DRUG COURT
How Drug Courts Work
Eligible drug-addicted persons may be sent to Drug Court in lieu of traditional justice system case processing.Drug Courts keep individuals in treatment long enough for it to work, while supervising them closely. For a minimum term of one year, participants are:
- provided with intensive treatment and other services they require to get and stay clean and sober;
- held accountable by the Drug Court judge for meeting their obligations to the court, society, themselves and their families;
- regularly and randomly tested for drug use;
- required to appear in court frequently so that the judge may review their progress; and
rewarded for doing well or sanctioned when they do not live up to their obligations.
The Drug Court Team
In Drug Court, Judges, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, Case Managers, Law Enforcement, Probation & Parole Officers, CPS Case Workes, and Treatment Providers review every individual case and work together. Drug & Alcohol Testing Technician
The Drug Court Judge
NADCP National Association
of Drug Court
Professiona
All Rise
TESTING METHODS
Urine Testing
RELIABLE VERIFICATION Lab Test Unlimited, Inc. is contracted with laboratorys that utilize the most sophisticated, sensitive and specific equipment and technology available to screen, confirm and quantitative drugs of abuse in urine. Our methodologies provide highly accurate, legally defensible results. As with all of Lab Test Unlimited testing options, full customer support is provided.
Lab Test Unlimited objective is to help its clients detect and prevent drug and alcohol abuse. Urine testing through Lab Test Unlimited is reliable, affordable and convenient. Turn to Lab Test Unlimited for confidence in testing—we’ll find out.
5 Panel
10 Panel
12 Panel
COC/AMP/mAMP/THC/MTD/MDMA/OPI/OXY/PPX/PCP/BAR/BZO
IDEAL TESTING ARENA
Federal & State Corrections Clinics & Hospitals Methadone Clinics , Federal, State & County Probation
Counseling Centers Physician Offices
Federal Halfway Houses Drug Courts Pre-employment
Behavioral Health Jails & Detention Centers
Rehabilitation &Treatment
Department of Family and Children Services,
Mental Health, Schools & Universities
WE COME TO YOU
Hair Analysis
Hair drugs of abuse testing offers up to a 90-day window for detection of drug use prior to the test date and a convenient collection process that can be performed almost anywhere
Specimen Collection
The collector obtains a 100 milligram sample of hair (90 to 120 strands) cut at the scalp. The collector secures the hair sample in foil and completes chain-of-custody documentation in preparation for shipment to the testing laboratory. Since hair samples are obtained in full view of the collector, the process minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration or specimen substitution. Lab Test Unlimited offers hair specimen collections in many of our specimen collection labs located throughout the State. Our extensive network offers your employee’s convenient access to Lab Test Unlimited collection sites or call Lab Test Unlimited to set up Random home visits or set up to have a technician available for your courts
Testing Process
Lab Test Unlimited performs the initial screening test, and sends test
for an advanced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate technology. ELISA is one of the current screening methods with the sensitivity to detect drugs in hair specimens. Lab Test Unlimited offers gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or GC/MS/MS confirmation for presumptive positive screens. Results for specimens that screen negative for all drugs are generally available within 24 hours after specimens are received at the study laboratory. Results for confirmation testing of presumptive positive screens are usually available within an additional 72 hours.
Drugs Detected
- Amphetamine/methamphetamine/ecstasy
- Marijuana metabolite
- Cocaine and metabolites
- Opiates (codeine, morphine, 6-acetylmorphine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Hair Drugs of Abuse Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is hair drug testing?
Drug and drug metabolite(s) are incorporated into the hair matrix from the bloodstream following drug use. Hair drug testing detects drugs that are embedded in the hair.
Q: How much hair is needed for a hair drug test?
A hair drug test with initial screen and confirmation requires 100 milligrams of hair (90 to 120 strands).
Q: What time period does a hair drug test cover?
Hair growth rates vary; typically, head hair grows at an average of one-half inch per month. Therefore, a 1.5 inch hair sample detects drug use up to 90 days prior to testing.
