For collectors and collection sites, the move to DOT oral fluid testing isn't just a compliance change. It's a business opportunity, and timing matters.
Demand will arrive all at once
Once HHS certifies the second oral fluid laboratory, employers who want oral fluid will be looking for collection sites that can do it. DOT has said it expects collection sites to make a business decision about offering the service and to let their DOT regulated clients know. Sites with qualified oral fluid collectors on day one will win those conversations. Sites that wait will be scheduling training while their clients go elsewhere.
Urine qualification doesn't carry over
Oral fluid is a separate qualification. A collector who is fully qualified for urine still needs oral fluid training on the procedures and the collection device before performing a DOT oral fluid collection. Part 40 also requires that a qualified oral fluid collector and a conforming device both be available at the site before oral fluid testing can happen there.
What qualification involves
• Training on Part 40 procedures and DOT guidance
• Training on the specific oral fluid collection device
• A proficiency demonstration through monitored mock collections
• Refresher and error correction training as required going forward
The mock collection step is where many collectors get stuck, because someone has to monitor and evaluate them. As the industry ramps up, that capacity will be limited.
Beyond DOT
Oral fluid is already widely used in non DOT workplace testing. Training now also positions you to serve those clients with a more defensible, observed collection process.
How Stratellis Training can help
Our DOT Oral Fluid Collector Training is online and self paced. We also offer live mock collections with a dedicated team, in person or remote, so you can complete the full qualification process with us. For larger teams, we offer group training and custom branded programs.