Medvet, a supplier of drug and alcohol screening programs, has released Medvet Oral7, which it says is the first and only certified oral fluid drug-testing device in Australia.

In just 10 minutes, the independently certified device can detect opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamines/MDMA, marijuana, cocaine and benzodiazepines from oral fluid.

Medvet national operations and technical manager Steve Korkoneas said more mining companies would be keen to implement oral drug-testing in a bid to keep their workplaces safe.

“Previously, urine testing was the only certified method of drug-testing available for workplaces,” Korkoneas said.

“While urine testing has its advantages and is the most appropriate testing method in some circumstances, the fact that an oral fluid drug-testing product has an independent certificate of companies is a game-changer for the mining industry.”

Medvet is touting the device as less intrusive for employees.

The device eliminates the need for special testing facilities or gender-specific staffing to supervise urine collections.

Korkoneas pointed to a recent decision handed down by Fair Work Australia recommending Endeavour Energy implement oral fluid testing instead of urine.

As a result, Korkoneas expects oral drug testing will become a popular method of drug testing.

“We expect that as a result of this decision and Medvet Oral7 becoming certified, more businesses in a wide range of industries will implement a drug testing program,” he said.

Medvet is the only company to provide Medvet Oral7 in Australia, with the device being manufactured in the US.