Urine Drug Testing

Types of Drug Testing Kits

2006-07-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

Types of Drug Testing Kits
By Damian Sofsian

Employers have been administering drug tests with increasing frequency in the last 20 years or so, for a number of reasons. These include safety, trustworthiness with sensitive information, and health/ insurance costs. Some privacy advocates have protested these policies, especially when they occur randomly rather than due to reasonable suspicion, but employers have found the benefits to be substantial.

Rather than send potential employees (or employees chosen for random testing) to a clinical laboratory, some employers have begun performing their own on-site drug testing. Benefits of on-site drug testing include cost, convenience and accuracy.

The most commonly used method in on-site drug testing is the oral swab. Employers like this method because it costs only about $1.00 for each test. This is a huge amount of savings compared to urine or other lab tests. Additionally, obtaining a sample for testing via oral testing is significantly less embarrassing for employees than obtaining a urine sample. Oral testing is also fast. Instead of waiting 24 to 48 hours for results, an on-site drug test of this kind produces results in only about ten minutes. With an accuracy rate of about 98%, many employers are turning to this quick and cost-effective way to screen their staff.

Other employers prefer the continued use of urine samples. One product used for on-site urine testing is a urine dipstick. By collecting the urine sample in the provided cup, a human resources officer can test the urine for the presence of drugs for up to eight hours. These specially designed cups keep the urine at room temperature for several hours, ensuring a fresh sample.

Cost and convenience are also reasons for on-site drug testing. This may be especially important to small businesses with limited resources. By eliminating potential drug abusers and saving on costs from testing, employers are finding on-site drug testing to be a pleasant alternative to traditional means.

Drug Testing Info provides detailed information about employee, random, high school, hair, and urine drug testing and drug testing kits. Drug Testing Info is the sister site of Prescription Drugs Addiction Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Sofsian

Urine Drug Testing: An Overview

2006-07-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Urine Drug Testing: An Overview
By Damian Sofsian

The oldest and most commonly used method of drug testing is the urine drug test. Urine drug testing is usually the most inexpensive and quickest method of screening for drug use. Some benefits of urine drug testing are that the tests are minimally invasive and safe. Results are often returned within 24-48 hours and many employers appreciate the quick turnaround time.

With dozens of testing labs in every city, convenience is often a factor in choosing urine tests. Testing centers are usually near to the particular company and the visits are often short. The prospective employee just needs to sign in and sign a few releases and then urinate in a cup. In most cases, the employee is able to partially close the restroom door in order to maintain some privacy. Since many urine tests can detect masking agents, the need to urinate in full company is virtually eliminated. The entire process usually only lasts 20 minutes and employers can have the results within hours.

Although urine drug testing is the most common of pre-employment drug screenings, many creative scientists have developed tools to beat these tests. A vast array of products are easily obtainable online and in specialty shops. Some cases have even been reported of people purchasing urine from a “clean” associate and using the clean urine in their own drug test. The clean urine is stored in a thin plastic bag, boiled, strapped to the leg and passed as urine.

With drug testing laboratories beginning to test for masking agents, synthetic urine was developed. The urine often comes in powder form but may also come in liquid, ready-to-use form. The powder is mixed with water and comes with a container with a thermometer attached. The temperature is guaranteed to stay fresh for up to a few hours. This synthetic urine contains all of the properties in which a lab tests. Certain body temperatures and chemicals that are normally present in human urine are detected and it can be very convincing.

Although urine drug testing is easily accessible, minimally invasive and relatively inexpensive, many employers understand that it is also the easiest to evade. Because of the variety of methods used to cheat on urine tests, many employers decide to utilize sweat, saliva or hair follicle drug testing in its place. These other methods may not be as convenient or inexpensive, but are generally more reliable.

Drug Testing Info provides detailed information about employee, random, high school, hair, and urine drug testing and drug testing kits. Drug Testing Info is the sister site of Prescription Drugs Addiction Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Sofsian

A Brief History of Drug Testing

2006-07-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

A Brief History of Drug Testing
By Damian Sofsian

Drug testing is a big business. With at least fifteen large U.S. corporations supplying laboratory testing, employees and others are only a few minutes’ drive from a testing facility. From employers who use drug testing as a pre-employment screening tool to parents who want to keep tabs on the well being of their teenagers, there are many groups that frequently use drug testing as a screening mechanism.

Since the mid-1980’s, drug testing has become more and more common. Probably the group that is tested most often is prospective employees. With strict workplace safety legislation and the fact that employees can use dangerous equipment or have access to sensitive information, employers want to be certain that their employees are not drug abusers. With a sample of urine, hair, blood or swab from the mouth, drug-testing laboratories can often product positive or negative results within 24 to 48 hours.

Recently, drug abuse testing has become increasingly common in professional athletics. With the controversies surrounding the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, athletes are under a great deal of scrutiny. The government has also stepped in, and has begun to implement stricter controls and more frequent screening of athletes. A positive result on a drug test can result in penalties such as fines, loss of game time, or complete dismissal from the team. It is safe to say that drug-abusing athletes are taking huge risks with their careers by abusing performance or other illegal drugs.

Opponents of drug testing argue that it violates a person’s rights to privacy. They hold that even if an employee is a recreational drug user, it does not necessarily follow that his or her work will be affected. With random drug testing gaining popularity in the workforce, one may literally be drawn out of a hat as the next one up for a drug screening. While states only loosely enforce drug-testing laws, opponents say that random drug testing can ruin a person’s life. Even recreational weekend usage may result in the loss of employment if the drug usage is determined with a drug test. Random drug testing is often argued to be testing without any probable cause.

Drug Testing Info provides detailed information about employee, random, high school, hair, and urine drug testing and drug testing kits. Drug Testing Info is the sister site of Prescription Drugs Addiction Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Sofsian

Why Companies Perform Random Drug Testing

2006-07-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Why Companies Perform Random Drug Testing
By Damian Sofsian

Perhaps the most controversial of all drug screenings is the random drug test. Employers have the legal authority to request a random drug test, whether they have a reasonable suspicion or not. Many companies have implemented a policy of completely random drug testing. This practice can be likened to that of a lottery. If your name is selected then it is your turn for random drug testing; the employee may have little or no advance warning in these cases.

Employers often exercise their rights to administer random drug testing as a way to determine whether or not an employee is a drug user; drug use in the workplace is often blamed for absenteeism, health problems and on-the-job accidents. Although many companies already require pre-employment drug screenings, many claim that random drug testing is more effective at finding the drug users in their workforce. With a pre-employment drug screening, the employee often has at least a few hours of advance warning and therefore can attempt to take measures to “cheat” on the test. Many products are available to help users pass drug screenings; from synthetic urine to agents that mask the appearance of a particular drug, various methods exist for drug abusers to beat the tests.

Most of the random drug testing takes place in settings in which drug use can be hazardous to the well being of others. Factories and warehouses are two prime examples of places that often have random drug testing policies. Forklift drivers under the influence have often been the cause of serious, and occasionally fatal, accidents in the workplace. Drug abusers who work with other heavy machinery or on an assembly line run the risk of injury as well. Random drug testing can often produce quick and accurate results. Some employers have drug-testing kits available on-site, and a simple swab sample from the mouth can give an immediate positive or negative result.

Despite arguments against random drug testing, employers often stand firm on their decision to implement this policy. Whether there is probable cause or not, employers have the right to request drug screening at any time. It is in the employee’s best interest to abstain from drug use, whether on the job or not. Though privacy advocates suggest that random drug testing is a breach of an employee’s right to privacy, the simple fact remains that employers may choose this method if they deem necessary. The debate will likely continue well into the future.

Drug Testing Info provides detailed information about employee, random, high school, hair, and urine drug testing and drug testing kits. Drug Testing Info is the sister site of Prescription Drugs Addiction Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Sofsian

Drug Test Reliability

2006-04-25T01:30:00.000-07:00

A WORD ON TEST RELIABILITY

Published data indicate that a system of drug screening similar to that
used by most laboratories has a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of
99%. This excellent specificity parameter means that of 100 persons who do
not use drugs, 99 would be expected to test negative by confirmation. This
is certainly an excellent specificity for any medical determination.
However, one should also be aware of another parameter, the predictive
value of a positive test. As applied to drug testing, this figure expresses
the probability that a subject that has tested positively has in fact used
the drug. Although a high specificity, such as 99%, optimizes the
predictive value, a more significant factor is the prevalence of drug use
in the population being tested. The more prevalent the usage of drugs in a
subject population, the greater the reliability of drug testing procedure.
Given the sensitivity and specificity values quoted above, the following
table indicates the predictive value for several levels of drug abuse
prevalence.

Percentage of tested population | Probability that a given

using drugs (the prevalence of | subject that tests positive

drug abuse) | has really taken the drug

| (the predictive value of a

| positive test)
______________________________________________________________________

0.1% | 7.1%
1.0% | 43.4%
10.0% | 89.4%
20.0% | 95.0%
50.0% | 98.7%

Therefore, in a population with a high incidence of drug use (200 per
thousand), the false positive rate on drug screens is only 5%, while in
a low-incidence population (1 per thousand) the false positive rate on
randomly screened individuals (i.e., those of whom there is no particular
suspicion of drug use) is expected to be a whopping 93%! For this reason,
it is my recommendation that drug screens not be applied on a random,
not-for-cause basis, except in situations where the prevalence of drug use
is known to be high (such as in substance abuse treatment programs).

Limitations of Drug Screens

2006-04-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

From a practical viewpoint it is impossible to determine in every case
that a given individual is impaired in the workplace due to drug abuse.
Just as in the case of alcohol, the use of drugs spans a wide spectrum of
behavior, from the occasional recreational user who assiduously avoids
coming to work under the influence, to the hard-core addict whose only
motivation is the acquisition of his or her next dose. Generally the
clinical laboratory is not able to distinguish these two types of
individuals. Such a distinction comes about only by careful evaluation by
professionals specially trained in the psychology and physiology of drug
abuse. The laboratory should be used only as a helpful tool for such
professionals.

