Dräger DrugCheck 3000, the same brand that is used by Police throughout Australia as part of roadside drug testing. The testing procedure is as easy as it gets with the Dräger DrugCheck, a simple tongue swab placed into testing port will return results you can trust within minutes. Numerous studies have found the Dräger Drug Check to be far superior to other drug testing devices.

Dräger are the same manufactures of the breath testing equipment used by police throughout Australia as well as breathing apparatus and specialised gas detection system used by Australian fire services.

For reasons still entirely unclear, Pathtech, the Australian distributor has decided to cease distributing the popular DrugWipe to retailers. The news was announced to Drugsmart management by Pathtech National Business Manager of Drug Detection Systems earlier in November however at this stage it appears that no other retailers are affected by this decision. Accompanying the news were several allegations of unauthorised use of material as well as allegations of false and misleading conduct.

'We are asking you to remove all reference to the sale of DrugWipes immediately and we will be cancelling your account'. 'We believe you are also in breach of ACCC regulations regarding the advertising of the sale of DrugWipe Twins'........'The images and information regarding DrugWipes being used on your site are also unauthorised'

The news comes as a shock after many successful years of trading with Pathtech, including the provisions of advertising support and reference material. On the surface it would appear that this tactic is a desperate attempt by the distributor to hasten the withdrawal of DrugWipe from re-sellers.

Furthermore, correspondence received from Friedrich Graf Von Westphalen & Partners, the legal team that represents Securetec, the German Manufacturer of the DrugWipe, demanded damages in excess of 10,000 euro. The tactics employed by legal representatives of Pathech / Securetec were likened to that of a "school yard bully" by Intellectual Property Expert Adrian Campbell, who reassured Drugsmart had not violated any Australian or International Laws. Dr Morton Douglas representing Securetec was quoted as saying This news has spread quickly through social media platforms with many labelling the conduct of Pathtech & Securetec unethical and un-Australian. One reddit user commented "they seem more interested in turning a buck than they are promoting safety".

The Drugwipe 6s is now available for purchase online. The same high quality test you have used previously, drugwipe 5s, but with the added capability to test for benzodiazepines. The tests are easy to use and provide results you can rely on within minutes.

Please contact us using the form on our webpage for further information or quotation.

Andrew Sarson

Sales Manager

Drugsmart

A question I get asked a lot by customers and concerned users of medicinal marijuana is "what if the police drug test me?", "how do I pass MDT?".

The answer is simple, don't use drugs and drive! Right? Well unfortunately this cannot be the case for some people but rest assured there are a few simple measures you can take that will significantly reduce the likelihood of testing positive on a police MDT.

For this case we will be discussing THC (marijuana) and police drug testing kits, how they work and what affects results. Firstly, saliva drug tests which are testing for THC, like in the previous post are designed to detect Delta-9-THC. Sometimes referred to as "parent compound" delta-9-thc is considered to be the main psychoactive component of THC, typically some preparations of medicinal cannabis such as CBD oil will contain low amounts of this. When you inhale cannabis smoke you are ingesting very small particles of delta-9-thc and among others these particles enter your body through the vestibule of the mouth and eventually into your lungs where they cross into your blood and eventually binding to receptors in the brain. But we need to jump back a few steps, right back to when it is first inhaled in the mouth, for saliva drug testing this is where it all happens. For saliva a drug test this is where is all happens, we are essentially testing a surface or substance for contamination of delta-9-thc, in many cases there are small traces of the inhaled particles trapped to the inside of your mouth on the surfaces of your tongue, saliva ducts, throat etc, this is what we are testing for.

Now the issue is that some people smoke and test themselves right away and get a negative and wonder why it doesn't work, this is because the particles haven't had the opportunity to leave the other surfaces of your mouth and build up in the saliva. Over time the particles that are on the interior surfaces of the mouth, tongue, cheeks etc will begin to accumulate in the saliva and this is where drug tests come in. We are testing this saliva for the particles that have accumulated in the saliva, this is different for all people, some people have a higher turnover of saliva and will not test positive as THC will not be detected, whilst others will have THC particles lingering for a longer time.

