MEPS Drug and Alcohol Testing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency sets the standards for drug testing used at MEPS?
- DEA
- SAMHSA (Correct answer)
- FDA
- CDC
Correct answer: SAMHSA
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) sets the mandatory guidelines for federal workplace drug testing programs, including MEPS.
Question 2: If an applicant admits to recent marijuana use during the MEPS medical interview, what is the most likely outcome?
- Immediate permanent disqualification
- A waiver is automatically granted
- The applicant may be deferred pending a clean drug test (Correct answer)
- The admission is ignored if the urine test is negative
Correct answer: The applicant may be deferred pending a clean drug test
Honest disclosure of recent use combined with a negative urine test may allow processing to continue after a deferral period, though waivers may still be required.
Question 3: Which substance, if detected at MEPS, is categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance with zero tolerance in the military?
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- THC (marijuana metabolite) (Correct answer)
- Caffeine
Correct answer: THC (marijuana metabolite)
THC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, and any confirmed positive result disqualifies an applicant without waiver eligibility in most cases.
Question 4: What is the chain of custody in MEPS drug testing designed to prevent?
- Sample contamination only
- Unauthorized access to test results
- Tampering, mislabeling, or substitution of urine samples (Correct answer)
- Delays in laboratory processing
Correct answer: Tampering, mislabeling, or substitution of urine samples
Chain of custody procedures ensure each sample is properly identified, sealed, and tracked from collection to result, preventing tampering or substitution.
Question 5: An applicant tests positive for amphetamines at MEPS. They claim a valid prescription for Adderall. What happens next?
- The positive result is automatically dismissed
- The applicant is immediately disqualified with no appeal
- The MRO contacts the applicant to verify the prescription before reporting results (Correct answer)
- The recruiter decides whether to report the result
Correct answer: The MRO contacts the applicant to verify the prescription before reporting results
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) contacts the donor to allow them to provide documentation of a legitimate prescription before a result is reported as positive.
Question 6: Which of the following behaviors during urine sample collection at MEPS is considered a refusal to test?
- Asking to use a private stall
- Being unable to provide a sample within three hours (Correct answer)
- Requesting a witness of the same gender
- Asking the collector to explain the process
Correct answer: Being unable to provide a sample within three hours
If an applicant cannot produce a sufficient sample within three hours after adequate hydration attempts, it is documented as a refusal, which disqualifies the applicant.
Question 7: How does MEPS typically handle an applicant who has a confirmed positive test result for cocaine?
- Permanent disqualification with no waiver possible
- A 90-day waiting period then retest
- Disqualification, though a waiver may be considered after one year (Correct answer)
- The branch recruiter decides the outcome individually
Correct answer: Disqualification, though a waiver may be considered after one year
A confirmed cocaine positive results in disqualification, but applicants may apply for a waiver after demonstrating a drug-free period, typically around one year.
MEPS Drug and Alcohol Testing 2
Which federal agency sets the standards for drug testing used at MEPS?