Alternative specimens for workplace drug testing

Area of Science:

• Forensic toxicology
• Analytical chemistry
• Occupational health

Background:

• Workplace drug testing traditionally relies on urine analysis.
• Advances in analytical techniques allow for drug and metabolite detection in alternative biological samples.
• Various alternative specimens provide distinct information on drug use history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of alternative biological specimens for workplace drug testing.
• To assess the role of oral fluid, hair, and sweat in forensic toxicology.
• To understand the expanding capabilities in detecting drug use patterns.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of drugs and drug metabolites.
• Detection in alternative biological specimens including oral fluid (saliva), hair, and sweat.
• Evaluation for federally regulated workplace testing programs.

Main Results:

• Detection of drugs and metabolites is feasible in alternative specimens.
• Oral fluid, hair, and sweat are identified as key alternative matrices.
• Ongoing evaluation by the Department of Health and Human Services is determining program utility.

Conclusions:

• Alternative specimens enhance the understanding of drug use patterns.
• Testing of alternative specimens is expected to become routine in forensic toxicology.
• These methods expand the scope and effectiveness of workplace drug testing programs.