EtG/EtS 80 Hour Alcohol Test
ARE THEY DRINKING? WE'LL FIND OUT.
EtG is a direct metabolite of alcohol (ethanol). Its presence in urine may be used to detect recent ethanol ingestion, even after ethanol is no longer measurable. The presence of EtG in urine is an indicator that ethanol was ingested and can be detected in urine for up to 80 hours after ingestion. EtG is only evident when ethanol is ingested and is not produced as a result of fermentation.
In addition to EtG, recent scientific studies have identified ethyl sulfate (EtS) as a second specific metabolite or biomarker of ethanol. For this reason, LTU tests and reports EtS, in conjunction with EtG, to confirm recent ethanol ingestion or exposure. The detection of EtG and EtS offers greater sensitivity and accuracy for determination of recent ethanol ingestion, than by detection of either biomarker alone.
At Lab Test Unlimited we utilize and are contracted with the most sophisticated laboratorys that use, sensitive and specific equipment and technology available, LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry), to screen confirm and quantitate EtG/EtS. This methodology provides highly accurate alcohol biomarker test results.
Features and Benefits:- Combined test for EtG and EtS provides greater sensitivity and accuracy
- Ideal for zero tolerance and abstinence situations
- Strong indicator of ethanol ingestion within the previous 3 to 4 days
- Allows monitoring in alcohol treatment programs
- Acts as early warning system to detect trends towards relapse
- Tests performed by LC/MS/MS on state of the art equipment
- EtG/EtS tests may be run on urine specimens in conjunction with other LTU drug testing panels
- Fast turn-around time from receipt of specimen (48 hours negative, 72 hours positive
numerous advantages to your agency, including the following:- Certified accredited laboratory that has extensive experience in performing forensic toxicology
analysis for alcohol and drugs of abuse - Highly qualified contracted scientific staff
- State of the art instrumentation for the detection of
alcohol and drugs of abuse - Excellent client services
- Extensive quality assurance and quality control procedures
that help to ensure accurate results.
Oral Fluid-Saliva Drug Testing
Oral fluid testing is gaining popularity with many programs that require convenient, gender-neutral specimen collection combined with the accuracy of lab testing. LTU provides an easy and affordable lab-based testing solution for the detection of drugs of abuse in oral fluid.. LTU-Oral test utilizes the only collection device that has a volume adequacy indicator. This indicator ensures that sufficient saliva is collected to prevent possible false negative results due to insufficient sample size, and to provide a meaningful quantitative result. The LTU-Oral collection device also allows drug concentrations to be reported per mL of oral fluid (GC/MS confirmations only).One (1) mL of oral fluid combined with three (3) mL of buffering agent provides four (4) mL of specimen, allowing a sufficient amount of sample for screening and confirmation procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the LTU-Oral Solution is right for my agency?
LTU-Oral is easily used in a variety of testing arenas: Federal & State Corrections, Clinics & Hospitals, Methadone Clinics, Federal, State & County Probation, Counseling Centers, Physician Offices, Federal Halfway Houses, Drug Courts, Pre-employment, Behavioral Health, Jails & Detention Centers, Rehabilitation& Treatment, Child & Family Services, Mental Health and Schools & Universities.
What are the testing and confirmation methodologies?
Specimens collected with the LTU-Oral collection device are sent out for screening by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Positive screens, other than methadone, are confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The analytical methods used for the detection of drugs of abuse are scientifically accepted and approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
What are the oral fluid drug detection times?
The drug detection times in oral fluid closely parallel those in blood. In general, Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines,Opiates, Cocaine/ Benzoylecgonine, Methadone, and PCP can be detected for up to 48 hours following use. THC (marijuana) can be detected in oral fluid for up to 24 hours.
Why are the drug levels in oral fluids lower than those in urine?
Oral fluid drug levels largely correlate with the amount of drug in the blood (dependent on the saliva/plasma ratio for each drug). Higher drug and drug metabolite levels are found in urine because they are concentrated by the kidneys during the excretion process.
How long does LTU store the oral fluid specimen?
LTU stores positive oral fluid specimens for six (6) months in frozen storage. Negative specimens are kept for 48 hours.