Urine drug screens panels are set up to analyze urine for a variety of
drugs that are known to have high abuse potential and affect task
performance.
To rule out the presence of all drugs that may impair a worker's
performance is not generally allowable within the bounds of cost
containment. Certain drugs which are not usually picked up on routine drug
screens are noted below. If intoxication by any of the drugs listed below
is suspected, it is recommended that the client contact the B&A
pathologist, who will be glad to help determine a strategy as to how the
case should be most efficiently handled.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin), phentermine (Fastin, Parmine), phenmetrazine
(Preludin), phendimetrazine (Plegine), diethylpropion (Tenuate),
mazindol (Mazanor, Sanorex), benzphetamine (Didrex) and fenfluramine
(Pondimin) all have amphetamine-like effects and abuse potential. Some of
them, such as phentermine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine and diethylpropion,
may not be picked up on routine screens.

Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA, "Ecstasy") is has been popular in
Houston high schools. Although it is technically an amphetamine, it
requires a special analysis to be identified.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is also chemically related to the
amphetamines, but it is much better known for its profound
hallucinogenic effects. Special analysis is available.

Meperidine (Demerol) and pentazocine (Talwin) have physiological effects
and abuse potential essentially identical to those of opiates. However,
since they are chemically dissimilar to morphine, they may not show up as
"opiates" on a routine screen. Special analysis is available.

Barbiturates which are not easily detected on drug screens include
amobarbital (Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and butethal. The detection
systems used to pick up barbiturates are optimized for secobarbital
(Seconal), which is probably the most important barbiturate in abusing
populations.

Flurazepam (Dalmane), a benzodiazepine used as a sleeping pill, is not
ordinarily picked up on benzodiazepine screens.

Glutethimide (Doriden), ethchlorvynol (Placidyl), meprobamate (Miltown,
Equanil), methyprylon (Noludar), and ethinamate (Valmid) are sedative
drugs that can produce dependence and impaired function. Although they may
have some effects similar to those of the barbiturates, they are chemically
unrelated and must be detected with special procedures.

Hydrocarbon solvents. These are inhaled by glue sniffers to produce a
euphoric effect. Although this seems to be less of a problem socially now
than in previous years, special analysis of hydrocarbons and chlorinated
hydrocarbons is available.

Ketamine (Ketalar), chemically related to phencyclidine (PCP), is used
as a general anesthetic but has been abused, often by health care workers.
It must be injected for effect. Analysis is available only through
specialized laboratories, and turnaround time is typically long.

Designer opiates. These, like meperidine, are synthetic analogues of
natural opiates. Accordingly, their chemical structure may be so alien to
that of natural opiates that they go completely undetected. These are
medically very significant drugs. For instance, 3-methylfentanyl ("China
white") is 3000 times as potent as morphine and has been responsible for
over 100 overdose deaths in California. Another, 1-methyl-4-
phenylpropionoxypiperidine (MPPP), may be contaminated with an unintended
byproduct (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine, or MPTP) which
destroys the substantia nigra of the brain and produces permanent
parkinsonism.

Adulteration of urine samples with such substances as lemon juice,
vinegar, chlorine bleach, and NaCl has been used to successfully interfere
with detection of cannabinoids. Also, marked overhydration of the subject
(by quaffing large volumes of water) may so dilute the urine that the
concentration of the telltale metabolite falls below the detection
threshold of the screen.

Alcohol Testing

2006-04-25T01:28:00.001-07:00

Examples: Beer, wine, distilled spirits

Medical uses: Rarely, if ever, used for medical purposes.

Effects attractive to abuser: Release of social inhibitions, euphoria,
sedation

Adverse effects: Same as that for barbiturates (see above). Also, use by
pregnant women, even in small ("social") amounts may have adverse effect
on the fetus.

How abused: Drunk in beverage

Period detectable after last dose: 8-10 hours

Note: Alcohol is the only drug of abuse (other than tobacco) that is
legal for all adults to use. Illegal use (as in driving while intoxicated)
is defined by the presence of a blood alcohol level of greater than 100
mg/dL (0.10% by volume) in Texas (lower in some other states). It is
impossible to determine if a subject is legally intoxicated by measurement
of the urine alcohol level.
A blood specimen must be collected for this determination to be made by
a clinical laboratory.

Propoxyphene Testing

2006-04-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

Examples: Darvon, Dolene, Doxaphene, Profene 65

Medical uses: Relief of mild to moderate pain.

Effects attractive to abuser: Same as that for opiates (see above)

Adverse effects: Same as that for opiates (see above).

How abused: Pills taken orally; occasionally injected as solution made
by dissolving pills in water.

Period detectable after last dose: 1-3 days

Note: Propoxyphene is technically an opiate and is chemically closely
related to methadone. As a pain-relieving drug, it is two-thirds as potent
as codeine. Although considered something of a minor leaguer in the opiate
world, it is nevertheless a cause of many drug-related deaths (including
that of former football star John Matuszak) especially if used in
combination with alcohol and other drugs.

Substances causing false positive results: Methadone (see above) at
high, toxic concentrations may cause false positive results. Confirmation
testing will eliminate interference by this drug.

Phencyclidine Testing

2006-04-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

Examples: PCP, "angel dust"

Medical uses: Veterinary tranquilizer; not used in human medicine.

Effects attractive to abuser: Hallucinogenic effects

Adverse effects: Lethargy, loss of co/rdination; unpredictable
psychosis, sometimes with criminally violent behavior; death.

How abused: Taken orally, smoked in cigarette (often mixed with
marijuana), injected intravenously as a solution, snorted into the nose in
granular form.

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 75 ng/mL

Period detectable after last dose: 5-10 days

Substances causing false positive results: Thioridazine (Mellaril), an
antipsychotic drug, has been reported to cause false positive results,
as has the insecticide parathion.

Methaqualone Testing

2006-04-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

Examples: Quaalude, Sopor

Medical uses: Once used as a sleeping pill/sedative, now methaqualone is
virtually never used for medical purposes.

Effects attractive to abuser: Same as that for barbiturates (see above)

Adverse effects: Same as that for barbiturates (see above)

How abused: Pills taken orally.

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 300 ng/mL

Period detectable after last dose: up to 90 hours, depending on dose

Substances causing false positive results: none reported.

Cocaine Testing

2006-04-25T01:25:00.000-07:00

Examples: Cocaine hydrochloride is the typical form used by abusers who
ingest the drug by snorting the granular form into the nose; it can also be
dissolved in water and injected intravenously. Cocaine base is available in
a waxy cake form ("rock" or "crack") which is vaporized with a torch and
the vapors inhaled through a tube.

Medical uses: Used almost exclusively by ear, nose and throat doctors to
produce local anesthesia and control blood loss during minor nasal
surgery.

Effects attractive to abuser: Euphoria, increased ability to
concentrate, increased alertness, heightened ability to perform
intellectual and physical tasks, sexual stimulation, heightened
sociability, enhanced self-confidence.

Adverse effects: Restlessness, nervousness, tremor, convulsions,
disturbances in heart rhythm, psychological dependence, myocardial
infarction, sudden death.

How abused: Snorted, injected, or smoked (see above).

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 300 ng/mL

Period detectable after last dose: 8-48 hours

Note: The laboratory detection of cocaine is performed by analyzing the
urine for the presence of benzoylecgonine, a substance produced by the
body's chemical detoxification of cocaine. Continuous conversion of cocaine
to the metabolite occurs in voided, standing urine specimens (even with
fluoridation and refrigeration) unless the specimen is kept at acid pH
(<5). This may give the appearance of a negative specimen "turning
positive" during storage, if the initial level of the metabolite was too
low to trigger the screen in the fresh specimen. In truth, the specimen was
positive all along, of course.

Substances causing false positive results: none reported; however, some
legal South American herbal teas may contain small amounts of coca leaf
extract, which may trigger a positive test in an "innocent" subject. Please
note that cocoa, cacao, and Coca Cola are all completely unrelated to coca,
which is the source of cocaine.

Cannabinoids Testing

2006-04-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

Examples: Marijuana, hashish, hash oil

Medical uses: Treatment of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy.

Effects attractive to abuser: Euphoria, intensified sensual and
aesthetic perceptions.

Adverse effects: Paranoia, panic, impairment of memory and ability to
perform tasks, distorted perception of time, physical and psychological
dependence.

How abused: Smoked in cigarettes or pipe; occasionally eaten as
ingredient baked into confections.

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 100 ng/mL or 20 ng/mL (optional)

Period detectable after last dose: This is highly variable. A one joint
per week user has detectable levels of cannabinoids form 7 to 34 days,
while a heavy daily user may be detected from 6 to 81 days after last use.

Substances causing false positive results: none reported. A screen
detection cutoff level of 20 ng/mL, requested by some laboratory clients,
may produce false positives due to passive inhalation of marijuana smoke,
but this is controversial.

At the cutoff level of 100 ng/mL, persons exposed passively to the smoke
of others by virtue of being in the same room with abusers should be
negative on urine drug screen, although more sensitive chemical techniques
(such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, which has a sensitivity of
10 ng/mL) may demonstrate the drug in such an individual's urine.

Benzodiazepines Testing

2006-04-25T01:22:00.000-07:00

Examples: Diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), flurazepam
(Dalmane), oxazepam (Serax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Clonopin).

Medical uses: Treatment of anxiety disorders, convulsions, and muscle
spasms.