So the steps below can help make sure that you have the highest change for passing a MDT drug test.

Oral hygiene - Brush your teeth, use mouthwash and when you think you're finished, do it again. Use specialised mouthwashes, the kind designed for drug tests, these use ingredients that are not just designed to leave your mouth smelling pretty and contain antibacterials but also designed to help wash out these particles. Chewing gums can help or they can cause you more issues because you are promoting saliva, this can help flush out THC OR it can give you more to be found in a test. Drink plenty of water, this will keep the mouth moist and ensure that particles don't stay dormant on the insides of your mouth until they are washed into the saliva. Give yourself enough time. It is never recommended to use drugs and then get behind the wheel, even if you feel fine there is the liklihood that your reaction time may be ever so slightly impaired and this makes all the difference when reacting to an emergency. If you have a serious accident and are found to have used drugs in the previous hours, days or even weeks this can place you into a lot of trouble even if you feel the accident was not your fault.

So you're looking to buy a drug testing kit and in your research you've stumbled across "testing levels" or "drug detection levels", Cutoff levels" and are wondering which one is closest to the test I want? I will break it down for you plain and simple.

SAlIVA THC Drug Test's wether they are in a single or multi drug test you want to make sure that they are testing for Delta - 9 - THC otherwise they will give you a false sense of security as the majority of saliva drug tests on the market will test for another metabolite which is different to the one tested by police and all professional drug tests, this other metabolite is most commonly found in the urine and NOT saliva. Closest to police detection level is 10 ng/ml and can be obtained using the drugWipe5s as this is the same test that the police use (although the police test omit the other drugs on the test and use a 3 drug configuration).

Urine drug tests on the other hand are quite simple and most will test to 50ng/ml, virtually all urine tests will test for the same metabolite but there is one other important aspect when considering which urine test to buy and that's making sure that it is in an enclosure rather than just a strip on its own. This is super important as the testing strips are super sensitive to touch and moisture and even just handing the strips can render them useless therefore providing incorrect results.

Exciting News!!!!

Drugsmart Australia are proud to announce the inclusion of a new range of detox mouthwash coming straight from the USA. This detox mouthwash adds to an already hugely popular range which includes the Oral Cleanse, the new mouthwash comes in a compact bottle easy to store in your car or office drawer and tastes fresher without the harshness of other mouthwashes.

This new detox mouthwash is more effective at eliminating THC from the saliva than other mouthwashes currently on the market.

Saliva drug testing kits are also available in our store for you to confirm that you are testing the way you should!

Excellent News!

Drugsmart have secured a fantastic price with the manufacturer of the Drugwipe 5s allowing us to provide our customers with a more competitive pricing schedule for this drug testing kit.

This deal will come into affect over the coming weeks and pricing, as always, will still be including of postage and handling, something our competition does not offer. Our prices are also the final prices so what you see before checkout is the same price you'll see after checkout.

The drugwipe will be on sale at $60 which is down from $70, a saving of $10 which is a great saving. The drugwipe is a hugely popular drug testing kit and is used all around the world due to its reputation for being one of the best drug testing kits on the market.

We are excited to pass on this deal and savings to you, our customers.

-Regards,

Andrew Sarson

Drugsmart Sales Manager

A new poll has revealed overwhelming support to drug test welfare recipients with 3 out of 4 voters backing the Government plan.

Three in four voters back the Turnbull government's plan to drug test unemployed welfare recipients.

A Newspoll published in The Australian shows 73 per cent support the two-year trials targeting 5000 new jobseekers across three different locations, with 19 per cent against.

Labor and the Greens remain flatly opposed, arguing the scheme will demonise jobless Australians, but a clear majority of voters for both parties are in favour of the proposal.

The government wants to roll out the drug testing pilot across three trial sites - Mandurah in Western Australia, Logan in Queensland and Canterbury-Bankstown in NSW - from January.

