The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced a major revamp to their workplace drug and alcohol testing program, bringing with it the inclusion of an alternate sample collection method – oral fluid tests. Such changes are said to give employers more choice while simultaneously helping combat employee cheating on urine samples. According to the agency the rule is intended to provide a supplement rather than a replacement of current collection methods in place.
“HHS has determined oral fluid drug testing, like urine drug testing, is accurate and defensible,” the agency wrote in its final rule. “With both drug testing methodologies being scientifically accurate and forensically defensible, there is no reason to eliminate either methodology. Similarly, we see no reason to mandate either methodology.”
The rule is now in its final stages of implementation, set to become effective 30 days after its May 2nd publication date. Prior to it becoming effective, the Department of Health and Human Services will need to certify laboratories to conduct oral fluid testing. At this time, the agency has not yet certified any labs for this type of testing.
The rulemaking will apply to all federal offices that fall under U.S. DOT control. Industries regulated by the following agencies will be affected by the impending changes:
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Federal Railroad Administration
- Federal Transit Administration
According to officials, this shift in approach can serve two primary functions, privacy and flexibility. Drivers with certain medical conditions, which would normally make providing a urine sample difficult, can find relief in choosing this collection method due to its additional flexibility and cost-efficiency when compared to other tests available on the market today. Furthermore, individuals concerned about preserving privacy may also benefit from using this form of data collection over others whose accuracy must be confirmed through direct observation by an authority figure during specimen provisioning.
“All oral fluid collections are directly observed because they are always collected in front of the collector. Unlike a directly observed urine collection, an oral fluid collection is much less intrusive on the tested employee’s privacy,” the agency wrote. “Therefore, adding oral fluid testing as an option is consistent with the careful balancing of an individual’s right to privacy with the Department’s strong interest in preserving transportation safety by deterring illicit drug use.”
Source: Land Line
