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Choosing a Drug Test Panel: Expert Answers to Common Questions
By: Matt Peterson
Sky-rocketing insurance costs and the litigious nature of society make drug abuse testing a necessity for many businesses. The coatings industry is no exception. Yet many contractors lack human resource and legal departments to develop and implement a testing program, and are left with many questions regarding this necessary, but often confusing, process. In order to provide answers to common testing questions, CoatingsPro Magazine submitted questions to Matt Peterson, Director of Operations, from Behavior Research, a provider of drug-free workplace programs. Before a comprehensive testing program can be implemented, it is vital to understand the drug testing process and to know what answers it can and cannot provide.
 CPM: How expensive is the testing process? Are reliable tests affordable?
M.P.: Cost depends on the method of drug testing. There are two general drug testing methods: lab-based and instant (not lab-based).
Lab-based testing is more expensive because it involves three cost centers. First is the collection site fee — the location where the specimen is collected. Second is the lab fee — where the scientific analysis occurs. Third is the Medical Review Officer (MRO) fee — a trained Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) reviews and authorizes the reporting of the final test result. In most cases, these three functions are performed at different locations. Total market price for a lab-based test can begin at $40 and reach $100+ depending on the drugs tested and the market.
Instant drug testing kits (not lab-based) vary in accuracy and cost. Therefore, it is important that an employer thoroughly research the market before selecting an instant kit. Instant kits can be purchased over the Internet for $10 to $30+ depending on quantity purchased and quality of product. Some vendors, like Behavior Research, offer instant kits with lab confirmation (at no additional cost) if the initial test is non-negative or inconclusive.
CPM: How should an employer decide what drugs to test for?
M.P.: If using lab-based testing, then many employers follow the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements when deciding on the substances for which to test. This is a 5-panel drug screen which tests for: Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana, Opiates, and PCP. This panel does not include drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA), Oxycodine, Vicodin and other synthetic drugs.
An employer may use a standard testing panel or create a unique panel to fit their specific needs. It is not uncommon for employers have 10-, 11-, or 12-panel tests. In such cases, it is likely the employer is engaged in highly sensitive work, such as providing civilian support to the military.
Instant testing kits do not provide the flexibility or depth of controlled substances for which to test like lab-based testing. However, now some of the newer kits are offering 6-panel and 10-panel tests which test for designer drugs like ecstasy.
CPM: What is the testing process?
M.P.: The lab-based testing process can be divided into three steps.
Step 1 – An employee is sent to an employer-authorized collection facility to provide the specimen for testing. The donor and collector will confirm identification and will complete a CCF to ensure proper chain-of-custody. All unnecessary outer wear and belongings will be securely stored to prevent possible deception during testing. The donor is led to a secured location to provide the urine specimen. Once completed, the specimen is securely packaged and logged for pick-up by the lab.
Step 2 – The specimen arrives at a laboratory authorized (in most cases this involves some type of state or federal certification) to perform drug and specimen validity testing on urine. The laboratory performs an initial screen. If the specimen tests negative, then the process stops and the result is reported to the MRO. This process typically takes 24 to 48 hours.
If the initial screen does not test negative, then a confirmation test is performed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The result of the confirmation test is then reported to the MRO. This process may take 48 to 72 hours.
Step 3 – The MRO will report results to the employer depending on the requirement for the test (regulated vs. non-regulated). The MRO may interview a donor with a non-negative result to determine a legitimate medical reason for the result. The final reporting disposition of such results will be at the MRO’s discretion.
Alternately, with the instant test there are many options available using urine or oral fluid. If the kit tests oral fluid, the fluid is collected by swabbing the inside cheek. The swabbed specimen is then placed in a control vial, which contains chemicals that react to the oral fluid. Within a few minutes, the result will appear, typically with a color-coded indicator.
If the kit tests urine, the urine will be collected in a container. This previously sealed container should come with the kit. The urine temperature is then verified — it must fall within a specific range. Next, a multi-drug screening card is either placed into the urine, or the urine is released into a chamber containing the multi-drug screening card. The actual mechanics of the multi-drug screening card will vary with the different instant test kits that are currently available. A few minutes later the result will appear, usually with a color-coded indicator.
 Instant tests provide only a qualitative, preliminary analytical result. This may be acceptable for a personal test, or a parental need. However, employers, schools, and the like should send any positive instant test kit to a laboratory for confirmation testing. GC/MS is the preferred scientific method for this confirmation.
CPM: What are some common forms of cheating? What should someone who administers the test look for?
M.P.: Some common tactics for cheating on a drug test include drinking excessive fluids to flush the system. In an attempt to alter the results, sometimes people will try to add something to the specimen, such as bleach, Visine, aspirin, and non-human urine. Also, masking agents are available for purchase over-the-counter or through the Internet. People have even tried to replace their own urine with substitute urine purchased online or from “a friend.” Opportunities for these types of actions are greatly reduced in the highly controlled lab-based testing process.
Because there are myriad possibilities for alteration and/or dilution, those who purchase and administer instant tests, must be aware of the risk. It is important to select an instant kit which can measure temperature and also includes integrated validity testing, which can detect adulterants and/or dilution. Validity testing will: measure the pH levels in the urine to test for the presence of acidic and alkaline adulterants; test the Specific Gravity of urine for sample dilution; and test for the presence of Oxidants (such as bleach, peroxide, etc.) in the urine.
A Matter of Life and Death
Implementing a drug abuse testing program is the first step in creating a drug-free workplace. Testing should also be accompanied by education and assistance programs for all employees — not just new hires. A comprehensive testing program will protect you, your employees, your customers, and your business. This is especially important in an industry such as the coatings industry, where impairment on the job can mean life and death not only to an individual, but to an entire crew.
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