Comprehensive Drug Testing
Overview
Now your agency has the opportunity to choose a new testing option from LTU America’s premier drug testing center. The solution is Comprehensive Drug Testing, detecting a wide-range of prescriptions, illicit drugs, and alcohol in urine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which prescription drugs are abused most often?
A few types of prescription drugs are misused/abused most often:
• Opiates/Narcotics—alleviate pain, depress body functions and reactions, and when taken in large doses, cause strong euphoria.
• Barbiturates/Benzodiazepines—slow down brain activity, treat anxiety, muscle tension, pain, insomnia, acute stress reactions, panic attacks, and seizure disorders. In higher doses, some CNS depressants may be used as general anesthetics.
• Antidepressants—used to treat depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
They are known as lifestyle drugs or “mood brighteners”. Their side effects are the subject of many recent studies.
• Stimulants—increase activity in certain areas of the brain. They are prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity. Each of these pharmacological classes may be divided into subgroups and includes a variety of drugs, which may or may not be structurally related and differ in their effect and potency.
The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), which monitors medications and illicit drugs reported in emergency departments across the nation, recently found that two of the most frequently reported prescription medications in drug abuse-related cases are benzodiazepines and opioid pain relievers
Where is prescription drug abuse most prevalent?
In 2003, approximately 15 million Americans reported using a prescription drug for non-medical reasons at least once during the year. This phenomenon is fairly common for some society groups in the U.S. Among them, medical worker abuse, drug seeking pain-patients, and teen abuse are the most alarming. Comprehensive drug testing is well suited for a variety of environments including, healthcare settings—where easy access to prescription drugs is prevalent, medication adherence/monitoring settings, and any other facility needing to detect an extensive range of controlled substances. In a world where prescription drug abuse is increasing, Comprehensive Drug Testing from LTU is the perfect solution—the valuable, dependable, and verifiable choice.
Drug Catcher Patch
LTU drug testing is recommended for a large variety of arenas, including the following: Federal & State Corrections, Clinics & Hospitals, Methadone Clinics, Federal, State & County Probation, Counseling Centers, Physician Offices, Federal Halfway Houses, Drug Courts, Pre-Employment, Behavioral Health, Jails & Detention Centers, Rehabilitation & Treatment, Children & Family Services, Mental Health and Schools & Universities.
Lab Test Unlimited ,Inc. Offers a wide range of testing
The sweat patch looks like a large Band-Aid: a super-adhesive film covers an absorbent pad that traps drugs and drug metabolites excreted in sweat. Designed to be worn on the upper arm or torso for seven days or longer, the patch detects drug use the entire time the patch is worn.
Each sweat patch kit includes all materials to apply, remove, and send the patch to our study Laboratory for analysis. Screening results and GC/MS confirmation results. Certified technician will apply and remove test due to strict chain of custody procedures. This test requires two visits
Continuous Drug Monitoring For a Week at a Time
Ideal for Treatment Programs, Probation and Parole Agencies
Continuous Drug Monitoring For a Week at a Time
Patch Stays On Through Showers,
Swimming & WorkoutsNEW
TEST
AVAILABLE
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Detects Synthetic Marijuana
RTL Synthetic Cannabinuid Testing- better than parent-drug detection provided by our labs. Now you'll know.
K2, Spice and other herbal incense blends have gained increasing attention as an alternative to marijuana. Today, "synthetic marijuana" chemicals are banned in several states including GEORGIA and bans are likely to be imposed nationwide. Nevertheless, they are still readily available via the internet and in many "head-shops" around the country.
WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS?
Synthetic Cannabinoids are psychoactive chemicals that are often sprayed on herbal smoking material and referred to as synthetic marijuana. It is sold in the U.S. under brand names such as K2, Spice, Genie, Smoke, Pot-Pourri, Buzz, Pulse, Hush, Mystery, Earthquake, Ocean Blue, Stinger, Serenity and many others. Users looking for a "legal high" often turn to these herbal smoking or incense products because they do not show up on a standard urine test.
