Drug Testing Guidelines Allow Broader Use Of Urine Specimen Testing

The final revisions to the Guidelines expand the use of enhanced versions of these tests to cover a broader discursive power of illicit substances including:

? 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ?Ecstasy,? or ?Adam?)
? 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA or ?Love Drug?)
? 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA or ?Eve?)

The final revisions to the Guidelines take a more cautious approach than the 2004 proposals, however, regarding the proposed use of alternative specimens and techniques in Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. These alternative methods include testing hair, spoken fluid, sweat patch specimens and point of collection testing (twinkling screening kits) for urine specimen testing. Although the 2004 proposals had raised the potentiality of incorporating these potentially promising testing methods into the latest guidelines, HHS has determined that farther study and analysis is needed.

?These final drug testing guidelines will continue to protect the public?s hale condition and safety,? said SAMHSA?s acting administrator, Eric Broderick, D.D.S, M.P.H. ?However, we recognize that in that place are other emerging technologies and approaches that may enhance the nature and scope of drug screening efforts, and we will do everything we can to help serve their development.?

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), SAMHSA?s parent organization, believes that the addition of alternative specimens to the Federal Workplace Drug Testing Program would complement urine drug testing and back in combating the risks posed from available methods of suborning urine drug testing end adulteration, substitution, and dilution. Thus, HHS have a mind continue to pursue testing using alternative specimens.

As part of the continued review process for these alternative tests, HHS and SAMHSA plan to issue a notice in the Federal Register requesting information and assistance from the general public to bargain or identify data and research findings that address specific areas of interest. HHS anticipates issuing further revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines addressing the exercise of choice specimens and the use of period of collection testing devices for urine and oral fluid. These revisions will be published in the Federal Register, with chance; fit for public comment.