Anyone who tests positive would be shunted onto cashless welfare cards, while those who fail more than once would be referred to medical professionals for treatment.

Coalition voters were most in favour, at 89 per cent, followed by One Nation supporters (80 per cent), Labor voters (67 per cent) and Greens backers (50 per cent).

However, the federal government faces an uphill battle as the Senate prepares to debate its controversial plans.

EASTERN suburbs druggies are about to be smashed by Australian-first roadside drug tests specifically targeting the state’s high-flying cocaine set.

Police Minister Troy Grant has revealed in a budget estimates hearing that a loophole that until now has allowed cocaine-abusing motorists to avoid detection is about to be closed.

The City of Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs have been pinpointed as hot spots for drug use.

Mr Grant — a former cop — is pushing for NSW to be the first state in Australia to include cocaine in roadside drug tests.

It will be part of a radical plan to crack down on the rampant abuse of the drug in our ritziest suburbs. It’s understood he wrote to Roads Minister Melinda Pavey about a week ago for help to overhaul the Road Transport Act.

It comes after The Daily Telegraph revealed earlier this year that police were being forced to deploy extra resources to the “elite” eastern suburbs to deal with out-of-control partygoers high on cocaine. Woollahra and Waverley are the state’s top council areas for cocaine use, with the exception of the City of Sydney, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics. Bondi is the other hotspot.

Random checks on drivers now only test for cannabis, ecstasy and ice.

Police Minister Tony Grant wants NSW to be the first state to test for cocaine during random roadside drug tests. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Grant said experts from forensics had been asked to test cocaine on the DrugWipe devices used by police. They will also run tests to see if over-the-counter drugs such as throat lozenges could trigger false positive results.

“When roadside testing of oral fluids was introduced in 2006, suitable equipment for detecting cocaine was not available,” Mr Grant said.

“Technology has advanced considerably since that time and the testing of oral fluid for cocaine is now feasible.”

3

Turnbull says drug testing on welfare is a worthwhile trial

A trial in the eastern suburbs could take place by the end of the year. Cocaine testing of drivers already exists in the UK, where it’s the second most common drug detected.

A spokesman for Ms Pavey said she would be guided by advice from the Coroner.

The following information is designed to answer any questions you may have about random roadside saliva testing and what is involved.

Note: Throughout this document and indeed under the Road Traffic Act 1961 the term “prescribed drugs” is used. This is a legal term and should not be confused with prescription drugs. Where the term “prescribed drugs” is used, it refers to THC (the active ingredient in cannabis), Methylamphetamine (also known as speed, ice or crystal meth) and MDMA (also known as ecstasy).

Who is required to take a random roadside saliva test?

Anyone who is operating or attempting to put a motor vehicle in motion may be required, by law, to undertake a random roadside saliva test for the recent consumption of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy). This includes a passenger acting as a ‘qualified supervising driver’ for a learner driver, as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act 1959.

Where is random roadside saliva testing conducted?

Similar to mobile random breath testing, drivers and riders may be stopped by a police officer at any time, anywhere in South Australia and tested for these three prescribed drugs as well as alcohol. This includes “high risk” areas such as truck routes and entertainment precincts.

Who is authorised to conduct random roadside saliva tests?

Only police officers who have been specially trained both in the use of saliva testing equipment and testing procedures are authorised to administer roadside saliva tests.

Which drugs can be detected by random roadside saliva tests?

Random roadside saliva tests can detect the presence of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy). These are the three illegal drugs with the highest incidence, after alcohol, detected in the blood of fatally injured drivers and motorcycle riders in South Australia.

What effects do THC, Methylamphetamine and MDMA have on driving ability?

THC (cannabis) impairs mental functioning and reduces attention and concentration on the driving task. THC can affect driving even when there are no outward signs of impairment.Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) reduce coordination and affect a person’s ability to adjust speed and distance. It can also increase a person’s confidence so they are more likely to take dangerous risks while driving.

