How does oral fluid (saliva) testing work for DOT?: The most recent among federally recognized drug testing procedures for DOT purposes is oral fluid testing, also known as saliva testing. The procedure was intended to make workplace drug testing of CDL drivers more practical, less invasive, and faster. Tests performed on oral fluid by DOT maintain FMCSA and SAMHSA compliance, as these very tests ascertain that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators are not under the influence of controlled substances while on duty. It thus remains a plausible way of ensuring safety in the trucking and transportation sectors.

Process For DOT Oral Fluid Sample Collection

The saliva sample is collected from inside the donor’s mouth utilizing a sterile swab to initiate the oral fluid test. A certified collector conducts this process as a part of strict DOT implementation procedures to ensure the chain of custody and correct identification. The sample is sealed and delivered to an HHS-certified laboratory for analysis. Unlike urine testing, oral fluid testing can detect recent drug use over the last 24–48 hours and therefore may be employed for post-accident, random, and FMCSA reasonable suspicion testing.

Drugs Tested in DOT Saliva Tests

DOT-approved saliva tests screen the same controlled substances under the DOT 5-panel, including marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). The oral fluid method is scientifically validated with results that correlate with conventional urine testing. The advantages of short-term drug detection further enhance the method’s applicability in identifying recent impairment, thus promoting highway safety to truckers and the general public.

Opportunities in Oral Fluid Testing for CDL Drivers

Convenience and minimal invasion of privacy are among the major advantages of DOT oral fluid drug testing. They can be conducted almost anywhere—flexible roadside inspections, terminals, or collection sites—without an absolute requirement for the use of bathrooms or specialized facilities while also minimizing the chance for adulteration or substitution of samples, which is critical for urine tests. Therefore, an oral fluid is safer for drivers and fleet managers to use to support a drug-free atmosphere, while its results would be fast enough for the use of DOT and FMCSA compliance.

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