Instant drug tests not meant for every purpose
Instant drug tests not meant for every purpose
DOT testing represents major exception
Instant drug tests offer many advantages to occupational health providers and employers, but there are some important limitations that must be considered before you adopt this new option. Here are some points to consider:
· Instant drug tests are not meant to replace laboratory testing.
The instant tests are most useful for pre-employment screening when you want to see the negative result as quickly as possible so the person can go to work. Even if you incorporate instant drug tests into your program extensively, you still will need to work with a conventional drug testing laboratory for other tests.
· The tests are not valid in some states.
There has been a trend in recent years for states to rewrite drug testing laws to allow the use of instant drug tests, but there still are many states where the laws do not allow this option. In most cases, the problem is that the laws were written before the advent of the new drug testing technology, and the wording of the laws simply do not acknowledge that option. Iowa, North Carolina, and Oregon have rewritten laws in the past three years to allow instant drug testing by employers, and other states have indicated they may make the same changes.
But in the meantime, these are the states where instant drug testing by employers is not permitted: California, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota. In those states, all drug testing must be performed by a certified laboratory, according to the National On-site Testing Association in Flemington, NJ.
Some other states have specific restrictions or requirements concerning the use of on-site drug testing. In Montana, for instance, specific written procedures must be followed for all drug testing, including on-site testing. Consult your local laws.
· Instant drug tests are not valid for U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.
DOT drug testing must be performed by a certified lab. Drug test manufacturers say government officials have indicated the DOT may allow instant drug testing at some point, but that rule change is not likely in the near future.
· Positive results must be confirmed.
Instant drug tests are meant as screening tools. A negative result means the employee can go ahead and work, but a positive result must be confirmed by conventional laboratory testing just as if you had obtained the positive result from laboratory testing.
· There may be more false negatives.
The on-site test kits are meant only as screening tools, so there may be a higher rate of false negatives than with more extensive testing. Also, some instant tests may not offer complete protection against tampering with adulteration agents.
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