WHAT DOES JWH-018 & JWH-073 DO?
JWH-018 AND JWH-073 are the primary synthetic cannabinoids responsible for the euphoric and psychoactive effects that imitate. However, these chemicals can be up to 4-15 times stronger than standard THC/Marijuana. There have been many reports about the adverse effects of these chemicals, including agitation, rapid heart rate, confusion, dizziness and nausea. The American Association of Poison Control Centers issued a warning about the dangers of synthetic marijuana products.
Features and benefits
v Identifies the parent synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-018 and JWH-073) and their metabolites in human urine
v Precise urine metabolites detection, significantly more reliable than only testing for parent-drug
v Presence of metabolite confirms ingestion; window of detection up to 72 hours (depending on dosage)
v Performed on QTrap LC/MS/MS equipment providing definitive synthetic cannabinoid biomarker test results
v Results availabile via email or fax.
Bath Salt Testing (NEW)
Mephedrone And mdpv
Lab Test unlimited is excited to announce the addition of new quantitative test designed to detect the use of the synthetic drug mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV).
Mephedrone is known by names, meow meow, MCAT, Meph, drone,
4 methylmethylcathinone. MDPV is best known as the active ingredient in the product "ivory wave" Both compounds have been found sold as bath salths, and plant food, and also have somewhat inappropriately been labeled as synthetic, produced in clandestine laboratories as well as overseas. Their pharmacological activity is believed similar to the hallucinogenic stimulant MDMA. The drugs are generally abused by users under the age of 25 and are frequently associated with other rave or club drugs.
Breath Alcohol
Drugs of Abuse Blood Testing
Workplace Drug Testing
Explanation for Drug Test
Substance abuse prevention can and should be viewed as a common concern of employers, employees and students and familys. Most people do not engage in illicit drug use or want to deal with the complications of working or living with drug abusers.When misunderstandings about the testing
process are clarified, drug testing has been proven a deterrent to illegal drug use and a way for workplaces and schools to be proactive in substance abuse prevention.
Drug-Free Workplace Services
A Drug-Free Workplace is created when all employees adhere to a program of policies and activities promoting a safe workplace. The program is specifically designed to discourage alcohol and drug abuse
and encourage treatment, recovery and the return to work of those employees with such abuse problems. Reduced workers compensation claims, increased productivity, and decreased absenteeism are benefits our clients are experiencing after implementing our Drug-Free workplace program.
Lab Test Unlimited testing services provides a complete service package to establish and maintain a Drug-Free Workplace within yourcompany.
We customize each program to meet your individual needs and work closely with management to ensure its success. We are one of the few testing companies that offers on-site drug and alcohol testing, to assist our clients in saving time and money. Test results can be printed immediately for your records. Below are the services within our Drug-Free Workplace Program.
Additional Services:
Written Policy Development
Lab Test Unlimited's Testing works in
conjunction with company management
in writing a drug and alcohol policy. This
policy shall address issues involving the
use and misuse of drugs and alcohol and
the consequences of violating the policy.
This policy shall also serve as a legal document
enforcing employee cooperation with the your
company's drug and alcohol testing program
. Each employee shall be given a copy of this
policy and sign a written acknowledgement of
receipt.
On-Site Collections
Lab Test Unlimited's Testing offers on-site urine collections which allows the employee to continue to productively work, and only leave their job when we are on site. The collection usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes.
Hair Testing for Drugs
Hair testing for drug abuse is the only drug-testing method available that provides up to a 90-day drug use history. That makes hair testing from Lab Test Unlimited an ideal solution for Pre-Employment,
Testing Protocols and Upper Management. Using FDA-cleared testing reagents, this lab-based test offers the advantages of easy collection and highly accurate results that meet the same reference standards
as urine testing. In addition there are no known methods for sample adulteration (hair washing will not dilute the sample).Because specimen collection can be directly observed the risk of adulteration is even
further reduced.
What drugs are included in a standard test?
Cocaine, Marijuana, Opiates(including
heroin and oxycodone), Methamphetamine,
Ecstasy (MDMA), Eve (MDEA) and
Phencyclidine(PCP).
