How long are records of drug testing retained by employers for positive tests?

The correct answer reflects the regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which stipulate that employers must retain records of positive drug test results for a period of five years. This retention period is important for compliance and safety reasons, as it allows for proper tracking and monitoring of an employee's substance use history.

The five-year timeframe ensures that employers can maintain accurate records for audits and can also be useful should legal or regulatory inquiries arise regarding an employee's testing history. It is vital for companies dealing with safety-sensitive positions to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.

While other durations might be applicable for different types of records or in other contexts, such as the one-year retention for certain types of drug testing records or the two-year period for records related to negative test results and other test records, the five-year requirement specifically pertains to positive test records as mandated by DOT regulations.