If you are following the changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing guidelines, you may be wondering what the current status is of the oral fluid drug testing final rule in 2026 and how this applies to drug testing and employer services in Anchorage Soldotna and other places in Alaska.
Let’s break down the main points of the oral fluid drug testing rule.
In May 2023 the Department of Transportation released a final rule that added oral fluid testing, also known as saliva testing, as an official option in the DOT drug testing program. This program covers transportation safety rules in Part 40 of the federal regulations. The rule took effect on June 1, 2023 and its main goal was to give employers another testing method to use. Instead of relying only on urine drug testing, companies could also choose oral fluid testing for employees working in safety sensitive positions.
In November 2024 DOT followed up with another final rule that updated and clarified parts of the oral fluid process. This update became effective on December 5, 2024. It focused on making the procedures easier to understand in real life situations. The rule explained who is allowed to collect oral fluid samples and what qualifications they should have. It also explained the requirements for people who supervise practice or mock oral fluid collections during training.
So what is the current status of DOT oral fluid testing?
Although DOT rules officially allow oral fluid testing, it cannot yet be used for actual DOT drug tests. At this time, DOT-regulated testing programs must continue to use urine testing as the approved method for compliance. While the oral fluid testing rule has been finalized and clarified, it is not currently available for implementation in day-to-day DOT testing.
As of January 2026, oral fluid testing remains an approved option under DOT regulations but is not yet in active use for DOT drug testing programs. With regulations continuing to evolve, staying compliant with DOT drug testing requirements can be challenging. At MedPhysicals Plus, we help employers and safety-sensitive workers stay up to date with the latest government-mandated guidelines and ensure their testing programs meet current regulations.
Visit any of our clinics in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and Soldotna, or contact us at (907) 561-7587 or admin@medphysicalsplus.com to get the most current updates and other inquiries.