How soon after use can a drug be detected in hair?
It takes approximately 11 days from the time of drug use for the affected hair to grow above the scalp.
Can tests be run on people with little or no hair?
Yes, Hair can be collected from several locations on the head and combined to obtain the required amount of hair. If head hair is not available, body hair
can be used as an alternative.
Can Lab Test Unlimited' testing been admitted in court?
Yes, the use of Lab Test Unlimited' hair testing for drugs of abuse has
been routinely admitted in both state and federal courts, as
well as arbitrations and agency hearings. The test results are routinely
upheld. Court systems use hair analysis as part of their probation, parole, and
diversionary programs.
Is hair testing included in SAMHSA/NIDA guidelines?
Under SAMHSA/NIDA's current guidelines for federally-mandated testing, urine is the only specimen included for testing certain government employees the Department of Transportation or other agency guidelines. However, has included hair as a permissible specimen in its final draft of proposed new guidelines.
Are Lab Test Unlimited' tests regulated
by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)?
The FDA sets minimum standards for drug tests used in a workplace setting, requiring that they be performed with screening tests that have been approved, cleared or otherwise recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as "accurate and reliable". All of Lab Test Unlimited' tests have been evaluated and cleared by the FDA.
Does Lab Test Unlimited perform CG/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS confirmation of all positive results?
Lab Test Unlimited provides confirmation for samples which screen
positive if requested.
Fast turnaround of results is also available:
Negative results are reported within 24 hours of receipt at the laboratory.
If confirmation is requested on positive results test will be sent for confirmation using gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry (GC/MS). or gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry/mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) within 48 to 72 hours.
Corporate On Site
770-412-0077
Get
Started
Today!
Because more and more organizations are seeking to improve safety, deter drug and alcohol misuse, and promote a safe and healthy environment.
A successful drug testing program combines both education and testing, and should be a
cooperative effort between both its administrators and constituents.Lab Test Unlimited's Testing Services and its staff are prepared to deliver to you the most effective,
productive, and cost efficient program available for meeting and exceeding the need related to controlled substance and alcohol testing. With this in mind, we offer complete range of services to meet your requirements.
BENEFITS OF A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
Companies that implement efficient
drug-free workplace programs typically will
• Hire better employees
• Experience less employee turnover
• Realize higher productivity
• Reduce employee absenteeism/lost time
• Improve employee safety
• Enjoy better compliance with regulatory
agencies
• Earn credit on workers’ compensation
premiums
• Decrease workers’ compensation claims
• Reduce the number of approved claims
because positive test results can prove a
“causal relationship” between the
claim and the drug and/or alcohol
When a company has contracted
with a governmental agency, a drug-free
workplace may be a requirement of
doing business.
Pre-Employment Testing
Lab Test Unlimited Testing provides
pre-employment drug screening
for all types of industries. All testing is
completed utilizing federally approved
testing laboratories that meet or
exceed Federal workplace testing levels.
Random Selection
Lab Test Unlimited's Testing provides the
random selection process for drug
screens and/or alcohol tests for
your company. We also have the
ability to manage any size program,
regardless of number of employees
or facilities.
Post Accident and Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Lab Test Unlimited's Testing provides
emergency testing services through
the use of our on-site collection staff
or through our national network of
collection sites.
Referral for Counseling and Rehabilitation
Patriot Testing assists company
management in establishing a
Substance Abuse Professional
(SAP) network for employees in
need of rehabilitative and
counseling services.
Support and Consultation
Patriot Testing provides the support
network for emergency situations or
refresher information when needed.
Drug & Alcohol Counseling
Now Any Business Can Afford
Employee Substance Abuse Counseling
We at Lab Test Unlimited, Inc. will work to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, and will deliver treatment to people who have encountered the devastation that drugs and alcohol abuse causes. We have specialized knowledge of the complexities of this problem an can help individuals and families back on the road to a healthy existence. Physiological, psychological, and societal concepts and theories will be the tools of the trade. Your efforts will have a positive impact on your employee's lives, and you'll be helping society battle the epidemic of substance abuse.
