The good news for employers covered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing regulations is the agency issued a final rule for lab-based oral fluid drug testing on May 1, 2023. The bad news is employers may not use oral fluid testing, yet. Certain conditions, such as the certification of at least two laboratories, must be met before the new regulations go into full effect. But we’re getting closer.
In the meantime, DOT-covered employers who wish to use lab-based oral fluid testing when the light turns green, so to speak, should know the basics of the new rule so they’re ready. Following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions so far:
Q. Why did DOT issue the new rule for lab-based oral fluid testing?
A. In the Federal Register, the DOT articulated the reasons why the agency decided to add lab-based oral fluid testing. These reasons include:
- Enhanced flexibility— Oral fluid collections provide flexibility to address workplace drug testing needs by permitting the use of either urine or oral fluid, whichever specimen is best suited to the situation.
- Enhanced versatility— Oral fluid collections can occur in a variety of locations and eliminate many collection issues found with urine.
- Decreased invalid tests— Oral fluid collections, by nature, are 100% observed, which lessens the risks of substitution or adulteration.