Taiwan education ministry to introduce saliva drug tests

Ministry of Education officials said they plan to introduce saliva-based drug testing in schools, procuring 20,000 test kits to better detect substances such as etomidate that are difficult to identify through testing urine.

The ministry said it is working with the National Police Agency to obtain the kits, which could be deployed in schools as early as September. Saliva tests would require consent from students or their parents.

Hsu Chia-chien (許嘉倩), head of the MOE’s Department of Student Affairs and Special Education, spoke to reporters about the plan on the sidelines of a legislative committee meeting. Lawmakers had raised concerns about drug use in schools and limitations in current screening methods.

Hsu said drugs such as etomidate, often consumed via vaping, are rapidly metabolized and can evade detection in urine tests. Saliva-based rapid tests, however, can identify the substance more quickly, prompting the ministry’s planned rollout.

Students who admit to drug use, are caught by police, or have a history of drug use may be subject to saliva testing. If a saliva test indicates drug use, a follow-up urine test will be conducted for confirmation. Schools will provide counseling services to students who test positive. 

The ministry said the eight-in-one reagent kits will be procured, with training on their use provided to teachers, school security personnel, and other staff. 

Hsu added that while urine testing is currently mandated by law, saliva-based screening still requires consent. The ministry is considering amendments to relevant drug laws to make saliva testing mandatory, though the legislative process may take time.