What Your Employee's Will Learn...
• The distinction between types
of addictions and resulting behavior
• Types of family dysfunction
and methods for treating
addicted families
• A variety of treatment techniques
unique to drug and alcohol counseling
• Additional knowledge, skills,
and abilities essential to your
success on the job
• The difference between abuse
and addiction
Chain of Custody Procedure Defining the process used to ensure safe handling of drug.
Chain of custody is the term used to describe the process of
ensuring and providing documentation of proper specimen identification and handling from the time of specimen
collection to the reporting of laboratory results. If laboratory results were tobe legally challenged, the ability to prove that the specimen was handled according to strict chain of custody procedures is essential. The chain of custody protocol
assures the specimen belongs to the individual whose information is printed on the specimen container label, no post-collection adulteration or tampering has taken place, exactly who had possession of the specimen and when, how the specimen was transported and stored before it was analyzed, no unauthorized access to the specimen was possible, and
the specimen was handled in a secure manner.
The Drug Testing Chain of Custody Form is a multi-part
form containing unique specimen identification information which
accompany each specimen throughout the drug testing process.
The form identifies the company requesting the test, the subject of
the test, the type of test to be performed and the medical review
officer who will review the test. Each form includes the necessary
labels to secure the specimen container throughout the process.
Dilute Specimens-Causes and Challenges
Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of drug or drug metabolites in the sample. This is accomplished by adding fluid to the sample or by drinking large
amounts of fluid to dilute the specimen, called "internal dilution.
" If the amount of the natural substance creatinine in the
urine is abnormally low, internal dilution may be the cause.
Drug testing laboratories all routinely test samples to detect
dilution.Dilution should not be confused with adulteration, where chemical adulterants are directly added to a urine specimen. Many products intended for oral consumption and claiming to help "rid the bodyof toxins" are sold over the Internet.
Although these "body cleansing" products may claim to "rid the
body of toxins" (i.e. help beat the drug tests), they appear to be effective only because of the large amounts of water the user is instructed to consume along with the teas or powders. Consumption of excess fluids is the most effective way to
dramatically increase urine production rates and produce d
ilute urine specimens.
A dilute specimen can be caused by 2 circumstances. The first is very rare, and would be caused by an individual
diluting the urine with water, or other liquid, by actually pouring
it into the specimen at the time of collection. The second method
of obtaining a dilute specimen is by consuming too many liquids,
especially liquids that contain diuretics, prior to collection
(ie coffee, soda pop, medications, etc).
This may be inadvertent or may be on purpose on the part of the
donor. In order to obtain a specimen that is not dilute, have the individual void after waking in the morning and
drink (2) 8oz glasses of orange juice (no coffee, pop, etc).
NON-DOT TESTING
A dilute specimen, by definition, is a urine specimen that has a
creatinine of less than 20 g/dl and a specific gravity of 1.003
or less. These 2 tests are routinely performed on every
urine sample that is tested at the lab. If the specimen meets
the above 2 criteria, it is reported as a "Dilute specimen". When a
urine specimen is "dilute", it is possible that drugs in their
system may not be detected. We recommend that an employer
have a section in their drug testing policy stating that another specimen be collected as soon as possiblewith minimum advance notice, this will help prevent false negative results. However,
the employer may also electto accept the negative results
with the notation "dilute" from the lab. The company
policy should be consistentin all cases. See sample
language for company policy on dilute specimens at the
end of this article.
DOT TESTING
The DOT policy regarding negative-dilute specimens – with dilute specimens showing creatinine level of greater then 5mg/dl and less then 20 mg/dl, the employer may require the donor to submit to another specimen collection.
The re-collection cannot be done under direct observation. If the employer adopts a policy of re-collection for negative-dilute results, all employees must be treated the same. However, the employer may elect to treat different types of tests differently (e.g. re-collect for pre-employment tests,
but not for random tests). If the second test is also
negativedilute, the employer must accept that result and
cannot continue re-collections.The second test is the test of record. An applicant/employee's refusal to submit to a recollection for a negative-dilute result is a refusal to test under the DOT rule.
