Last updated : May 19, 2025
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has released the final ruling for the approval of oral fluid drug testing which can be found here. The USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio Team is taking the time to learn and understand the new rulings being put in place and we are summarizing changes for you in this post!
The most important piece to understand about this new ruling is that yes, Oral Fluid testing has been approved; however, the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has not certified any laboratories to conduct oral fluid testing.
What does that mean for you as an employer?
Right now, nothing. USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio will still be conducting urine DOT drug testing per DOT guidelines.
What does that mean for the future?
Once at least two labs are certified for oral fluid drug testing, this option will become available for use. It will be you, the employer, who will decide what specimen type you would like to use, or you can use a combination of both.
Why would an employer choose an oral fluid device for testing?
1. Oral fluid testing can be a time-saving alternative in the shy bladder process. No more waiting for hydration!
2. Oral fluid testing is always a direct observation for all collections.
3. Oral fluid testing will be utilized when there is a direct observation needed for a collection for transgender and nonbinary gender individuals.
USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio is going to keep a close eye on the developments for oral fluid testing and will be ready to roll out a program once labs are certified through HHS. If you have any questions or want to learn more on what USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio has to offer, please contact us here.
