Glossary

Oral fluid (saliva)

A specimen type collected from the mouth; used for recent-use detection and authorized by DOT in 2023.

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Oral fluid is collected with an absorbent collection device under direct observation. It typically detects parent drug compounds (rather than metabolites) and has a shorter detection window than urine. DOT authorized oral fluid as an alternative to urine in 2023 pending HHS lab certification.

Sources & references

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  1. Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Oral Fluid) — SAMHSA
  2. Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs: Addition of Oral Fluid Specimen Testing — Federal Register / DOT, 2023-05-02