The wait is almost over.

That’s right — saliva drug testing is nearly here for employees regulated under Department of Transportation Part 40 regulations.

After nearly a year of delays, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has finally provided an update on when this testing method may become available.

But why is it taking so long?

Let’s get in the loop with Luke and find out.

Saliva Drug Testing Has Technically Been Approved Since 2023

Let’s get straight into the meat and potatoes.

Saliva drug testing for safety-sensitive DOT-regulated employees — including truck drivers — officially became effective on June 1, 2023.

But there was one major catch:

The testing method could not actually be implemented until HHS certified at least two laboratories for oral fluid drug testing.

Why Has Implementation Been Delayed?

Immediately after the announcement, major laboratories like:

• Labcorp
• Quest Diagnostics

began pursuing certification to become approved oral fluid testing laboratories.

At the time, the public was told the certification process would likely take:

• Approximately 3–6 months

Labcorp initially hoped certification would be completed by:

• November or December 2023

But that never happened.

The 2024 HHS Update

In February 2024, HHS finally released an updated timeline.

According to HHS:

• The first certified oral fluid testing laboratory is now expected sometime during the first quarter of 2025.

So does that mean saliva testing will officially become available by April 2025?

Not so fast.

Why DOT Needs Two Certified Labs

Remember earlier when we mentioned DOT regulations require at least two certified laboratories?

Here’s why.

Under Part 40 regulations:

• One HHS-certified laboratory must conduct the initial screening and confirmation testing on the primary specimen.
• A completely different HHS-certified laboratory must conduct split specimen testing if the employee requests additional testing after a non-negative result.

If a second certified lab is not available:

• Positive results
• Adulterated results
• Substituted test results

could potentially be canceled under Part 40 rules.

In other words:

DOT cannot fully implement saliva drug testing until at least two HHS-certified labs are operational.

Will DOT Saliva Testing Be Ready By 2025?

Can two laboratories realistically become certified by Q1 2025?

Only time will tell.

But the transportation industry is watching closely because this new testing method could significantly change how DOT drug testing is handled moving forward.

Why Saliva Drug Testing Matters

So why is this becoming such a major issue?

Saliva drug testing creates several advantages for both employers and employees.

Potential benefits include:

• Eliminating many shy bladder evaluations
• Reducing challenges for individuals unable to provide urine specimens
• Creating better accommodations for employees with certain disabilities
• Improving testing privacy
• Reducing opportunities for cheating or tampering

Overall, oral fluid testing may create a more flexible and efficient testing process for many employers.

Will Saliva Testing Replace Urine Testing?

No.

DOT has already stated that oral fluid testing will become:

• An additional testing option
• Not a replacement for urine testing

Both methods remain:

• Scientifically accurate
• Forensically defensible

That means employers will likely continue using both testing methods depending on the situation and company policy.

When Should Employers Use Saliva Testing?

Choosing between urine testing and saliva testing often comes down to:

• Detection windows
• Privacy concerns
• Testing circumstances

Detection Window Differences

Urine Testing

Drug detection window:

• Approximately 2–7 days

Saliva Testing

Drug detection window:

• A few hours up to 2 days

Because saliva testing focuses on more recent drug use, it may become especially useful for:

• Reasonable suspicion testing
• Post-accident testing

where employers want to determine whether recent drug use may have contributed to an event.

Why Employers May Prefer Saliva Testing

Urine testing can feel invasive because of the personal nature of specimen collection.

Saliva testing may provide:

• More privacy
• Easier onsite collection
• Fewer bathroom concerns
• Simpler observed collections

This may become particularly valuable during:

• Return-to-duty testing
• Follow-up testing
• Observed collections

where urine testing often requires direct observation of the collection process.

Handling Shy Bladder Situations

Saliva testing may also help solve one of the biggest frustrations in DOT drug testing:

Shy bladder situations.

These occur when an employee cannot provide a sufficient urine specimen during the collection process.

In many of these cases, oral fluid testing may become a much simpler alternative.

What Should Employers Do To Prepare?

Employers should begin preparing now by communicating with:

• Their consortium
• Third-party administrators (TPAs)
• Collection sites
• Occupational medicine providers

Companies should decide whether they want to utilize:

• Urine testing only
• Oral fluid testing only
• A combination of both

Employers should also clearly define:

• When different testing methods will be used
• Which situations trigger oral fluid collections
• Backup collection procedures

For example:

• An insufficient oral fluid specimen may trigger a urine collection
• A shy bladder urine situation may trigger an oral fluid collection

CNS Occupational Medicine Can Help

CNS Occupational Medicine assists employers with:

• DOT saliva testing preparation
• Customized drug and alcohol policy development
• Consortium services
• Third-party administrator (TPA) support
• DOT compliance guidance

CNS also offers a comprehensive DOT drug and alcohol consortium program managed by certified consortium and third-party administrators.

To learn more, contact CNS Occupational Medicine today at:

📞 800-551-1814