Ask X3What does 49 CFR 40.245 (What is the procedure for an alcohol screening test using a saliva ASD or a breath tube ASD?) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 40.245 requires for conducting alcohol screening tests using a saliva or breath tube Alcohol Screening Device (ASD):
For Saliva ASD Tests:
1. Check Expiration: Verify the expiration date on the device or its package and show it to the employee. Do not use expired devices.
2. Open Package: Open the individually wrapped or sealed package in the employee's presence.
3. Offer Employee Use: Offer the employee the chance to use the device. If they do, instruct them to insert it into their mouth and use it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Collector Use (if needed): If the employee declines to use it, or if the device fails to activate and a new test is needed, you must insert it into the employee's mouth following the manufacturer's instructions. You must wear single-use examination (or similar) gloves and change them after each test.
5. Check Activation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the device has activated once removed from the mouth.
6. Handling Errors or Failures:
* If the procedure fails (e.g., the device breaks or drops) or if it fails to activate, discard it and use a new device that has been under your or the employer's control.
* Note the reason for the new test on the “Remarks” line of the Alcohol Testing Form (ATF) (you can keep using the same ATF).
* Offer the employee the choice to use the new device, unless they were responsible for the failure (e.g., they dropped it).
* If the second attempt also fails, end the collection, explain it on the ATF's "Remarks" line, and immediately direct the employee to take a new screening test using an EBT (Evidential Breath Testing device).
7. Reading Results: Read the result no sooner than the manufacturer instructs, but always within 15 minutes of the test. Show the device and its reading to the employee and enter the result on the ATF.
8. Disposal & Documentation: Never reuse devices, swabs, gloves, or other saliva-testing materials. Note that you used a saliva ASD in Step 3 of the ATF.
For Breath Tube ASD Tests:
1. Check Expiration: Check the expiration dates on the detector device and electronic analyzer (or their package) and show them to the employee. Do not use expired items. Ensure the analyzer is specifically pre-calibrated for the device being used.
2. Prepare Device: Remove the device from the package and secure an inflation bag to the appropriate end following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Break Ampoule: Break the tube's ampoule in the employee's presence.
4. Offer Employee Holding: Offer the employee the opportunity to hold the device. Instruct them to blow forcefully and steadily into the blowing end until the inflation bag fills (about 12 seconds). If they choose not to hold it, you must hold it and give the same instructions.
5. Post-Breath Steps: Once the breath process is complete, take the device from the employee (or remove it from their mouth if you were holding it), remove the inflation bag, and prepare the device to be read by the analyzer according to the manufacturer's directions.
6. Handling Errors or Failures:
* If you cannot successfully complete the procedure (e.g., the device breaks or the inflation bag does not fill), discard it and use a new device under your or the employer's control.
* Note the reason on the “Remarks” line of the ATF.
* Offer the employee the choice to hold