Workplace Drug Testing: A New Era with Saliva Screening

Workplace drug testing has long been a staple of many company safety and risk management protocols, particularly in safety-sensitive industries. The practice, which aims to ensure a drug-free work environment, has traditionally relied on urine-based testing.

However, a significant new federal rule is shifting this landscape, introducing saliva screening as a federally approved method of testing and ushering in a new era for employer Drug-Free Workplace programs.

The Traditional Approach: Urine Testing

For years, urine testing has been the most common method for workplace drug screening. It is cost-effective, can detect a wide range of substances, and has a relatively long detection window for certain drugs. However, urine testing has its drawbacks, including a higher potential for tampering and the need for private restroom facilities and same-gender collectors, which can be logistically challenging and uncomfortable for employees.

In Guam's unique geographic setting, these logistical challenges can be particularly pronounced for businesses operating in smaller facilities or remote locations.

The New Alternative: Saliva Testing

Saliva testing, or oral fluid testing, offers a compelling alternative. This method involves a simple and non-invasive swab of the inner cheek to collect saliva—a process that is quick, easy to administer, and difficult for employees to tamper with. The collection can be done on-site and in plain view, significantly reducing the risk of a manipulated sample. Furthermore, saliva testing is particularly effective at detecting recent drug use, typically within the last 24 to 48 hours. This makes it ideal for post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing where determining recent impairment is crucial.

For Guam's tourism and hospitality industry, where employee interactions with visitors are frequent and safety is paramount, the ability to conduct quick, dignified testing is especially valuable.

Federal Rule Changes

The new federal rule, finalized by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), officially authorizes oral fluid testing as a valid method for federal agencies and DOT-regulated employers. The DOT's final rule, which went into effect on June 1, 2023, authorizes DOT-regulated employers to use oral fluid as an alternative to urine specimens for drug testing.

This change applies to all testing scenarios, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. The HHS, which sets the guidelines for federal workplace drug testing, also published its "Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid," which became effective on October 10, 2023.

Given Guam's significant federal presence, including military installations and various federal agencies, these rule changes will have a substantial impact on the island's workforce. Many local contractors and service providers working with federal facilities will benefit from the increased flexibility and efficiency that saliva testing provides.

Implementation Challenges and Timeline

While the rules are now in place, the widespread implementation of oral fluid testing for federal programs still depends on a crucial step: the certification of at least two laboratories by the HHS to perform the testing. This requirement exists so that if a donor challenges the initial screening results, there is a process to confirm the findings through laboratory analysis. Once two or more labs are certified, employers can fully incorporate saliva testing into their drug-free workplace programs. Until then, urine testing remains the primary method.

Benefits for Modern Workplaces

This shift in federal policy represents a major development for workplace safety and privacy. It provides employers with a new, flexible tool for drug screening that is less invasive and more efficient. For employees, it offers a more comfortable and dignified testing experience. The reduced need for specialized facilities and the ability to conduct testing on-site could streamline the process significantly, especially for businesses operating across diverse terrain or in space-constrained environments.

As the first laboratories receive their HHS certifications, oral fluid testing will become a readily available option, likely transforming the landscape of drug testing across a wide range of industries, both federally regulated and private. For Guam's business community, embracing these new testing methods could provide advantages in maintaining high safety standards while creating a more comfortable experience for employees.

Originally published in guampdn.cm on September 9, 2025