Home Office Guidance for drug testing
The Home Office has issued a Type Approval Guidance document that recommends the type of drug testing testing technology that meets their standards.HO Type approval oral fluid drug test devices
For a number of years the UK Government has been working collaboratively with a number of experts in over 20 European Countries to determine what is a sufficiently robust and effective method of measuring the level of substances that can be detected in biological samples.
The DRUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines) European Integrated Druid’s Project has conducted a large scale evaluation of on-site screening devices that can effectively detect psychoactive substances other than alcohol in drivers. It has published a report on its findings Druid final evaluation report
It found that some devices were more effective than others in detecting drugs at reasonable levels. This study alongside other findings has enabled key decision makers to better understand what drug testing devices are ‘fit for purpose’ in key areas such as roadside drug testing.
The Project examined the effectiveness of oral fluid drug tests and other similar devices.
The Home Office Forensic Service Guidelines provides a comprehensive document Drug test type approval what is in effect best practice, particularly in relation to testing for driving whilst under the influence of drugs.
Drug testing-Cut off levels
Detecting substance misuse by screening various samples including urine, saliva and hair presents the client with some confusing scientific data. Drug cut off levels can vary significantly depending on the quality of the assays being used.
If the levels of sensitivity are ‘over generous’ then in all probability the tests will not be ‘fit for purpose’
Whilst most drug tests do what the manufacturers claim they can do the key question should be ‘is it sufficient’ to provide evidence whether the donor is impaired by drugs.
Although the government guidance is not making a judgement based on the recommended cut off levels to determine if an individual is impaired, it is a very good standard to work with and is likely to be the UK standard for all drug testing.
Drugalyser® technology
Drugalyser® is the technology that has given us the edge on the drug testing industry for over 10 years.
This drug testing technology is designed to meet exacting standards of sensitivity and accuracy. It is a system designed to enable it to meet UK government requirements for road safety and at the same time being fit for purpose in the safety critical industries.
Drugalyser launched for UK drivers
Employee Drug Testing
The new standards will for the first time enable employers to introduce drug testing which is based on independent government standards. This will then avoid disputes as to what is a reasonable level of sensitivty.
For further advice call our national help line: 01274 591792
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Tags: drug driving, Drug Test type approval, Oral fluid drug testing