Effects attractive to abuser: Euphoria, sedation, relief of anxiety,
induction of sleep.

Adverse effects: Drowsiness, apathy, fatigue, decreased activity level,
dizziness, fainting, impaired ability to concentrate on tasks,
disturbance of vision and hearing, physical addiction.

How abused: Pills taken orally.

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 300 ng/mL

Period detectable after last dose: around 2-4 days, but depending
greatly on dose. For instance, a single 10 mg PO dose of diazepam may not
ever be detected, but a 5 times daily dose of 10 mg will be detectable for
3-7 days.

Substances causing false positive results: none reported.

Opiates Testing

2006-04-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

Examples: Morphine, heroin, codeine (as found in many prescription cough
medicines, such as Robitussin-AC, and pain medications, such as Tylenol
#3, Phenaphen #3 & #4, Empirin #3 & #4), oxycodone (Percodan),
hydromorphone (Dilaudid), hydrocodone (as in many prescription cough
medicines).

Medical uses: Relief of moderate to severe pain, treatment of persistent
cough (codeine), treatment of diarrhea.

Effects attractive to abuser: Euphoria, sedation.

Adverse effects: Drowsiness, apathy, confusion, nausea, vomiting,
suppression of breathing reflexes, constricted pupils, physical addiction,
coma, death.

How abused: Pills taken orally; solution injected intravenously or
subcutaneously; occasionally snorted into the nose in granular form.

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 300 ng/mL

Period detectable after last dose: heroin, 1-4 days; meperidine, 4-24
hours; morphine, 84 hour minimum

Notes: This family of drugs undergoes extensive chemical changes due to
the normal detoxification processes of the body. Therefore, the drug
detected in the urine screen may not be the same as that originally taken
by the subject. For instance, both heroin and codeine are converted to
morphine before excretion in the urine.

Substances causing false positive results: none reported; however, foods
containing poppy seeds (the natural source of traditional opiate drugs)
will produce true positive results when screening the urine of an otherwise
innocent subject.

Methadone Testing

2006-04-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

Examples: Roxane, Dolophine

Medical uses: Treatment of opiate addicts in approved program

Effects attractive to abuser: Same as opiates (below)

Adverse effects: Same as opiates (below) but with lesser degree of physical
dependency (addiction)

How abused: Pills taken orally; solution injected intravenously.

Period detectable after last dose: 7.5-56 hours

Substances causing false positive results: doxylamine [Unisom Nighttime
Sleep Aid]. Presence of this substance would be ruled out by confirmatory
testing.

Barbituates Testing

2006-04-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

Examples: Long acting- phenobarbital; intermediate-acting- amobarbital
(Amytal), butabarbital, talbutal; short-acting- secobarbital (Seconal),
pentobarbital (Nembutal).

Medical uses: Treatment of insomnia (short term only, and avoided
altogether by most physicians), long-term treatment of epilepsy
(phenobarbital), surgical anesthesia.

Effects attractive to abuser: Sedation, loss of inhibitions, induction
of sleep. Generally, the short-acting barbiturates have more abuse
potential than long-acting types.

Adverse effects: Agitation, confusion, nightmares, hallucinations,
lethargy, hangover, suppression of breathing reflexes, coma, death.
Physical dependence is well known, and withdrawal effects can be severe and
dangerous, even fatal.

How abused: Pills taken orally; solution injected intravenously.

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 300 ng/mL

Period detectable after last dose: long-acting 7 days, intermediate-acting
2-3 days; short-acting 1-2 days.

Substances causing false positive results: None reported.

Amphetamines Testing

2006-04-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

Examples: amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine),
methamphetamine (Desoxyn, Methedrine).

Medical uses: Attention deficit disorder (hyperactivity) of childhood,
narcolepsy, obesity (occasionally and for limited period)

Effects attractive to abuser: Euphoria, increased ability to
concentrate, increased alertness, heightened ability to perform
intellectual and physical tasks, appetite suppression (for weight loss).

Adverse effects: Insomnia, restlessness, irritability, palpitations,
rapid heartbeat, sweating, dilation of pupils, confusion, psychosis,
convulsions, death.

How abused: Pills taken orally; solution injected intravenously;
occasionally snorted into the nose in granular form.

Typical urine detection cutoff level: 300 ng/mL

Period detectable after last dose: Up to 30 hours on low dose, 120 hours
on high dose.

Substances causing false positive results (on initial drug screen only):
decongestants (ephedrine [Vatronol, Efedron], phenylpropanolamine
[Propagest, Sucrets Decongestant Formula, Rhindecon]); "diet pills"
(phenmetrazine [Preludin], phentermine [Phentrol, Tora, Fastin, Obe-Nix,
Obephen, Obermine, Obestin, Parmine, Phentamine, Phentrol 2, Unifast,
Wilpowr, Adipex-P, Dapex-37.5, Ionamin, Phentrol], phenylpropanolamine
[Diadax, Prolamine, Control, Dex-A-Diet, Dexatrim-15, Unitrol, Maximum
Strength Acutrim, Appedrine]; blood vessel dilators (isoxuprine
[Vasodilan], nylidrin [Adrin, Arlidin]). Only confirmatory testing of the
urine will determine if these interfering drugs are present. It should be
noted that some of these drugs, such as phenmetrazine and phentermine,
while not technically amphetamines, have similar abuse potential and
similar adverse effects.

Phenylethylamine (a product of decomposing, unpreserved urine) may
produce false-positive screens in unrefrigerated, old specimens which have
not been treated with fluoride preservative.

How drug screens are performed

2006-04-25T01:17:00.000-07:00

The aims of the drug screen are to detect the presence of frequently abused
drugs in the urine of human subjects. Drug screens are used for one of
three purposes:

1) medical purposes (e.g., to monitor a patient's progress in a medical
treatment program for a drug abuse problem the patient has
acknowledged),

2) legal purposes (e.g., to determine if a suspect had taken controlled
substances prior to some accident or crime), and

3) medicolegal purposes (e.g., in an employer's drug abuse program aimed at
both preventing drug-related accidents and crimes and identifying and
treating employees with drug abuse problems).

For medical purposes, laboratories often use simple, less-expensive
methods aimed at identifying specific drugs with which the patient has had
problems in the past. It is not expected that the results of such drug
tests will be used as evidence against the patient in court. If these
results are used as evidence, it is likely that defense testimony will
successfully impugn the evidence.

For legal and medicolegal purposes, more stringent testing is necessary
to obtain information that will successfully withstand technical criticism
in court. Therefore, drug screens done for these purposes often take a
two-tiered approach. First, there is a screening test done on the subject's
urine. This is usually a sensitive test that may have some discrepancies
in specificity (for instance, some popular over-the-counter cold medicines
may yield a positive amphetamine screen). Only if this test is positive for
one or more drugs is the second, more expensive test performed. Generally
courts will uphold testimony based on a drug test if positive results were
obtained on two separate tests based on different chemical methods.

drug test questions

2006-04-25T01:13:00.000-07:00

I'm a computer consultant and have successfully fought the drug test question
by reverse intimidation. I start asking questions that "they" aren't prepared
to answer.

- What is the name and address of the lab that will perform the test ?

- EXACTY what test or tests are to be used ?

- For each test performed, list the type and quantity of specimens required ?

- For each test performed, list the percentages for false positive and false
negative results.

- Provide statistical justification for these percentages.

- In the case of a false positive, what are the established procedures for
retesting ?

- How many times will retesting be permitted ?

- What is the established procedures for resolving consistant false positive
results ?

- What facility is going to extract the specimen(s) ?

- How much of each type of specimen is going to be extracted ?

- Are the lab and the blood extraction facility bonded ?

- What company carries their malpractice insurance and what are their policy
numbers ?

- EXACTLY what information will be release from the lab to the employer ?

- It is required that all results be forwarded to me.

- The employer is required to pay all costs involved, including those if
retesting is required.

By this time, any reasonable person will be thinking that maybe drug testing
isn't something in which they want to become involved.

I've thought of having a lawyer (or myself) prepare a "Request for Drug Test"
form in proper legalese. Along with a paragraph swearing, under penalty of
perjury that all information is complete and correct. So far, that hasn't
been necessary.

Navy drug testing facts

2006-04-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

According to Navy Times (Nov 29, 2004), the average navy sailor is drug tested 3 times each year. In 2003, navy people submitted 1,289,911 samples for urinalysis, up 61% in the past five years. 4,219 of those tested positive (330 per 100,000). Marijuana is the most common drug that results in a positive test followed by cocaine, methamphetamine, and "club drugs such as Ecstasy". The navy began regularly testing for drugs in 1981.

