We’ve created two new oral fluid specimen collection videos for controlled substance monitoring. The first video is designed to support healthcare professionals by outlining how to safely and effectively oversee a patient’s specimen collection. The second is from the patient’s perspective, giving them a step-by-step guide for what to expect during the collection process.

For patients classified as high risk for substance misuse, abuse, or diversion, frequent screening may be required, and oral fluid offers an easy and cost-effective alternative to urine drug testing. Especially when prescribing opioids, clinicians should consider drug testing during the initial assessment and then periodically throughout the patient’s care to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment plan and the patient's compliance.

Oral fluid testing can help identify when patients are not taking prescribed medications, which might indicate diversion or adverse drug effects. It can also provide information about other drug use that wasn't reported by the patient. Ultimately, drug testing should be used to support recovery and provide motivation for compliance with controlled substances or reinforcement for abstinence.

For more information, check out Dr. Paul Jannetto’s webinar on oral fluid testing for controlled substance monitoring or learn more about our oral fluid panel.

Check out our oral fluid specimen patient and practitioner videos, or view our written specimen instructions.