Drug and Alcohol Testing Flashcards
7 cards from real MEPS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Drug and Alcohol Testing flashcards as text
What is the purpose of the 'split sample' procedure in MEPS drug testing?
Answer: To allow the applicant to challenge a positive result using the second portion
A split sample divides the specimen into two bottles (A and B), allowing the donor to request retesting of the B bottle at a different certified lab if the A bottle yields a confirmed positive.
Which branch of the military has historically had the strictest drug testing waiver policy, making it the hardest to obtain a waiver for a prior positive?
Answer: Air Force / Space Force
The Air Force and Space Force consistently maintain the most restrictive waiver policies for prior drug use, reflecting their higher security and technical mission requirements.
How long can marijuana metabolites (THC-COOH) typically be detected in a chronic heavy user's urine?
Answer: Up to 30 days or more
In chronic heavy users, fat-soluble THC metabolites can accumulate in body tissue and be detectable in urine for 30 days or more after last use.
An applicant discloses use of a prescription opioid (oxycodone) for a past injury. At MEPS, this would most likely be evaluated by:
Answer: Both the MRO for the drug test and the MEPS physician for the medical history
Prescription opioid disclosure is reviewed by the MRO to validate the drug test result and by the MEPS physician to evaluate whether the underlying medical condition affects military eligibility.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five drugs on the standard federal DOT panel tested at MEPS?
Answer: Benzodiazepines
The standard DOT 5-panel screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, and amphetamines; benzodiazepines are not included unless an expanded military panel is used.
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) testing at MEPS is significant because it can detect alcohol use:
Answer: Up to 80 hours after consumption, even after BAC returns to zero
EtG is a direct alcohol metabolite that persists in urine for up to 80 hours, allowing detection of recent alcohol consumption long after standard BAC testing would show zero.
A MEPS applicant who is disqualified due to a positive drug test and wishes to reapply should expect:
Answer: An automatic 12-month waiting period before reapplication in most cases
Most services require approximately 12 months of documented drug-free status before a disqualified applicant can apply for a waiver and reenter the MEPS process.