Drug Testing in the Military

2006-04-25T01:08:00.000-07:00

1. PURPOSE
This Instruction:
1.1. Revises the technical requirements for the Military Personnel Drug Abuse
Testing Program as directed by reference (a) and assigns responsibilities for the
technical aspects of the testing program.
1.2. Supersedes references (b) through (d).
1.3. Establishes procedures for testing for anabolic steroid abuse by military
personnel.
1
1.4. Ensures that urine specimens collected as part of the drug abuse testing
program are supported by a proper chain of custody procedure at the collection site,
during transport, and at the drug testing laboratory.
1.5. Ensures that any Service field testing program complies with the technical
requirements established by enclosure 1.
2. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE
This Instruction applies to:
2.1. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments (including
the Coast Guard when it is operating as a Military Service in the Navy), the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, the Inspector General of
the Department of Defense, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences,
the Defense Agencies, and the DoD Field Activities (hereafter referred to collectively
as "the DoD Components"). The term "Military Services," as used herein, refers to the
Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps.
2.2. Tests conducted under the Military Personnel Drug Abuse Testing Program
after January 1, 1995.
3. POLICY
It is DoD policy to:
3.1. Use drug testing to deter Military Service members, including those members
on initial entry on active duty after enlistment or appointment, from abusing drugs
(including illegal drugs and other illicit substances).
3.2. Use drug testing to permit commanders to assess the security, military fitness,
readiness, good order, and discipline of their commands.
3.3. Ensure that urine specimens collected as part of the drug abuse testing
program are supported by a stringent chain of custody procedure at the collection site,
during transport, and at the drug testing laboratory.
3.4. Ensure that all military specimens are tested by a DoD-certified drug testing
laboratory, except as permitted by section E1.4. of enclosure 1.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
2
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity
Conflict shall ensure that the DoD Coordinator for Drug Enforcement Policy and
Support shall:
4.1.1. Establish the procedures and standards for the technical aspects of the
Military Personnel Drug Abuse Testing Program.
4.1.2. Maintain a certification program for drug testing laboratories to test
specimens from military personnel and ensure quality and accuracy in the drug analyses
performed by each drug testing laboratory.
4.1.3. Maintain an inspection process for the DoD-certified drug testing
laboratories and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Drug Testing
Laboratory Quality Control (QC) Program.
4.2. The Secretaries of the Military Departments shall:
4.2.1. Ensure that Service testing programs meet the requirements of this
Instruction (and any additional requirements established by the DoD Coordinator for
Drug Enforcement Policy and Support (CDEP&S)) and ensure that personnel involved in
the collection, handling, transportation, and testing of specimens receive appropriate
training.
4.2.2. Ensure that Service submitting units support the AFIP QC Program by
accepting, preparing, and submitting QC specimens to drug testing laboratories.
4.2.3. Ensure that Service units performing field testing have a compelling
need for immediate results and can justify not sending specimens directly to the drug
testing laboratories.
4.2.4. Ensure that the Military Department provides a written response
summarizing the cause, corrective action taken, and the disposition of any false positive
reports from testing of personnel specimens.
4.2.5. Ensure that organizations testing in support of criminal investigations
use legally supportable chain of custody procedures and, at a minimum, conform to the
requirements of enclosure 1, paragraph E1.6.1., to confirm the presence of drugs and/or
drug metabolites in urine specimens. The Secretary of a Military Department may
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
3
direct the investigative organizations within that Department to comply with all
technical procedures for the Military Personnel Drug Abuse Testing Program as
established by enclosure 1, if so desired.
4.2.6. Ensure that any forensic specimens submitted from military medical
treatment facilities are submitted to the military drug testing laboratory using the
procedures described in enclosure 1. Specimens that are solely for clinical diagnosis
should not be submitted to the military drug testing lab. Specimens collected in clinics
or in military rehabilitation programs, solely for the purpose of monitoring abuse of
drugs, are forensic specimens and are not clinical diagnostic specimens. The forensic
specimens collected for monitoring personnel for the abuse of drugs shall be submitted
to military drug testing laboratories.
4.3. The Secretary of the Army shall provide for ongoing QC and the external
proficiency testing of each DoD-certified drug testing laboratory through the AFIP.
AFIP QC and proficiency testing samples must be tested under the guidelines of this
Instruction. Testing taking place at the AFIP in support of other investigative programs
is not required to conform to this Instruction.
5. PROCEDURES
5.1. Anabolic Steroids. The following procedures are established for:
5.1.1. Testing. The Services are to test for anabolic steroids by urinalysis, as
follows:
5.1.1.1. In certain target populations on a command-directed basis, as
required.
5.1.1.2. In cases where probable cause exists.
5.1.1.3. By a random sampling of urine specimens. Each Service is
required to test at least 1000 random specimens for anabolic steroids every 2 years.
5.1.1.4. Anabolic steroid specimens shall be collected using the same
procedures for collection and chain of custody, as described in enclosure 1, and be
subject to the same restrictions on use of results, as described in DoD Directive 1010.1
(reference (a)).
5.1.1.5. Testing shall be performed at an anabolic steroid testing
laboratory that has current certification from a national or international certifying
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
4
organization. The certifying organization must maintain an inspection process, initial
proficiency testing, and an ongoing blind proficiency testing program with a minimum of
two cycles each year. Results of proficiency testing must be made available to the
Government. Arrangements shall be made by the Services for contract laboratory
services or the development of anabolic steroid testing capability in the military drug
testing laboratories.
5.2. Resources. The cost of the program shall be paid by each Service out of
existing counter-drug funds.
5.3. Education and Counseling. The Services are to establish and maintain
education and counseling, for all military personnel, on anabolic steroids and the legal
consequences and medical effects of abusing such drugs.
5.4. Field Testing. The primary mode of testing urine specimens is through a
DoD-certified drug testing laboratory. At approved field testing programs, a Military
Service may also field test urine specimens collected, as follows:
5.4.1. For "probable cause" during inspection (probable cause involving drugs
other than marijuana or cocaine shall be sent to the military testing laboratories);
5.4.2. When command directed;
5.4.3. As part of a rehabilitation program; or
5.4.4. When conducting maneuvers or other activities away from the normal
duty station, and postal facilities for shipping specimens to certified laboratories are not
available.
5.5. Collection of Specimens. Specimens shall be collected under the direct
observation of a designated individual of the same gender as the Service member
providing the specimen. The collection shall be in accordance with the instructions of
the Service and shall include complete chain of custody. The collection of the
specimen and the initial chain of custody shall be documented using DD Form 2624,
"Specimen Custody Document-Drug Testing" (enclosure 2).
5.6. Mailing. The specimens shall be mailed to meet the requirements of the U.S.
Postal Service (USPS) as described in the USPS Domestic Mail Manual, Section
C042.8.3 (reference (e)). The specimens, under routine conditions, shall be sealed and
mailed through regular mail rather than registered or certified mail.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
5
5.7. Committees. The DoD Drug Policy Advisory Committee (enclosure 3) shall
advise the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Drug Enforcement Policy and
Support) (DASD(DEP&S)) on policy about the Military Personnel Drug Abuse
Program, and the DoD Biochemical Testing Advisory Committee (enclosure 4) shall
advise the DASD(DEP&S) on technical matters about the Military Personnel Drug
Abuse Testing Program.
5.8. New Entrants. The procedures for substance abuse testing and the
administrative processing of applicants and new entrants to the Military Services and
their Reserve components is included as enclosure 5.
6. INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
6.1. DD Form 2624 shall be used for the submission of specimens collected under
this Instruction and shall be completed, as applicable for each Service, as described in
enclosure 2. In the completion of the DD Form 2624, the standard abbreviations listed
in enclosure 6 shall be used.
6.2. The reporting requirement listed in subparagraph 4.2.4., above, has been
assigned Report Control Symbol DD-DEP&S(AR)1908.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
6
7. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Instruction is effective immediately.
Enclosures - 6
E1. Technical Procedures for the Military Personnel Drug Abuse Testing Program
E2. DD Form 2624, "Specimen Custody Document - Drug Testing"
E3. DoD Drug Policy Advisory Committee
E4. DoD Biochemical Testing Advisory Committee
E5. Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Policy on New Entrant Drug and Alcohol
Testing and Dependency Evaluation," May 8, 1989
E6. Standard Abbreviations for the Military Personnel Drug Abuse Testing Program
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
7
E1. ENCLOSURE 1
TECHNICAL PROCEDURES FOR THE MILITARY PERSONNEL DRUG ABUSE
TESTING PROGRAM
E1.1. COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF URINE SPECIMENS
E1.1.1. General
E1.1.1.1. Chain of custody procedures are designed to ensure the security of
and accountability for specimens (and aliquots of specimens) during collection,
transportation, testing, reporting, and final disposal of samples. The minimum
requirements for chain of custody established herein may be supplemented by each
Military Department.
E1.1.1.2. The individual directing that a urine test be conducted shall identify
the Service member, work group, or unit (or part thereof) to be tested. A responsible
individual, such as the alcohol and drug coordinator or the base or unit drug testing
program monitor, shall be assigned to coordinate specimen collection. Additional
responsible individuals shall be appointed, as necessary, to act as observers in the
collection process.
E1.1.2. Preparation for Specimen Collection. The urinalysis coordinator shall:
E1.1.2.1. Ensure that specimen bottles are available and that each is new,
clean, and properly prepared.
E1.1.2.2. Ensure that each bottle has a label on which the date collected,
Service member's social security number (SSN), and any additional identifying
information or numbers required by the Military Department are recorded.
E1.1.2.3. Maintain a record documenting the identifying information in
subparagraph E1.1.2.2., of this enclosure, above, the Service member's name, and the
name of the designated observer. The Service member must sign to verify the urine in
the bottle was provided by them at that time. (See subparagraph E1.1.3.2., of this
enclosure, below.)
E1.1.2.4. Obtain bottles (and other supplies) so that the surprise aspect of
random collections shall not be compromised.
E1.1.3. Collection of Specimens
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
8 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.1.3.1. The urinalysis coordinator, as follows, shall ensure that:
E1.1.3.1.1. Each individual to be tested presents proof of identity and that
each individual identified for testing is accounted for.
E1.1.3.1.2. Each specimen is collected, in accordance with the
procedures established in section E1.1.
E1.1.3.1.3. The volume of urine collected exceeds 30 milliliters and is
sufficient, as established by the Military Department. Volumes below 30 milliliters
may be tested; however, the low volume must be reported as a discrepancy.
E1.1.3.1.4. The DD Form 2624 (enclosure 2) is completed, to include
the applicable entries for any specimen that is subjected to a field test.
E1.1.3.1.5. Each collection is observed and that the observer is a member
of the same sex as the Service member being tested.
E1.1.3.1.6. Tamper-resistant tape must be placed over the top of the
