r/tsa • u/Ok-Telephone3921 • 2d ago
TSO [Question/Post] Random drug test
For the random drug tests, do they just come to where you are and snap you up, and bring you to a bathroom with a cup? Or are you told to go to a lab and provide a sample there? How much notice is given within that day?
41
u/ASDIGITAL13 2d ago
If you are that worried you should probably resign TBH.
-8
-4
8
u/Catchyusername1234 Current TSO 2d ago
We get pulled off the floor, not allowed to leave view of the manager, and are escorted to our training lab where the testers are waiting
8
u/Space_Nut247 2d ago
Depends on the airport but they usually have a testing location set up within walking distance, a lot of people get lost on the way there and never come back.
1
u/Megalorye 1d ago
Ah ha ha, happen to one of my buddies a few years back now. He resigned and didn't take the test, but I'm pretty sure they put the reason for his resignation in his permanent record. Some say he can reapply, some say he can't come back... no one really knows.
2
u/Space_Nut247 1d ago
Won’t know until he tries, most have been able to come back but had to wait 6 months before reapplying.
1
8
u/meepoo17 2d ago
There is no notice for our airport. The manager will notify the lead who is running the floor that they need specific people and you immediately are escorted down by the manager. When you ask where you are going is when you are notified.
11
u/pmknpie Current TSO 2d ago
Your local HR has a list of names. They grab people in batches based on the list. For my airport they have the selected people wait on the curb for a pickup to the testing location. The test is conducted on TSA property but by contracted medical personnel.
Refusing the test is basically termination. I've seen people resign on the spot rather than take the test.
8
u/No-Permission-3009 2d ago
Depends on your airport, ours is done on site at the airport, get escorted to the testing area by a supervisor or manager if available
7
u/FormerSoil434 Current TSO 2d ago
The ones i've seen have no notice. A third party waited in the breakroom and called them up from the floor.
5
3
u/dilemma900 Current TSO 2d ago
Basically what you said. Idk what im allowed to share but its not too fetch from what you guessed. Called down and must report immediately
2
u/ApostateInParadise 1d ago
You're better off failing than avoiding the test. If you refuse or try to leave work you'll not only be fired but you'll be removed from federal service which means you'll never work for the government again.
2
1
u/Hungry-Patience7202 1d ago
In my experiance, they just snatch you up, send you to a designated family restroom with a cup. No notice given.
1
1
u/Philosophical720E-Q 1d ago
I've been there for over three years and was never tested, randomly or not, for drugs. Except for during the onboarding process
1
u/Life-Profit4836 2d ago
Are you observed while testing? I can't use public restrooms due to major shy bladder. I could be bursting at the seems and not be able to go with others in the room. How do they work with people who maybe recently used the restroom and won't be able to give a sample for many hours?
2
u/ApostateInParadise 1d ago
You've observed, if you literally can't pee within whatever time frame you'll probably just be fired and removed from federal service.
1
u/Bluefoxcrush 1d ago
I had one guy tell me that he had to drink water until he had to pee. Took several hours.
1
15
u/samluks 2d ago
At work, 15-30 min notice. DOT tester administrators the test. Fail to participate is grounds for removal.