On May 28, 2003, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it was immediately changing the definition of a "substituted" specimen in urine drug testing so that urine specimens with a creatinine level greater than 2mg/dL but less than 5 mg/dL will no longer be reported as
"substituted." This change is important because a
"substituted" test is considered a refusal to take a drug test, which is a violation of DOT rules equivalent to failing a drug test.
The reason for the change is that DOT has learned that a small number of cases in which individuals appear to have
had legitimate medical explanations for producing
specimens with a creatinine level of less than or equal to
5 mg/dL. In addition, the DOT concluded that there is an
increasing consensus among scientific and medical experts that the 5 mg/dL standard may not be appropriate.
Under the new rules, when the Medical Review Officer (MRO) gets a report from the laboratory that the creatinine level in a specimen is less than 2 mg/dL or the creatinine is "not detected," the MRO will report the specimen
to the employer as "substituted."
Dilute specimens will not cause the employee to be regarded as violating the regulation. When the MRO gets a report from the laboratory that the creatinine level in a specimen is greater than or equal to 2 mg/dL but less than or equal to 5 mg/dL, the MRO will report the specimen to the employer as "dilute" and must, under the new rules, direct the employer to require the employee to undergo an immediate recollection under direct observation. The employer must then ensure that this recollection takes place. Remember that the dilute with creatinine level greater then 5mg/dl and less then 20 mg/dl can require a second collection but it cannot be directly observed unless another reason for the direct observation is present.
Sample Policy Language for Dealing with Dilutes: For DOT Programs:
Follow the specific procedures outlined above. Each type test and donor, employee or applicant category will be treated the same under this policy.
For NON-DOT Programs:
Option 1: If the urine specimen is determined to be negative and diluted (urine
specimen with a creatinine level of less than 20 g/dl and a specific gravity of 1.003 or less) the donor will be required at the employer’s request to refrain from drinking excessive amounts of fluids and provide with minimum possible advance notice specimen to be tested. The second test shall become the test of record.
Option 2: A negative dilute (urine specimen with a creatinine level of less than 20 g/dl and a specific gravity of 1.003 or less) result will be accepted for compliance with this policy. (This would be the appropriate action if the company policy does not address dilute specimens.)
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Guidelines
What Employers Need to Know About DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing
Urine Collector
Collect urine specimens using Part 40 procedures, ship the specimens to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certified laboratories for analysis, and distribute copies of the CCF to the laboratory, MRO, employer, and employee in a timely and confidential manner. The collector is required to maintain collection site security and integrity (see Appendix B). Appendix B).
49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.33
On-Site Drug Testing Collection- The Convenience of On-Site Drug Testing
Reasons for Student Drug Testing- Testing as a deterrent
Saliva Drug Screen/Oral Fluid Drug Screen- Pros and Cons
SAMHSAWorkplace Kit-- Drug Free
Prescription Drugs:
Primarily due to easy accessibility, prescription drug use/abuse is one of the fastest growing trends in the United States. If you have a cough, a headache, a fever, a stomach ache, if you can’t go to sleep, if you sleep too much, what do you do? Take a pill. At least that is what many of us have been taught to do by our parents or recommended to do by our doctors. Pills help people feel better and they are particularly more potent and more effective when prescribed by a doctor. Isn’t this what most people think? The problem is that some pills are very addictive and if an extra pill is taken more often than recommended or given to a friend, then it is considered abuse. As innocent as what is being described sounds - it is extremely dangerous. We believe education is the best way to promote awareness about this growing epidemic.
What is Considered Prescription Drug Abuse?
- Prescription drug abuse includes any non-medical use of a prescription medication or not using drugs exactly as prescribed for the patient.
- Taking medication without a prescription because the drugs were obtained illegally or using a friend’s or family member’s prescription is considered abuse.
- Overdosing or abusing a legally prescribed drug also qualifies.
What are some of the more commonly abused
Prescriptions drugs and their effects?
Why are these drugs abused?
Aren't these drugs legal to use
and safe because they are regulated?