specimen bottle in the presence of the member and attached securely to the label. That
tape should contact the label at both ends, if possible. Other types of tape or labels
shall not be used to secure the lid to the specimen bottle. If tamper resistant tape is
not available, that shall be so stated on the collection document.
E1.1.3.2. The Service member submitting the specimen shall initial the bottle
label, provide an unadulterated specimen for testing, and sign the corresponding entry in
the ledger.
E1.1.3.3. Specimens from urinalysis coordinators and observers shall not be
included in any collection in which that coordinator or observer participated as an
official. Urinalysis coordinators and observers must be included in a random sample
testing program, but collections and mailing must be completed by other qualified
individuals.
E1.1.4. Transportation of Specimens
E1.1.4.1. The urinalysis coordinator shall perform the following:
E1.1.4.1.1. Ensure that the primary containers (specimen bottles) are
securely sealed.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
9 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.1.4.1.2. Ensure that each bottle is enclosed in a leak-proof secondary
container.
E1.1.4.1.3. Ensure that each secondary container contains sufficient
absorbent material to absorb the entire specimen contents in case of leakage.
E1.1.4.1.4. Ensure that chain of custody documentation is shipped with
specimens and that each mailing or shipping package is sealed with the signature of the
coordinator over the seal to ensure integrity of specimens. That requirement applies to
all methods of transportation including hand-carried specimens.
E1.1.4.1.5. Ensure that each specimen collected is forwarded for testing
expeditiously. A specimen that is field tested negative may be sent to the drug testing
laboratory for further testing or discarded.
E1.1.4.2. Packages shall be transported to the drug testing laboratory using
regular mail of the USPS, which meets chain of custody requirements and should be
used unless unusual circumstances prevail. Specimens mailed through the USPS must
meet the packaging requirements contained in Section C042.8.3 of the Domestic Mail
Manual (reference (e)). In other circumstances, the specimens may be shipped by the
following:
E1.1.4.2.1. Certified or registered mail;
E1.1.4.2.2. The Military Airlift Command;
E1.1.4.2.3. Commercial air freight, air express, or surface transportation
(specific packaging requirements must be met); or
E1.1.4.2.4. Hand delivery.
E1.1.4.3. Nothing in paragraph E1.1.1. through subparagraph E1.1.4.2.4., of
this enclosure, above, shall be construed to invalidate transmittal by means other than
those in subparagraph E1.1.4.2., of this enclosure, above, if there is an otherwise valid
chain of custody.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
10 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.2. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) AND LABORATORY
OPERATING PROCEDURES (LOP)
E1.2.1. Each Military Department shall control the procedures used in the
laboratories for which it is responsible.
E1.2.1.1. The Office of the Surgeon General of the Military Department shall
develop or approve the SOP manual and provide a copy to the DASD(DEP&S).
E1.2.1.2. The SOP manual shall provide Service standards for the following:
E1.2.1.2.1. Receipt and intra-laboratory chain of custody procedures.
E1.2.1.2.2. Testing procedures for conducting initial screens, rescreens,
confirmatory tests, and retests for each drug analyzed.
E1.2.1.2.3. An internal QC program.
E1.2.1.2.4. Administrative processes.
E1.2.1.3. Each laboratory shall participate in the AFIP external QC program.
E1.2.2. Each drug testing laboratory shall develop and maintain a LOP manual under
the SOP of the Military Department concerned. Each LOP manual shall be kept
current and approved in writing by the laboratory technical director or equivalent. As
sections are replaced, historical records of procedures and the dates used shall be
maintained.
E1.3. CHAIN OF CUSTODY
All urine specimens shall be processed by the drug testing laboratories using
intra-laboratory chain of custody procedures.
E1.4. DRUGS TO BE TESTED
E1.4.1. The panel of drugs for which routine testing of specimens is completed
includes marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, phencyclidine, opiates, and
lysergic acid diethylamide. The Military Departments may select a minimum of three
groups from that list that shall be tested by each Service drug testing laboratory. It is
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
11 ENCLOSURE 1
mandatory that a drug testing laboratory test for a specific drug when the confirmed
positive rate for that drug at that laboratory exceeds 0.25 percent of specimens
collected as part of random testing. Codeine is excluded from the calculation of the
opiate positive rate and that testing requirement does not apply to anabolic steroids or
to new entrant testing. Additional categories of testing may be completed, in
accordance with paragraphs E1.4.3. and E1.4.4., of this enclosure, below.
E1.4.2. Each Military Department shall ensure that its testing program shall
determine, at periodic intervals, the positive rate on inspection specimens for each of
the seven drugs in paragraph E1.4.1., of this enclosure, above, and at each testing
laboratory. The pulse testing to determine the positive rate may be conducted using
only the initial test, and the laboratory need not be certified for a drug to conduct that
evaluation. Presumptive positive samples identified during the pulse testing may be
forwarded to a DoD laboratory that is certified to test for the pulse drug, and action may
be taken against the Service member if the certified laboratory screens and confirms the
specimen as positive for the pulse drug.
E1.4.3. For testing of specimens for drugs other than those listed in paragraph
E1.4.1. of this enclosure, above, the Military Departments may use drug testing
laboratories that are DoD-certified for one or more of the drugs in paragraph E1.4.1.,
of this enclosure, above, and that have the capability to analyze urine specimens for the
required drugs. The Military Departments shall ensure that:
E1.4.3.1. Specimens are collected in accordance with the chain of custody
procedures in section E1.1. of this enclosure, above.
E1.4.3.2. Two independent methodologies are used to test the specimens. If
two methodologies are not available, a positive result using only gas
chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is permitted. Duplicate analysis must be
completed, going back to the original specimen to begin extraction and analysis for each
replicate. Since testing levels are not established for drugs other than those in
paragraph E1.4.1., of this enclosure, above, the drug testing laboratory may report a
specimen as positive when the concentration of the drug or metabolite exceeds three
times the limit of quantitation for that analytical procedure.
E1.4.3.3. The drug testing laboratory has demonstrated expertise in conducting
urine drug testing and, at a minimum, satisfies the requirements in paragraph E1.11.1., of
this enclosure, below.
E1.4.3.4. Authentic standard is available for using in the assay for comparative
purposes.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
12 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.4.4. For specimens on which the routine initial testing procedures indicate the
presence of a drug, but the confirmation procedure does not confirm the presence of
the primary drug(s) of interest, additional GC/MS confirmation procedures may be
completed to identify the presence of any other drug(s). The presence of other drug(s)
of abuse at a concentration that equals or exceeds the cutoff concentration established
for that confirmation assay may be reported. The criteria in paragraph E1.4.3., of this
enclosure, above, apply to the analytical laboratory with the exception of the cutoff
concentration. If the drug is not in one of the classes of drugs for which a cutoff is
established, subparagraph E1.4.3.2., of this enclosure, above, applies.
E1.4.5. All specimens arriving at the laboratory shall be tested, except as follows:
E1.4.5.1. When the specimen cannot be identified as a unique specimen by the
SSN.
E1.4.5.2. When there is an indication that testing of the specimen would be
detrimental to the testing instrumentation.
E1.4.5.3. The specimen is not urine.
E1.4.6. All discrepancies in the submission of a specimen that are noted by the
laboratory in the review and testing of the specimen shall be documented and reported to
the submitting unit with the results.
E1.5. INITIAL TEST
E1.5.1. The initial test is to identify those samples that are "presumptively positive"
to send them on for confirmation testing (i.e., remove negative samples to focus effort
and resources on those samples most likely to contain drugs of abuse). That shall be an
analytical methodology different from that of the confirmation test. An immunoassay
test kit is a medical device and must have clearance from the Food and Drug
Administration before use for the initial test. Other initial tests may be used if
approved by the DASD(DEP&S), following a recommendation by the Biochemical
Testing Advisory Committee.
E1.5.2. To exclude the possibility of carryover in the screening procedure, a
rescreen of positive specimens must be completed with negative controls inserted
between the actual personnel specimens. Alternatively, another procedure may be
developed to ensure that there is no carryover in the pipetting of aliquots or in the
performance of the assay and to validate the initial screening results.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
13 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.5.3. The level at which a sample is determined to be presumptive positive for a
drug listed in paragraph E1.4.1., of this enclosure, above, based on the initial test, shall
be established by the CDEP&S.
E1.5.4. The requirements for a specific initial test do not exclude the use of other
screening tests for the specific drug being assayed. The following are the requirements
for any additional tests performed to reduce confirmation workload or for other valid
scientific reason:
E1.5.4.1. A laboratory operating procedure must be written and approved by
the technical director (or equivalent) of that laboratory for the test, and the test must be
applied uniformly in the laboratory testing processes.
E1.5.4.2. The prescribed initial screen and GC/MS confirmation must be
completed, besides any special screening, before the reporting of a specimen as a
positive.
E1.6. CONFIRMATORY TEST
E1.6.1. Following a positive result on an initial test (and any subsequent screening
tests), the specimen shall be tested by GC/MS to confirm the result before a positive
report is made. A different confirmatory test (which must also be different from the
initial test) may be used, if approved by the DASD(DEP&S).
E1.6.2. The level at which a sample is determined to be positive for a drug listed in
paragraph E1.4.1., of this enclosure, above, based on the confirmatory test, shall be
established by the CDEP&S.
E1.7. QUALITY CONTROL (QC)
Each drug testing laboratory shall maintain an internal QC program consisting of
standards and open and blind controls that make up at least 5 percent of the total number
of urine specimens analyzed. The samples that are used to calibrate an instrument or
establish an actual level shall be classified as a calibration standard(s). Any samples
intended to ensure that operation and specificity of the assay shall be identified as
"controls." Negative samples (unless incorporated into a "standard curve") shall be
identified as "controls."
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
14 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.8. REPORTING AND RECORDS
E1.8.1. Any specimen that fails to meet required levels for determination as
positive for either initial or confirmatory tests shall be reported as negative. (A
specimen that is negative by confirmation may be tested for other drugs, as in paragraph
E1.4.4., of this enclosure, above.)
E1.8.2. Negative results should be reported from the laboratory in less than 4
working days, average, and positive results should be reported from the laboratory in less
than 6 working days, average, after the day the specimen is received. A copy of the
results or a summary of results shall be submitted to the AFIP, as required, to fulfill QC
evaluation requirements. The reporting of specimens shall be completed in a manner to
prevent the identification of a specific military member from the report of a specimen
that screened positive but that which did not confirm as positive. (This paragraph does
not apply to new entrant testing.)
E1.8.3. The report to the originating unit shall specify which specimens were
positive and which were negative. No further information on negative specimens shall
be submitted to the originating unit, except as in subparagraph 3.4.2. or 3.4.3. of DoD
Directive 1010.1 (reference (a)) when, as follows:
E1.8.3.1. A request for further information on the results of a negative test is
made by a Service member or the defense counsel for use in defending against an
