News | Mid South DT COLOR

Specimen Validity Testing: Protecting the Integrity of Workplace Drug Testing

Mid-South Drug Testing | Memphis, TN & Paragould, ARSource: National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP), Drug Testing Matters (2025) Workplace drug testing is only effective if the specimen being tested is authentic. According to the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP), specimen validity testing (SVT) remains one of the most important safeguards against drug test tampering. For employers, this is not just laboratory science — it is a compliance and liability

4 days ago2 min read

2026 DOT Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates: What Employers Must Know

Mid-South Drug Testing | Memphis, TN & Paragould, ARSource: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC) The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has confirmed the 2026 random drug and alcohol testing requirements for safety-sensitive employees. DOT-regulated employers must ensure their random testing programs meet federally mandated percentages to remain compliant. What Are DOT Random Testing Rates? DOT agencies including th

4 days ago2 min read

Marijuana Rescheduling Executive Order Signed: What Employers Need to Know Now

Mid-South Drug Testing | Memphis, TN & Paragould, ARSource: National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA); White House Executive Order On December 18, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the U.S. Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to accelerate the rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The announcement has generated significant attention among employers, s

4 days ago3 min read

Marijuana Reclassification Advances

Marijuana Reclassification Advances: Impacts National Industry Guidance on Drug Testing and Public Safety December 19, 2025 Mid-South Drug Testing | Memphis, TN & Paragould, AR Source: White House Executive Order; National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) A White House Executive Order issued Thursday directing federal agencies to advance the reclassification of marijuana and expand research into medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) has drawn immediate national

Dec 19, 20252 min read

DEA Launches "Fentanyl Free America" Initiative to Tackle Synthetic Drug Crisis

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has launched Fentanyl Free America , a national initiative to combat the deadly synthetic opioid crisis. Fentanyl is responsible for nearly 50,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A National Response to a National Crisis This campaign takes a comprehensive approach by targeting both the supply and demand for fentanyl. Key components of the initiative include

Dec 5, 20252 min read

Handling Suspected Tampering in DOT-Regulated Urine Drug Tests

In federally regulated drug testing, the integrity of the specimen collection process is critical. When conducting Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated urine drug tests, it’s essential to recognize and respond to potential specimen tampering. Ensuring proper protocol is followed helps maintain the reliability of results and keeps workplaces safe and compliant. Recognizing Tampering: The Collector’s Role Collectors are the first line of defense in identifying potential

Dec 5, 20252 min read

What Is Kratom? Understanding the Risks and Legal Landscape

As kratom use continues to rise in the U.S., many employers and individuals are asking: What is it—and should I be concerned? At Mid-South Drug Testing, we believe education is key to prevention and safety. Here’s what you need to know about this increasingly controversial substance. What Is Kratom? Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves of this tree contain two main active compounds—

Dec 5, 20252 min read

Ketamine in the Workplace: A New Wellness Trend or a Safety Concern?

As mental health awareness grows, some companies are exploring unconventional therapies to support employee well-being. One such trend is...

Sep 29, 20252 min read

Reasonable Suspicion Training: A Key to Workplace Safety

With drug and alcohol use on the rise nationwide, workplace safety has never been more critical. For many employers, the foundation of a safe work environment rests on drug and alcohol testing combined with proper supervisor training. Supervisors play a pivotal role: they must be able to recognize signs of impairment and know when to initiate a reasonable suspicion test. Purpose of the Training Reasonable suspicion training equips supervisors with the knowledge and tools need

Sep 29, 20252 min read

Protecting Transportation Safety: Why Marijuana Rescheduling Puts Lives at Risk

As the national conversation around marijuana legalization continues to evolve, the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) is sounding the alarm about a potential public safety crisis. At issue is the federal government’s consideration of moving marijuana (THC) from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. While this may sound like a technical reclassification, the real-world consequences for America’s transportation systems coul

Sep 29, 20252 min read

Keeping Tennessee’s Trucking Industry Informed & Compliant

Industry Experts Discuss Key Updates on DOT Regulations and Safety Measures Nashville, TN – With major changes on the horizon, including DOT-regulated oral fluid testing and updates to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, industry professionals gathered in Nashville for the Tennessee Trucking Association’s latest workshop. Among the attendees was Kelly Dobbins of Mid South Drug Testing, who joined the session alongside Patrice Kelly, a leading authority on drug and alcohol compliance in

Mar 16, 20251 min read