- Yes, they’re legal and generally safe for patients for whom the drugs are prescribed if they’re used in the way their doctors prescribe them.
- No, they’re illegal and unsafe if they are abused by patients or used by someone for whom they were not prescribed.
- Something that makes these drugs even more dangerous is the fact that they’re available everywhere – your kitchen counter, your daughter’s best friend’s backpack, your aging parents’ medicine cabinet. They are easier to get but just as dangerous as illegal drugs.
What about Prescription drugs
bought via the Internet?
What’s great about drug information on the Internet is the same as what’s awful about drug information on the Internet – there’s so much of it. You can discover your options for legitimate prescription drug therapy online, and you can find out exactly how much Tylenol PM to mix with heroin for the best high.
The web has brought with it easy availability of prescription drugs, too, and these pharmacies often do not require patients to be examined in person. Dangerously potent medicines can be bought by anyone with a search engine and a credit card number.
Not all online pharmacies are legitimate – how do you know that the medication contains the right amount of an active ingredient?
The location for these pharmacies can be easily falsified. Suppliers may say that a medication comes from a country with strict regulations on drug manufacturing, but buyers can’t know for sure that their medicines are produced according to government guidelines with only a website’s word for it.
Are there any over-the-counter
medicines being abused?
The most common one is cough medicine with dextromethorphan (DXM) abused for its almost hallucinogenic effects.
Some over-the-counter drugs like pseudophedrine are mixed with other products such as nail polish removers and used to make illegal drugs like methamphetamine and GHB.
Over-the-counter drugs can cause adverse reactions due to medical conditions or other medications the user has already taken. Just because they are legally available without a prescription doesn’t mean they are safe, especially when not used according to directions.
Is workplace drug testing effective?
Employers have seen a decrease in workplace accidents, employee mistakes, absenteeism, and turnover after implementing testing.
- Businesses in many states may also qualify for a 5% to a discount or more on their workers' compensation premiums.
Businesses that implement a drug free workplace policyimprove the working environment, employee morale and customer satisfaction.
Clear, consistent workplace substance abuse policies and employee drug education can: (1) create an informed workforce; (2) significantly reduce drug and alcohol abuse problems in the workplace; and (3) reach employees, their families, and their communities.
- Drug Policy - Questions and Answerstabs messages help content-content
Misconceptions about drug policy issues are everywhere. Studies are misquoted, statistics appear conflicting and cynics seem to foist their negativity in every arena of public debate. What are the effects of lenient drug policy? What does drug use do to our society, our children, our environment? The bottom line is that permissive drug policies put society at risk and deprive addicts of effective treatment. Because drug use is not a victimless crime, it can never be a personal choice. Understanding the difference between policies that work and those that endanger society is crucial to the future of our country.
Drug Policy
Questions and Answers
Misconceptions about drug policy issues are everywhere. Studies are misquoted, statistics appear conflicting and cynics seem to foist their negativity in every arena of public debate. What are the effects of lenient drug policy? What does drug use do to our society, our children, our environment? The bottom line is that permissive drug policies put society at risk and deprive addicts of effective treatment. Because drug use is not a victimless crime, it can never be a personal choice. Understanding the difference between policies that work and those that endanger society is crucial to the future of our country.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.PDF
Q&A ALL ABOUT DRUG'S
AFFORDABLE ON THE SPOT TESTING
WITH IMMEDIATE RESULTS
LAB: 770-412-0077 FAX: 770-412-1366
Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 6:oo pm
Sat: Appointment Only
Sun: Closed
Location:
125 West Taylor Street...Atlanta, GA 30223
The illegal use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol are problems that invade the workspace, endangering the health and safety of the abusers and those who work around them. We at Lab Test Unlimited are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace free of substance abuse.
Welcome to Lab Test Unlimited, Inc.
Gwen D. Warshaw
President/CEO
Tangie Wiggley
Lab Director
Krista Lester
Lab Supervisor
Andre Hines
Senior Field Technician
Michelle Rehak
Office Manager
Tammy Berry
Accounting