accusation of drug use;
E1.8.3.2. A Service member accused of drug use is in a disciplinary or
administrative proceeding and offers or is expected to offer a negative urinalysis report
to establish non-use, and the Government's representative requests further information
on the negative report for rebuttal purposes; or
E1.8.3.3. As authorized by the Secretary of the Military Department
concerned or as otherwise ordered by an authority.
E1.8.4. A positive report for morphine, codeine, or testosterone must be reviewed
by a medical review officer (physician) before any action is taken against the individual.
E1.8.5. The drug testing laboratories shall note test results on reporting forms
required by the Military Department concerned.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
15 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.8.6. If a contract with a civilian laboratory is terminated for any reason, all
records shall be maintained by that contractor under contractual agreement or shall be
forwarded to the Military Department and retained, in accordance with this paragraph.
Analytical data may be maintained in electronic format if storage is such that data is in
an unalterable form and maintained in the entirety. Hard copy data may be destroyed
after insurance that a copy of the original can be reproduced from electronic data
storage. All original collection data, chain of custody documents, and positive result
reports must be held for a minimum of 3 years. Hard copy or electronically held
screening data for only negative specimens may be destroyed after 1 year.
E1.8.6.1. Under procedures established by the Military Department concerned,
such records (or certified copies thereof) shall be sent promptly, on request, to the
originating command or other applicable authority.
E1.8.6.2. At the end of the 3-year period, such drug testing laboratory records
may be disposed of under rules of the Military Department.
E1.9. DISPOSITION OF SPECIMENS
E1.9.1. If the result of a test is negative, the specimen shall be discarded, unless it
is to be retained for QC or procedure-development purposes under procedures
established by the Military Department concerned.
E1.9.2. Specimens confirmed as positive and not consumed in the testing process
shall be properly secured in a frozen state for a minimum of 1 year from the date of the
report. That specimen may then be discarded or used for QC or other legitimate
purpose following removal of personal identifiers from the specimen label.
E1.9.3. In the 1-year period, the originating command or other applicable authority
may request the laboratory to retain the specimen for an additional period of time. If a
contract with a civilian laboratory is terminated, all positive specimens shall be held
under contractual agreement or shall be forwarded to a military laboratory and retained
for the 1-year period.
E1.10. RETESTING OF SPECIMENS
E1.10.1. Each Military Department shall establish rules permitting retesting of a
specimen when a sufficient quantity is available. At a minimum, such rules shall provide
for retesting on, as follows:
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
16 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.10.1.1. Request of the submitting command.
E1.10.1.2. Request of an administrative board under rules applicable to the
board.
E1.10.1.3. Order of a military judge under rules applicable to courts-martial.
E1.10.2. A Service member may obtain a retest at a commercial laboratory at the
Service member's own expense when a sufficient quantity of a specimen is available to
permit retesting. The commercial laboratory must complete testing by GC/MS or other
technology as approved by the DASD(DEP&S) and may report the result of the retest as
positive if the concentration is equal to or above the limit of detection for that
particular drug. Only an aliquot shall be released for such testing; the original specimen
and bottle shall be maintained at the military or contract laboratory. The specimen
must be forwarded using chain of custody procedures and so as to ensure that the
Government is not obligated to pay for the testing.
E1.10.3. Retesting of specimens reported positive after the required initial and
confirmatory tests shall be conducted using GC/MS or an alternative test approved by
the DASD(DEP&S). The drug testing laboratory may report as positive any test that
verifies the presence of the drug or specific metabolite equal to or above the limit of
detection of the confirmatory procedure.
E1.11. LABORATORY CERTIFICATION
E1.11.1. To be certified by the Department of Defense, a military or civilian
contract drug testing laboratory shall satisfy the following minimum requirements:
E1.11.1.1. Maintain a SOP manual that is approved by the Military Department
and maintain a LOP manual for each laboratory.
E1.11.1.2. Process specimens while maintaining chain of custody intact from
receipt to disposal of specimen and maintain a record of processing of aliquots of the
specimen.
E1.11.1.3. Document qualifications and training of laboratory personnel.
E1.11.1.4. Keep maintenance and repair records for each instrument used in
testing.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
17 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.11.1.5. Validate analytical methods used for each drug.
E1.11.1.6. Participate, satisfactorily, in a certification round of AFIP
proficiency sample analyses for each drug group being routinely tested.
E1.11.1.7. Participate, satisfactorily, in ongoing AFIP proficiency (open) and
blind QC sample programs.
E1.11.1.8. Maintain an internal QC program consisting of at least 5 percent
controls and standards, including blind positives and negatives in screening and blind
negatives in confirmation.
E1.11.1.9. Establish procedures to ensure timely responses to discovery
requests and other inquiries from authorities.
E1.11.1.10. Participate, satisfactorily, in an ongoing DoD inspection process
that involves an onsite inspection every 2 years.
E1.11.2. The request to the AFIP for certification samples and participation in the
blind QC program may be made directly to the AFIP in writing.
E1.11.3. Once a laboratory has met the initial requirements of paragraph E1.11.1.,
of this enclosure, above, each Military Department shall submit a request for
certification to the CDEP&S stating that the military or civilian contract drug testing
laboratory satisfies the requirements in paragraph E1.11.1., of this enclosure, above.
E1.11.4. If a contract laboratory has submitted a proposal to use immunoassay
methods different than the immunoassay methods used by the military drug testing
laboratories for conducting the initial tests, the Military Department shall ensure that
each immunoassay method used by the contract laboratory is capable of identifying
specimens as positive at the same initial test level used by the military drug testing
laboratories and with essentially the same specificity and sensitivity (i.e., the results of
the two immunoassay methods are essentially the same).
E1.11.5. A laboratory may not report results of tests to submitting commands until
the laboratory is certified in writing by the CDEP&S.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
18 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.11.6. Each Military Department shall order a quality assurance inspection of
each drug testing laboratory under its supervision at least three times annually. The QA
inspection shall assess the performance of the laboratory and its adherence to the
requirements in paragraph E1.11.1., of this enclosure, above. A copy of the report of
the inspection shall be forwarded to the DASD(DEP&S).
E1.12. DRUG ANALYSIS CERTIFICATION
E1.12.1. Drug testing laboratories shall participate in the AFIP proficiency testing
program for drug groups that are routinely monitored by immunoassay and GC/MS and
are listed in paragraph E1.4.1., of this enclosure, above.
E1.12.2. A certification schedule shall be sent to the laboratory and the requester
in paragraph E1.11.3., of this enclosure, above.
E1.12.3. A certification set consists of negative urine samples and urine containing
positive levels of added drug (or drug metabolite). A certification set is divided into the
following two groups of samples:
E1.12.3.1. One group is used to evaluate the initial test.
E1.12.3.2. The other group is used to evaluate the confirmatory test. Both
groups shall contain six to nine samples for each drug level.
E1.12.4. When a laboratory is being evaluated for more than one drug, the QC
samples shall be spiked with multiple drugs where necessary. The laboratory shall be
instructed as to which QC samples are to be tested for which drugs.
E1.12.5. On completion of testing, the laboratory shall summarize the results by
listing quantitative values for each sample calculated from the confirmation test results
and indicate whether samples are positive or negative by the initial test. That summary
sheet, along with confirmation test data and initial test runs are to be mailed to the
AFIP's QC laboratory. All confirmatory tracings are to include retention times, peak
areas and/or heights, ions monitored, and sample identification.
E1.12.6. Based on the DoD cut-off level, at least 85 percent of the immunoassay
results for positive specimens of a drug must be correct.
E1.12.7. GC/MS results must meet the following criteria:
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
19 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.12.7.1. For negative specimens, the quantitative values from GC/MS may
not exceed the limit of quantitation. The limit of detection for each drug tested must
be listed on the data sheet provided and returned to the AFIP.
E1.12.7.2. No more than one individual quantitation may be more than + 20
percent or + two standard deviation units, whichever is greater, from the laboratory
mean for each positive level.
E1.12.7.3. No more than one quantitative value may be more than + 20
percent from the group mean. (Group mean values are derived from DoD QC laboratory
and at least two reference laboratory results.)
E1.12.7.4. Quantitative results for individual drugs shall be calculated from
peak areas or peak heights, but not both.
E1.12.8. GC/MS tracings must meet the following criteria:
E1.12.8.1. Within a batch, retention times for the samples must match
calibrator retention times within 2.0 percent for both the drug and internal standard.
E1.12.8.2. Identity-ion ratios of the designated drug and internal standard must
be within 20 percent of the corresponding ion ratios observed for the calibration
standard. A minimum of two "ion ratios" determined using three different ions shall be
monitored for each drug class, and one or more "ion ratios" determined from two or
more ions shall be monitored for the internal standards.
E1.12.8.3. Selected ions used to calculate ion ratios and determine
quantitative drug levels must be reasonably resolved from interfering peaks. Interfering
peaks must have a peak height less than 10 percent of the peak of interest and the peak
of interest must be separated from other peaks with a resolution = 1.0 or greater.
(Dennis G. Peters, John M. Hayes, and Gary M. Hieftje: "Chemical Separations and
Measurements," W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 1974, page 541.)
E1.12.8.4. Drug and internal standard peaks must be sharp, clean, and
symmetrical.
E1.12.9. Special Request Testing.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
20 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.12.9.1. A drug testing laboratory may not report results to submitting
commands for a non-routine drug until the laboratory performing the testing has
received approval as described in subparagraphs E1.12.9.2. and E1.12.9.3., of this
enclosure, below.
E1.12.9.2. The following are the minimum requirements for certification for
special request testing:
E1.12.9.2.1. The laboratory shall analyze a set of specimens provided by
the AFIP. That preliminary set of specimens shall contain positives and negatives.
E1.12.9.2.2. Initial test results and confirmatory test results, including
controls, shall be forwarded to the AFIP for evaluation.
E1.12.9.2.3. The laboratory must have no false positive and must have no
more than one quantitative result greater than + 2 standard deviations or + 20 percent,
whichever is greater, from the AFIP-established mean for each concentration.
E1.12.9.2.4. The testing procedures must meet the requirements of
paragraph E1.4.3., of this enclosure, above.
E1.12.9.2.5. If the laboratory does not meet the criteria in paragraph
E1.4.3. and subparagraph E1.12.9.2.3., of this enclosure, above, the Military Department
shall take corrective action and the AFIP shall send an additional set of samples for
initial and confirmatory testing.
E1.12.9.3. When the criteria in subparagraph E1.12.9.2., of this enclosure,
above, are satisfied, the AFIP shall notify the Office of the CDEP&S (OCDEP&S) by
telephone that the laboratory is planning to start special request testing for a specific
drug. The OCDEP&S shall give verbal response to the AFIP on the specific request.
If approved, the laboratory may then analyze specimens for that drug and report
