Update on DOT's New Oral Fluid Collection Final Rule

In an important update for the drug testing industry, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has finalized a rule addressing oral fluid collection training, effective December 5, 2024. This change, published in the Federal Register (89 FR 87792, Nov. 5, 2024), includes several modifications requested by the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and directly impacts how Mid South Drug Testing, among other companies, will implement training for oral fluid collectors.

What You Need to Know

DOT's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) has issued a final rule with updates to oral fluid testing protocols that clarify:

1. Immediate Training Authorization: DOT now permits oral fluid collector training to start as of December 5, 2024, even if laboratories certified by Health and Human Services (HHS) have not yet been approved. This proactive approach allows us to begin training collectors on oral fluid devices without delay.

2. Mock Oral Fluid Collection Monitors: To address a gap in qualified oral fluid collectors, DOT is authorizing individuals who have completed NDASA’s Train-the-Trainer course to monitor mock collections, even if they have not yet met the one-year experience requirement. This provision will remain for one year following HHS laboratory certification, after which the one-year experience requirement will resume.

3. Documentation Best Practices: Although there is no regulatory requirement for trainers to document each training session, DOT recommends keeping thorough records as a business best practice. Mid South Drug Testing will ensure that all training sessions are documented to meet DOT’s recommended standards for accountability and quality assurance.

4. Volume Indicator and Collection Sufficiency: DOT has clarified that collection sufficiency must be verified using volume indicators on oral fluid collection devices, aligning with the requirements for alcohol testing and ensuring a consistent standard.

Preparing for Compliance

As Mid South Drug Testing prepares for this transition, we will work closely with NDASA and other industry partners to ensure our team is fully trained and ready to meet these new standards. For those interested in becoming certified in oral fluid collection, we encourage you to reach out to MSDT to take advantage of the upcoming collector training sessions and mock proficiency demonstrations.

This final rule aligns with Mid South Drug Testing's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of training and compliance, ensuring safe and drug-free workplaces across the Mid-South region. We are grateful for NDASA's advocacy efforts, which have helped shape a fair and functional framework for implementing oral fluid testing in DOT-regulated industries.

For more information or to schedule your training session, please contact Mid South Drug Testing directly. Let’s continue to work together for safe and compliant workplaces.

About Mid South Drug Testing

Mid South Drug Testing is committed to providing comprehensive and compliant drug and alcohol testing services across the Mid-South. Our team delivers tailored solutions designed to meet the regulatory requirements of DOT and other industry standards, promoting safe and productive work environments throughout our communities.

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For full details on the DOT final rule, click here