Invasive collection requires trained personnel.Most accurate measure of alcohol levels.Samples can be obtained from incapacitated subjects.Subjects need to be monitored 10-30 minutes prior to sample collection.Melanin content may affect test results ( higher accumulation of drug in dark hair than grey or blonde hair).Cosmetics (shampoos and dyes) may produce false-positive results for alcohol.False positives due to environmental contaminants.Processing samples is expensive and time-consuming.Can only be used qualitatively based on presence/absence of the ethanol metabolite ethyl glucuronide Not validated to quantify alcohol use since concentrations may vary based on drinking habits and duration. Sporadic or recent drug use not detected.Cosmetics (shampoos and dyes) do not alter results of most drugs.Supervised collection limits tampering and adulteration.Most commonly used matrix due to availability of validated techniques.These techniques separate the compounds in the sample, which are then identified based on their unique molecular fingerprints and quantified.ĭrug testing can be performed on several types of biological samples, each with their own pros and cons, as outlined in Table 1. In the second confirmatory step, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), or LC tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is performed on the samples. If the initial screen yields a positive result, samples are processed for further confirmation and quantification. If drug concentrations in the sample are below the designated threshold value, it indicates a negative result. Immunoassays use antibodies to detect the presence of specific drugs and/or their metabolites. First, immunoassays provide a qualitative “yes” or “no” answer to whether the drugs being tested are present in the biological sample. This article provides an overview of the methods of drug testing, commonly screened legal and illegal substances, windows of detection, methods of adulteration or substitution, and ways to detect whether test samples have been tampered with.ĭrug tests commonly follow a two-step process. In fact, cheating drug tests has essentially become an industry in its own right. People cheat on drug tests for a variety of reasons-to retain their jobs, keep their medals, avoid going to prison, and to maintain their spotless reputations. Outside of the workplace, drug testing is regularly employed in healthcare, sports, and forensics. Although not mandated, several private employers have also adopted a drug-free workplace policy. in 1988, prohibits federal employees, contractors, and grantees as well as those in federally-regulated industries or safety and security-related industries from possessing or using controlled substances. The Drug-Free Workplace Act, passed in the U.S.
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