specimens on a special request basis.
E1.12.10. Continued certification for routine testing requires the following:
E1.12.10.1. Continuous participation in the AFIP Proficiency Testing Program.
E1.12.10.2. No false positive results on the blind or open AFIP QC specimens.
E1.12.10.3. For the blind samples, at least 85 percent of all positive
specimens received during the quarter must be correctly reported.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
21 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.12.10.4. For the open samples, a drug analysis is considered unacceptable
if two results are greater than + 2 standard deviations or + 20 percent, whichever is
greater, from the mean in each of two consecutive sets of samples.
E1.12.10.5. No "false positives" on actual personnel specimens.
E1.13. DECERTIFICATION AND/OR RECERTIFICATION
The procedures for the following are established when a laboratory does not satisfy the
following:
E1.13.1. The criterion in subparagraph E1.12.10.1., of this enclosure, above, as
follows:
E1.13.1.1. The AFIP shall contact the Military Department and the
DASD(DEP&S) immediately and describe the circumstances for the laboratory's
noncompliance with that criterion.
E1.13.1.2. The DASD(DEP&S) shall contact the Military Department
responsible for the laboratory and specify corrective action.
E1.13.1.3. The Military Department shall ensure that corrective action is
taken or the laboratory shall be decertified.
E1.13.2. The criterion in subparagraph E1.12.10.2., of this enclosure, above, as
follows:
E1.13.2.1. The AFIP shall contact the laboratory. The laboratory shall review
immediately the results on the specimen reported positive, retest the specimen, and send
an aliquot to the AFIP for retesting.
E1.13.2.2. On a confirmed "false positive," the AFIP shall contact the
laboratory, the Military Department, and the DASD(DEP&S) immediately.
E1.13.2.3. The laboratory shall suspend reporting of results for all drugs
immediately.
E1.13.2.4. When the false positive is due to an administrative error made by
the laboratory during the processing of the data accompanying a specimen, the following
shall be done:
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
22 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.13.2.4.1. The Military Department shall notify the DASD(DEP&S) of
the source of the error and the corrective action taken. If the DASD(DEP&S) is
satisfied that the corrective action is adequate to prevent a recurrence of that error for
all drugs tested and reported by the laboratory, the DASD(DEP&S) shall authorize the
laboratory to resume reporting results.
E1.13.2.4.2. The DASD(DEP&S) may require retesting of certain
personnel or QC specimens.
E1.13.2.5. When the "false positive" is due to an analytical error made by the
laboratory that influences particular drug analysis:
E1.13.2.5.1. The laboratory shall be automatically decertified for the
classes of drugs effected by the error.
E1.13.2.5.2. The laboratory shall take immediate corrective action or
implement a new analytical procedure for the effected drug class(es) and may report
results on other drug classes.
E1.13.2.5.3. After the laboratory takes corrective action, the AFIP shall
use the procedure for certifying a new-drug analysis to ensure that the laboratory can
correctly analyze for the drug classes effected.
E1.13.2.5.4. The DASD(DEP&S) may require an inspection or may
recertify the laboratory for the particular drug analyses, based on the recommendation
of the AFIP. The DASD(DEP&S) shall specify any requirements for retesting
personnel specimens on recertification.
E1.13.2.5.5. The Military Department shall provide a written response
summarizing the corrective action taken, results about the retesting of personnel
specimens, and disposition of personnel whose results may have been incorrectly
reported.
E1.13.3. The criterion in subparagraph E1.12.10.3., of this enclosure, above, as
follows:
E1.13.3.1. The AFIP shall contact the laboratory, the Military Department, and
the DASD(DEP&S) immediately. The DASD(DEP&S) shall assess the information
available, and specify corrective action based on the circumstances surrounding the error.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
23 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.13.3.2. After the laboratory takes corrective action, the AFIP shall use the
procedure for certifying a new-drug analysis to ensure that the laboratory can correctly
analyze for the drug classes effected.
E1.13.3.3. The DASD(DEP&S) may require an inspection or may recertify the
laboratory for the particular drug analyses, based on the recommendation of the AFIP.
The DASD(DEP&S) shall specify any requirements for retesting personnel specimens
on recertification.
E1.13.3.4. The Military Department shall provide a written response
summarizing the corrective action taken.
E1.13.4. The criterion in subparagraph E1.12.10.4., of this enclosure, above, when
the laboratory reports concentrations greater than the upper limit for a particular drug,
as follows:
E1.13.4.1. The AFIP shall contact the laboratory, the Military Department, and
the DASD(DEP&S) immediately.
E1.13.4.2. The laboratory shall stop testing and reporting results for the
specific drug class immediately.
E1.13.4.3. The DASD(DEP&S) shall decertify the laboratory for that drug and
specify requirements for retesting personnel specimens.
E1.13.4.4. After determining the reason for that error, the laboratory shall
take corrective action.
E1.13.4.5. After completing the corrective action, the laboratory shall contact
the AFIP and arrange to analyze a set of certification samples for the drug test in
question.
E1.13.4.6. The Military Department shall provide a written response
summarizing the corrective action taken and disposition of any personnel specimens that
may have been reported incorrectly.
E1.13.4.7. The DASD(DEP&S) may recertify the laboratory for the drug
analysis based on the AFIP recommendation and review of the laboratory's performance
on the certification samples.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
24 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.13.5. The criterion in subparagraph E1.12.10.4., of this enclosure, above, when
the laboratory reports concentrations less than the lower limit, as follows:
E1.13.5.1. The AFIP shall contact the laboratory, the Military Department, and
the DASD(DEP&S) immediately.
E1.13.5.2. The Military Department shall ensure that corrective action is
taken by the laboratory.
E1.13.5.3. Personnel specimens normally shall not require retest since
negative errors may only cause some positive specimens to be reported as negatives.
The Military Department concerned or the DASD(DEP&S) may specify that personnel
specimens shall be retested.
E1.13.5.4. The DASD(DEP&S) may decertify the laboratory for the particular
drug analyses if corrective action is not completed in a timely manner. Requirements
for recertification shall be determined based on the circumstances.
E1.13.6. The criterion in subparagraph E1.12.10.5., of this enclosure, above, as
follows:
E1.13.6.1. The laboratory shall contact the Military Department immediately.
The Military Department shall then notify the DASD(DEP&S) within 1 working day and
shall notify the AFIP, if necessary.
E1.13.6.2. The laboratory shall suspend reporting results immediately for all
drugs.
E1.13.6.3. The laboratory shall review immediately the circumstances
surrounding the "false positive" report, retest the specimen and other specimens, as
necessary, or take other action to fully investigate and correct the error. Testing of
other specimens, including other specimens previously reported as positive, may be
completed as necessary during the investigation.
E1.13.6.4. When the "false positive" is due to an administrative error made by
the laboratory during the processing of the data accompanying a specimen, the following
shall be done:
E1.13.6.4.1. The Military Department shall notify the DASD(DEP&S) of
the source of the error and the corrective action taken. If the DASD(DEP&S) is
satisfied that the corrective action is adequate to prevent a recurrence of that error for
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
25 ENCLOSURE 1
all drugs tested and reported by the laboratory, the DASD(DEP&S) may authorize the
laboratory to resume reporting results.
E1.13.6.4.2. The DASD(DEP&S) shall specify any requirements for
retesting personnel specimens.
E1.13.6.5. When the "false positive" is due to an analytical error made by the
laboratory, the following shall be done:
E1.13.6.5.1. The laboratory shall be automatically decertified on all
effected drug analyses by the DASD(DEP&S).
E1.13.6.5.2. The laboratory shall take immediate corrective action and
implement new analytical procedures, as required.
E1.13.6.5.3. After taking corrective action, the AFIP shall use the
procedure for certifying a drug analysis for each of the drugs classes effected by the
error.
E1.13.6.5.4. The Military Department shall provide a written response
summarizing the corrective action taken, results on the retesting of personnel
specimens, and action taken against any member whose results may have been reported
incorrectly.
E1.13.6.5.5. The DASD(DEP&S) may recertify the laboratory for the
drugs tested, if the AFIP so recommends, and shall specify requirements for retesting
personnel specimens on recertification. Additionally, the DASD(DEP&S) may arrange
to have the laboratory inspected.
E1.13.6.6. The submitting unit shall be advised of the false positive result and
shall act to restore or correct any adverse action or proceedings against the Service
member which were based on the incorrect result.
E1.14. FIELD TESTING OF URINE SPECIMENS
E1.14.1. General. Field tests of urine specimens shall be conducted only under
the standards and procedures in paragraphs E1.14.2. through E1.14.6., of this enclosure,
below. A unit performing field testing must have a justifiable requirement to obtain
immediate results from testing for drugs of abuse.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
26 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.14.2. Chain of Custody. All field tests shall comply with the chain of custody
requirements established in section E1.1., of this enclosure, above. The urinalysis
coordinator shall ensure that the names and actions of all persons handling a specimen
are documented properly on the chain of custody form. The breakage of the
tamper-resistant tape at the field test site shall be annotated.
E1.14.3. Inspections. A minimum of one inspection every 2 years must be
completed at field test sites by the Service.
E1.14.4. Guidelines for Field Testing
E1.14.4.1. The area where testing is occurring must be a restricted area and
the specimens must be secured under lock and key when not attended.
E1.14.4.2. A SOP must be written and maintained.
E1.14.4.3. The aliquot for testing must be poured from the specimen bottle so
there is no opportunity for contamination of the specimen (i.e., nothing can enter the
specimen bottle).
E1.14.4.4. A QA program that includes QC at the installation and QA external
to the installation to monitor proficiency and identify deficiencies must be established
and maintained. Materials provided for QC purposes are not to be used as calibrators in
any subsequent analysis. Calibrators and controls must be purchased and used for their
specific purpose.
E1.14.4.5. If negative specimens are discarded at the field test site, a
minimum of three drug classes must be tested at the field site.
E1.14.5. Approval
E1.14.5.1. Before a Military Department conducts field tests of urine
specimens, the Military Department must receive DASD(DEP&S) approval of the
following elements of the Military Department's program:
E1.14.5.1.1. The test kits and instruments to be used.
E1.14.5.1.2. A training and certification program for operators of the
field testing equipment.
DODI 1010.16, December 9, 1994
27 ENCLOSURE 1
E1.14.5.1.3. Integration of field testing procedures into the chain of
custody requirements established in paragraph E1.5.1., of this enclosure, above.
E1.14.5.1.4. Inspection Program
E1.14.5.1.4.1. The approval of an instrument and/or test kits for a
Military Department's program allows other Military Departments to use them for their
approved field testing programs.
E1.14.5.1.4.2. All field testing shall be conducted using the same
initial test levels as established by the CDEP&S used by the drug testing laboratories.
Field test personnel may not report or disclose a field test result in any manner other
than stating the result to be either negative or positive, as determined by the initial test
level used by the drug testing laboratories. Any action taken based on a field test
positive result that does not confirm as positive by GC/MS must be rescinded under
subparagraph 5.2.1.4. of DoD Directive 1010.1 (reference (a)).
E1.14.5.1.4.3. All specimens identified as positive by a field test
shall be sent immediately to a certified laboratory for testing under procedures in
sections E1.5. and E1.6., of this enclosure, above.
E1.14.6. The field testing program in paragraph E1.14.1. through subparagraph
E1.14.5.4., of this enclosure, above, is subject to inspection by DASD(DEP&S)

