Alternative drug testing update

It has only been a few years since laboratory-based oral fluid drug screening first appeared on the menu of choices for employers' substance abuse testing programs. In the beginning, some in the employer drug-testing market were skeptical of the new screening. However, as each year of use passed, statistics and satisfied employers have turned the skepticism into acceptance. Oral fluid drug screening could be used for the most common tests requested by workplace drug testing, including the SAMHSA 5-panel of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP (Recently, oral fluid screens have also been expanded to detect Ecstasy [MDMA].) Most oral fluid collection devices are also simple and easy to use. The collection pad is placed between the lower cheek and gum for two to five minutes. The collection pad is then sealed. Laboratory-based oral fluid testing adheres to the same high forensic standards as the traditional urine testing method.