Prepare drivers now for DOT oral-fluid drug testing
Drivers should know what is expected of them during the collection process so there are no surprises.
Even though oral-fluid (saliva) drug testing realistically won’t be available until late 2023 into early 2024, motor carriers need to update policies and provide drivers with oral-fluid drug testing procedures.
The following outlines the steps in oral-fluid collections.
1. Initial collection procedures
The oral-fluid test uses the same testing form as a urine sample, the Federal Custody and Control form (CCF). The initial steps, such as providing identification, emptying pockets, and removing outer clothing, mimic the urine collection. It then deviates from the urine collection process with an oral-cavity inspection.
The collector must ensure the driver’s mouth is free of anything that could be used to interfere with the collection process (including candy, gum, food, or tobacco) or to adulterate, substitute, or alter the specimen.
Any claims of a medical condition that prevents opening the mouth for inspection follows the same procedures as an insufficient specimen.
If the collector finds something questionable, further inspection is required. Drivers will be asked to lift their tongue and/or separate their cheek from the gum to permit full inspection. Drivers are permitted to cleanse their hands during this process, but they cannot decline the collector’s request.
Any item that might impede or interfere with the collection must be removed by the driver at the collector’s request.
When materials are brought by the driver or the driver’s conduct clearly indicates an attempt to adulterate, substitute, or alter the specimen, refusal to test procedures apply (i.e., collection terminated, circumstances documented on the CCF, and employer notified).
Need more information? See Driver alcohol and drug training ezExplanation. |
2. After the mouth inspection
During certain scenarios following an oral-cavity inspection, the collector must give the driver up to 8 ounces of water to rinse the mouth. The driver may drink the water.
The scenarios include:
- An item that could impede or interfere with the collection,
- Abnormally colored saliva, and
- Claims of ‘‘dry mouth.’’
After providing the water, the collector must wait 10 minutes before beginning the specimen collection.
If the driver refuses to remove the item or rinse, it is treated as a failure to cooperate with the testing process. The collection is terminated, the circumstances noted on the CCF, and the incident is reported to the employer as a possible refusal to test.
3. Preparing for testing
If there is nothing of concern during the initial procedures, the collector starts a 10-minute wait period.
During the wait period, the collector:
- Discusses with the driver the manufacturer’s instructions for the specimen collection device, and
- Completes all items under Step 1 of the CCF.
A new, unwrapped/sealed specimen collection device is then selected by either the collector or driver. The expiration date is verified on the package, an expired device must not be used. The collector opens the device in view of the employee and proceeds to complete Step 2 of the CCF. The device’s expiration date is entered in Step 4 of the CCF.
The unwrapped collection device must be kept within view of both the collector and the employee between the time the employee has provided a specimen and the specimen is sealed.
The driver is then instructed to use hand sanitizer or wash and dry hands.
4. The oral-fluid collection
During the actual oral-fluid collection, the collector must be present and maintain visual contact, noting any unusual behavior or appearance on the CCF. For any attempts to tamper with the test, follow refusal to test procedures.
The driver is responsible for positioning the specimen collection device for collection. The collector makes sure:
- The test is performed according to the device’s manufacturer,
- The device is working properly, and
- A sufficient specimen is collected.
If the driver is unable to provide an adequate saliva sample, the collector will continue to make one attempt to collect. If a sufficient specimen is not collected, the collector follows the insufficient specimen procedures in 40.193.
If an adequate sampled was provided, the collector examines the saliva for unusual color, presence of foreign objects or material, or other signs of tampering. If tampering is apparent, another collection is conducted using a new CCF.
5. Splitting the specimen
Both Bottle A and Bottle B must have at least 1 mL of undiluted oral fluid. The oral-fluid split-specimen procedures are similar to urine collections:
- The driver observes the collector placing a tamper-evident seal from the CCF over the cap of each specimen container.
- The collector records the date on the seals after being affixed on the bottles.
- The driver is told to initial the tamper-evident seals on each container. If the driver refuses, the collector notes that on the CCF and completes the process.
- The driver is directed to read and sign the certification statement on Copy 2 of the CCF and provide all information required in Step 5. If the driver declines, the collector notes this on the CCF and completes the collection. If the driver declines to fill out any information, the collector must, as a minimum, print the driver’s name in the appropriate place.
For more information, check out our Split specimen ezExplanation. |
6. Preparing for shipment
As the collection concludes, the driver will observe the collector:
Completing Step 4 of the CCF,
- Removing Copy 5 of the CCF and giving it to the driver,
- Placing the specimen bottles and Copy 1 of the CCF in the appropriate pouches of the plastic bag, and
- Securing both pouches of the plastic bag.
At this point, the driver may leave the collection site.
The collector must finish preparing the specimens for shipment to the testing laboratory. The specimens must be shipped as quickly as possible — within 24 hours or during the next business day.
Key to remember: With the regulations final and oral-fluid drug testing on the near horizon, now is the time for carriers to update policies and provide drivers with oral-fluid drug testing procedures.