Last updated : November 25, 2024
Some employers of the safety-sensitive workforce have been looking forward to the Department of Transportation (DOT) releasing its final ruling authorizing oral fluid drug testing. It happened back in early May. There have been signs pointing to the protocol change. For example, a section for oral fluid testing appeared on the Custody and Control Form (CCF) over a year ago now. Even with the paperwork changes in place well in advance, employers couldn’t begin using the test on June 1st, as the DOT decreed.
That’s because the DOT’s final ruling states that before testing can begin, laboratories have to specifically request to be certified to analyze DOT-submitted oral fluid drug tests. Moreover, there have to be at least two certified laboratories—one to serve as the primary laboratory and the other to handle split-specimen testing.
In order to become certified, laboratories must submit an application that requires undergoing three rounds of performance testing. In addition, there is a rigorous on-site inspection to pass. To maintain certification, the laboratory must participate in a quarterly performance testing program and agree to undergo periodic on-site inspections. Furthermore, certified labs must provide the DOT with bi-annual data that shows oral fluid tests are categorized correctly. The data must include the reason for testing and the type of specimen submitted either saliva or urine.
As can be expected, until complete authorization was announced, laboratories hesitated to incur the expense of becoming certified. Now, that the final ruling is out, things are moving in that direction. In fact, some experts are predicting that there will be at least two certified laboratories before year-end. And if not, by early 2024 at the latest.
Qualification can create new opportunity
In order to be able to administer the tests, specimen collectors must successfully complete a DOT oral fluid drug testing qualification course. Collectors will become proficient in operating various oral fluid devices. Subsequently, they will be less likely to make an error while administering the test to employees. Other important aspects are covered as well, such as how to avoid fatal flaws, for instance.
DOT oral fluid drug testing qualification courses aren’t available yet but are set to spring up all over the country as soon as laboratories receive certification.
Another new opportunity unveiling itself within the DOT industry is to take advantage of a train-the-trainer course. The courses are only available through the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA). You can register to attend on their site. The class teaches the testing process step by step equipping collectors with everything they need to know to successfully train others. At the moment, it’s not possible to complete the proficiency demonstrations as there haven’t been any approved devices.
Here’s how it works
Some employers plan to conduct oral fluid testing on-site using employees as the test administrator. It will save them money in a number of ways. In addition to saving money on the test, itself, the time saved is going to prove very beneficial as well. Rather than paying an employee the entire time it takes them to leave the workplace, travel to and from the testing facility, then, figure in wait time on top of that, it adds up to a sizeable chunk. Multiply that figure by the number of employees or applicants within a company and you begin to get a good idea of just how much administering oral fluid drug tests in-house can save.
Train-the-trainers can show up on-site with everything necessary to teach the oral fluid qualification course, Engage students in a way that leads them toward success. Learn tips and ideas sure to keep students engaged throughout the sessions. Things, such as knowing how to use visual aids to stimulate class participation.
In addition to becoming oral fluid qualification instructors, train the trainers also have the ability to work as specimen collectors.
Get ready, get set…
If you’re switching entirely from urine drug testing or intend to use both the urine and oral fluid drug tests in different instances, take advantage of these next few months to get your specimen collectors qualified. Get ready to roll out your new drug testing protocol as soon as it’s announced that the laboratories are accepting oral fluid drug tests for analysis.
Remember, though, it’s very important to document all changes to drug testing policies and procedures in writing. Employees must receive notification of changes as well. Do both of these things prior to implementing the changes in real time.
Now that the DOT has updated its decades-old drug testing protocol to incorporate the use of oral fluid drug testing, could approval for using the hair follicle drug test be far behind? Congress insisted the federal drug board allow hair follicle testing back in December 2015. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has met with continuous challenges since then.
Discrimination was the first hurdle to jump. Some studies have shown that hair follicle drug testing can be unfair to people with certain hair types. Some experts believed that certain hair types absorb drugs more excessively than others. That has been put to rest along with other concerns that have risen throughout the years. In fact, according to Greer Woodruff, senior vice president of corporate safety, security, and driver personnel at J.B. Hunt, a final ruling may be published before the end of the summer!
We’ll keep you posted on how that pans out. In the meantime, get your collectors enrolled in oral fluid qualification courses as soon as possible. If you’re using a Third Party Administrator (TPA), find out if they’re prepared for the upcoming changes and submit your standing orders in regard to DOT oral fluid drug testing.
After all, planning ahead is the best way to ensure that you get where you’re going.
