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October 16, 2023
Oral-fluid (saliva) drug testing will soon be an option for motor carriers when sending CDL drivers for DOT testing. However, before motor carriers can move forward with the new testing method, laboratories must be certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to process the specimens.
Motor carriers should use this interim period to:
Use the following checklists to help prepare for the day when this alternate testing method is readily available.
Consider the following when determining whether oral-fluid drug testing is right for your operation.
It remains to be seen whether oral-fluid tests will cost more or less than urine tests. Ask the following service agents to provide a comparison of their urine and oral-fluid specimen fees:
Oral-fluid drug testing:
Oral-fluid drug testing offers fewer opportunities to tamper with the specimen or otherwise cheat on the test. The collection is directly observed each time.
When compared to urine-specimen collections, oral-fluid testing is less intrusive. This could make for less-hesitant drivers taking drug tests.
Oral-fluid testing offers an alternate testing method for recollections.
If oral-fluid drug testing works for your company, you need to make sure your current vendors offer the service or line up new providers.
Motor carriers must update their DOT drug testing policy and the educational materials to reflect oral-fluid drug testing.
Items to revise include:
Motor carriers must provide the revised materials to every new driver and those transferring into safety-sensitive positions.
But a common practice is to provide at least an addendum of the changes to existing drivers, so they know what policies and procedures have changed and what to expect at the collection site. It’s a good idea to get a new signed receipt from them. This practice demonstrates safety management controls.
Everyone involved with your DOT drug and alcohol testing program should receive some sort of training on the new drug testing method.
When considering an optional provision in the safety regulations, such as the oral-fluid drug test, you need to weigh the decision and then make a to-do list if implemented.
Request our easy-to-read resource that explains how to best manage your DOT drug and alcohol testing program.
J. J. Keller goes beyond the alcohol or drug test to give you a deeper level of service and risk protection. Learn more about our Drug & Alcohol Program Management Service today!