us schools testing, page-8

This excerpt is taken from the Amercian Biomedica Coroportaion website

Minimum criteria for selecting oral fluid point of collection drug tests


1. Device should test for the drugs recommended by SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published proposed guidelines recommending that saliva based tests detect amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA, cocaine, opiates, PCP and THC.

2. Marijuana detection
Many tests on the market are designed to detect THC metabolite (THC-COOH). Studies have shown that marijuana use will only be detected by testing for the residual parent drug. Therefore, detection of THC parent drug is required.

3. Sensitivity / Cut-offs
Drugs are present at much lower levels in saliva than in urine. Use a test that has the lowest cut-off levels to optimize identifying drug users.

4. Easy, rapid collection
The collection of the saliva sample should be easy and should not take more than a few minutes.

5. Sample volume indicator
Inadequate sample volume is a key factor in test failure in oral fluid testing. A sample adequacy feature can ensure that the correct amount of oral fluid is collected from every donor, every time, optimizing product performance.

6. Same sample used for confirmation
The collection device should provide for a split sample, allowing the same sample to be sent for confirmation if necessary.

7. Training and Support
Oral fluid testing is relatively new, therefore training provided by a manufacturer should be comprehensive. Ongoing technical support is critical to maintaining an effective drug testing program. A manufacturer should provide both training and support.


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