A directive from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that was issued in late October and went into effect Jan. 1 will allow federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, to collect and test an oral fluid specimen as part of their drug testing programs. The Department said DOT and other agencies are required to develop programs based on the guidelines, which sets standards for all aspects of oral fluid testing. Discussions continue on developing a hair testing protocol, as well, which is expected to have a major impact as tests on hair follicles from a person’s head can determine drug use over a three-month period, including cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin.
