In an article published by FleetOwner, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is addressing a significant issue in its 2023 oral fluid drug testing rule regarding a provision requiring oral fluid testing in specific scenarios. Those scenarios include the drug testing of a transgender or nonbinary identifying individual. Urinalysis requires the observance during collection of a same gender supervisor.
However, this provision was labeled “impossible to comply with,” because oral fluid testing remains unavailable for DOT testing due to a lack of certified laboratories. Although DOT approved oral fluid testing as an alternative to urinalysis in 2023, implementation has stalled because the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not yet certified the necessary laboratories. DOT has proposed temporarily revising this rule to default to urine testing under these circumstances until oral fluid testing becomes viable even though there are more complications that can arise during collection.
Addressing Modern Controversies with a Non-Invasive Solution
One of the rule’s key challenges arises in cases involving transgender and nonbinary employees, where finding a urine sample collector of the same gender can complicate compliance. This modern-day controversy highlights the need for practical, inclusive drug testing methods. Oral fluid drug testing offers an ideal solution due to its non-invasive nature, ease of use, and accuracy. The EZ Saliva provides a seamless way to conduct reliable testing while respecting privacy and avoiding gender-based complications. Once HHS certifies the necessary laboratories, oral fluid testing can revolutionize DOT drug testing by addressing these pressing challenges effectively.