False Positives

2006-04-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Test results can be attributed to human error and sample contamination. In addition, there are a number of controlled and uncontrolled substances that will cause a false positive result; these are some of the reasons why labs will immediately split your specimen into two samples. Below are some of the many substances to avoid prior to testing. Take this very seriously, your employer or probation officer certainly will. False positives run high with the EMIT, and in some cases this is all it takes to send you to the unemployment office or a parole/probation revocation hearing. National laboratories state that the EMIT test is wrong 25% to 30% of the time, and can result in false positives from legal substances up to 38% of the time!

Antibiotics:

Certain antibiotics such as Penicillin and Tetracycline can cause false positive results for heroin or cocaine.

Cold remedies, diet pills, hay fever remedies and pain relievers:

In blind testing, decongestants and many diet aids resulted in false positives for amphetamine use in one third of all test samples given to 40 leading substance testing laboratories. There are more than 300 over-the-counter drugs that can cause false positives on the EMIT, and new drugs being introduced every day.

Dental/Medical treatments:

Cain-based products, especially Novocaine, have been known to cause false positives for cocaine. Some legal products actually contain small amounts of illegal chemicals. All urine tests, including GC/MS will indicate a positive result because the metabolites derived from the substance are identical to the metabolites of the illegal drug.

Ibuprofen:

Ibuprofen is a common pain reliever that, even in low dosages, can cause a false THC positive on the EMIT. This has supposedly been corrected.

Poppy seeds:

Though an extremely concentrated amount of poppy seeds are needed to obtain a false positive for opiates on the EMIT, it is possible.

Home Drug Test

2006-04-25T00:55:00.000-07:00

While most drug tests are administered by a professional and sent to a lab for analysis, it is possible to give yourself or someone else a home drug test. The purpose of a home drug test is to measure one's body for illegal chemical substances. Drug tests are able to detect chemical substances through urine sample, hair sample, blood sample, saliva sample, and sweat sample. However, the majority of home drug tests are administered with a urine sample. This is the easiest method for those providing a bodily sample at home. There are various reasons for giving a home drug test. For example, individuals who are scheduled to take a drug test for employment or insurance purposes may purchase a home test to ensure that they are negative.

Furthermore, home drug tests are common among parents who want to administer routine drug tests on their children. For the most part, when teenagers begin to use drugs, they have a personality change. Although parents may talk with their children to try and find the root of the problem, teenagers are not very forthcoming with information. As a last resort, some parents decide to give their teenagers a random, unannounced home drug test. Although this may be upsetting for the child, a home drug test will afford parents the opportunity to get help for their teen.

Home drug tests are very similar to drug tests administered by an employer or insurance agency. The tests are able to detect the five common drugs. These include marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, and PCP. Some home drug tests are also able to detect alcohol use. Parents may benefit by giving this test to their teenagers. In addition to screening the urine for illegal drugs, home drug tests are also effective for medical testing. For example, a home drug test is often used for measuring one's blood sugar and for early pregnancy detection.

How a urine drug test works

2006-04-25T00:51:00.000-07:00

A urine drug test is a common method for screening a person for drug use. Sadly, millions of people have drug addictions. For the most part, employers do not want to employ individuals with a drug habit. This is understandable. Moreover, insurance agencies steer clear of individuals with a drug habit. In order to weed out drug users, employers and agencies generally administer a urine drug test. When giving a urine drug test, applicants are required to provide a sample of urine. This sample is sent away to a lab for testing. The lab will screen the urine for the five major drugs. These include cocaine, marijuana, opiates, PCP, and amphetamines.

While urine drug test are very common, these particular tests are not as effective as other tests. This is because the detection period is within three days. Thus, a drug user may easily schedule a urine test after the drugs are no longer detected in their urine. To combat this problem, many employers have begun random urine drug testing. Although most drugs are no longer detected after a few days, some drugs are detectable for up to 14 days. Moreover, habitual cocaine use may be detected for up to three months.

Employers and agencies that give urine drug tests are generally able to detect when an individual is attempting to conceal a possible drug habit. For example, sophisticated drug screening devices have the ability to detect urine that appears too clear. In this case, a person may have purposely consumed a large amount of water to dilute their urine. Diluting is effective with flushing the body of chemical substances. Moreover, some people consume large amounts of herbal detoxification products. While these products are effective with removing substances, they are also easily detected on urine drug tests. In these instances, the drug test would be ruled inconclusive, and another test would be administered.

How to pass a drug test

2006-04-25T00:49:00.000-07:00

Taking a drug test can be a time of mixed emotions. Individuals who are not drug users may provide a sample of urine or blood with ease. On the other hand, habitual and occasional drug users may feel nervous because the test could potentially reveal a habit. For habitual and occasional drug users, there are products designed to show you how to pass a drug test. Of course, the only foolproof method for passing a drug test is to stop using drug. Moreover, these products may come in handy for your upcoming drug test.

There are five main types of drug tests. These include urine, blood, saliva, hair, and sweat. Employers and insurance agencies administer thousands of drugs tests. For the most part, these businesses require applicants to provide a urine sample. Information on how to pass a drug tests includes tips for passing a urine test. Prior to giving a urine sample, many people drink gallons of water. However, too much water will dilute the urine, which will look suspicious. Days prior to the drug test, begin taking detoxification capsules and drinking detoxification teas. Moreover, stop drug use during this time.

How to pass a drug test when providing a blood sample is more complicated. This requires detoxification at least a week before the drug test. Occasional and heavy drug users may consider regular detoxification to keep their blood cleanse. If looking for information on how to pass a drug test when providing a sample of saliva, consider buying saliva detoxification products. This includes capsules and mouthwash. Attempting to pass a drug test with a hair sample is difficult. Drug use is detected in the hair for up to six months. Of course, you could shave your head, but this would look suspicious. Instead, consider using detoxification shampoos and hair follicle treatments.