Most carriers are either not pursuing or unsure whether oral-fluid drug testing is a fit for their operation, based on a recent survey of Compliance Network subscribers.

Over four weeks, we asked subscribers whether they plan on using the oral-swab method of Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing. This is what respondents told us:

• 48 percent said they are unsure of their plans at this time
• 34 percent indicated they are not pursuing this testing method for their DOT program
• 18 percent will implement the testing method when it becomes available

Overview of oral-fluid testing

New regulations went into effect June 1, 2023, to harmonize the DOT’s Part 40 drug testing procedures with saliva-testing guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Saliva testing was also added to rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other DOT agencies that require drug testing.

Despite the effective date, steps remain that prevent DOT-regulated employers from moving forward with oral-fluid drug testing. HHS needs to certify at least two laboratories for oral-fluid testing, which has not yet been done.

Note that urine testing will remain an option for employers who do not wish to use oral-fluid testing.

Motor carriers should use this interim period to:

• Evaluate whether oral-fluid drug testing is a fit for their operation;
• Dialogue with service agents;
• Update their DOT drug and alcohol policy; and
• Train drivers, supervisors, and program managers on the testing method.

Advantages of oral specimens

The DOT notes several advantages of using an oral-fluid specimen over a urine sample, including:

• Potentially less expensive;
• Detects more recent use, making it more advantageous for post-accident and reasonable suspicion tests;
• Fewer opportunities to tamper with specimens; and
• Less intrusive.

Key to remember: When considering an optional provision in the safety regulations, such as the oral-fluid drug test, you need to consider your operation, costs, availability, and so forth. If your company decides to move forward with oral-fluid testing, now is the time to make arrangements with vendors, train employees, and update policies.