    • 1/7 = once a week
    • 2/14= twice every 14 days.
    • 1/30= once a month

Setting up the Periodic Profile for an employee:

Open the personnel profile editor for the employee.

Open the section: Periodic Testing: By Color or No. Days/Period & Test Protocols

To establish a tailored set of dates for the employee, check the box:
Periodic Testing [Custom Schedule].  Color Testing is outlined in another article.

The example above establishes testing once a month between July 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.

The Testing Protocol outlines the testing required.

Click the info icons to learn more about each component.  Be sure to save the record when you’re done.

When the record is saved, click the tools symbol to open data management options for the employee.

From the options choose:

When the page opens, follow the instructions to create random dates.

Issue a document (PDF) with the dates and testing requirements to the company supervisor:

Once you’ve created the random dates for testing, you can issue a document to the employee’s supervisor with an outline of their requirements for testing and the dates for the tests.  To issue the document, first locate the data resource options for the employee from the main menu: Personnel.

From the Personnel page, search for the employee, and from the search you’ll see the click the tool symbol that appears on the line for each person returned by the search query.

As shown below, from the Tools/Resource page click the option:
Issue a Document for …

Choose the Document Template SAP / EAP (this is a sample document template that was provided with your subscription to DTN and can be found under Other_Data > Section 6.b General Documents.  Using these templates you can create documents that automatically fill-in the company name for the account, contacts, employee name & ID, etc.  for any content you might need.  The SAP/EAP template is specific to this example.  The issue document module recognizes keywords {{keyword}} and replaces the occurrence of {{keyword}} with its respective data element.  For example, where {{employee}} appears in template, the module replaces it with the first and last name of the employee from their data record.  If you review the SAP/EAP template, you will see the {{keywords}} used for periodic testing and the dates generated.

Click the issue symbol to issue the document.

When you issue the document, it will get posted to the clients Document Clipboard and emailed to the company contact.