As of July 2025, oral fluid drug testing, commonly referred to as saliva testing, is approaching a major turning point in federal workplace drug testing. While the method has been discussed for years as a more practical and less invasive alternative to urine testing, this year brings us closer than ever to seeing it used in regulated industries such as transportation, aviation, and pipeline operations.
At MedPhysicals Plus, we stay ahead of federal regulation changes to ensure our clients have access to accurate, timely, and legally defensible testing services. Here’s what you need to know about the current status of oral fluid testing and how we can help your business prepare.
What Is Oral Fluid Testing and Why Use It?
Oral fluid testing detects drug use through a saliva sample collected from inside the mouth—usually by swabbing the gums or cheeks. Unlike urine testing, which often identifies past drug use over a longer window, oral fluid testing is especially useful for detecting recent use, typically within the last 24 to 48 hours. This makes it ideal for post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion cases, or random testing situations where identifying current impairment is a priority.
It is also more difficult to tamper with. The collection process is directly observed and does not require a private restroom, which reduces the chances of adulteration or substitution.
Federal Developments: What Changed in 2025?
In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved oral fluid testing as an alternative to urine testing for federally regulated programs. However, the rollout has been delayed due to one key requirement: no SAMHSA-certified laboratories are yet approved to handle DOT-compliant oral fluid samples. Federal rules require two certified labs, one for the primary test and another for the split specimen, before collections can officially begin.
Still, momentum is building. In January 2025, DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) released official Oral Fluid Collection Guidelines, outlining:
- Collector training and qualification steps
- Chain of custody procedures
- Secure specimen handling requirements
- Protocols for dry mouth, insufficient specimens, and tampering prevention
These guidelines ensure oral fluid collections meet the same legal and scientific standards as traditional urine testing. While labs remain the final missing piece, industry leaders expect certifications by late 2025 or early 2026. Once this changes MedPhysicals Plus will announce it so stay tuned on our blogs!
MedPhysicals Plus: Supporting Compliance Across Alaska
As a trusted provider of both DOT and non-DOT drug testing services, MedPhysicals Plus remains focused on helping employers across Alaska stay fully compliant with current and upcoming regulations. While oral fluid testing isn’t active under DOT yet, our team is trained, equipped, and ready to administer compliant testing services the moment federal certification is finalized.
Whether your workplace is located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, or Soldotna, our clinics are ready to serve your team. We also offer mobile and on-site collections, ideal for rural or remote job sites where time and logistics are critical.
From pre-employment screenings to return-to-duty evaluations and post-accident testing, we provide fast, accurate, and confidential drug testing solutions tailored to Alaska’s unique workforce. Our procedures are fully aligned with DOT’s Part 40 regulations, ensuring peace of mind and legal defensibility.
Looking Ahead
Oral fluid testing is no longer a future concept. It is now part of the federal regulatory framework. Final implementation is only waiting on the certification of laboratories. Once SAMHSA grants approval, employers will be expected to comply with the updated rules just as they currently do with urine testing.
Whether you manage a transportation fleet, oversee a remote construction crew, or operate in healthcare or aviation, our services are designed to meet your regulatory needs today and into the future. Contact us today to learn more about how we support employers across Alaska.