New Drug Testing Rules for Bus Drivers
Scioto County Commissioners voted to change the rules for drug testing drivers for Access Scioto County. They made the move in response to a change in federal regulations from the Department of Transportation.
The new changes took effect on June 1, allowing organizations to test for drugs via an oral test, using a swab to sample saliva.
Proponents say the testing is superior to urine testing because you can do it under direct observation, and it is less invasive than blood or hair follicle tests. The tests can be conducted in virtually any environment and can detect more recent drug use of many substances.
However, drugs don’t stay in saliva as long as they do in urine. These tests can detect alcohol, meth, PCP, marijuana, opiates, and other drugs.