How long after consuming these three illegal drugs can they be detected?

The devices used are able to detect THC (active component in cannabis) for several hours after use. The exact time will vary depending on the amount and potency of the cannabis used and the individual metabolism. Inactive THC residue in the body of a driver from use in previous days or weeks will not be detected.Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) may be detected for approximately 24 hours after use. Again, the exact time will vary depending on the size of the dose, other drugs taken at the same time, as well as differences in individual metabolism.

Is THC from passive smoking able to be detected in saliva samples?

No. Experience to date has shown that the level of THC (cannabis) present in saliva as a result of passive smoking is considerably lower than the lowest level of THC able to be detected by the saliva testing devices.

Is it possible for other substances to mask the detection of THC, Methylamphetamine or MDMA?

No. There is no evidence to suggest that any substance will mask the detection of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) or MDMA (ecstasy), when using a saliva drug testing procedure.

Can random roadside saliva tests detect the presence of other illegal drugs?

No. Random roadside saliva testing is only used to detect the presence of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy).

Drivers impaired by other drugs (prescription or illicit) will continue to be prosecuted under section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 for the existing offence of driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug – commonly referred to as ‘DUI’.

This offence carries severe penalties and drivers may be fined up to $1,200 for a first offence, in addition to a period of licence disqualification, demerit points or even imprisonment in some cases.

Can random roadside saliva tests detect the presence of prescription drugs or other medication?

No. The saliva test only detects the presence of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy). It does not detect the presence of prescription drugs or common over the counter medications, such as cold and flu tablets, sinus medication (e.g. Sudafed), asthma or ADHD medication.

However, drivers impaired by other drugs (either prescription or illicit) will continue to be prosecuted under section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 for the existing offence of driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug – commonly referred to as ‘DUI’.

This offence carries severe penalties and drivers may be fined up to $1,200 for a first offence, in addition to a period of licence disqualification, demerit points or even imprisonment in some cases.

If you are unsure about the side effects of your medication or any impact it may have on your driving ability, please consult your doctor.

Can prescription or common ‘over the counter’ medication affect driving ability?

There are a number of drugs (both legal and illegal) that have the potential to affect driving ability. Some prescription medications also contain behaviour modifying drugs such as benzodiazepines, which can be found in valium, as well as antihistamine, commonly found in hay-fever tablets.

Always check the listed side effects and follow instructions regarding use. If you are unsure about the side effects of your medication or any impact it may have on your driving ability, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What is saliva testing?

This is a non-invasive method for detecting the presence of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy). Drivers are required to provide a saliva sample by placing a saliva test strip on their tongue. Drivers who test positive are required to provide an oral fluid sample for analysis in the drug bus or at a police station. A positive result to the second saliva sample will lead to further analysis in a laboratory.

Why are saliva samples used to test for drugs?

Saliva samples are used because they are less intrusive, are relatively easy to collect and can be screened using a quick and accurate method to detect the presence of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy).

How long does a random roadside saliva test take?

A random roadside saliva test will take around five minutes. A driver who returns a positive result to the roadside saliva test will be required to provide an oral fluid sample for analysis in the drug bus or at a police station. In these circumstances, the entire process may take around 30 minutes.

How is random roadside saliva testing conducted?

Random roadside saliva tests are conducted in a similar way to current random breath tests for alcohol. Drivers will be required to complete a breath test for alcohol before undertaking a saliva test to detect for the presence of one or more of the three prescribed drugs.

Step 1 Drivers are required to undergo a drug screening test, while they remain in their vehicle, by placing a saliva test strip on their tongue. The sample is screened at the roadside and the result determined within approximately 5 minutes.

Step 2 Drivers who return a negative drug test are not detained any further. Drivers who return a positive test result are required to accompany police to a drug bus or police station to provide an oral fluid sample for analysis.

Step 3 Drivers who produce a positive result to the second sample will be interviewed according to standard police procedure and the sample sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Step 4 Once the process is complete the driver is allowed to leave, although they will not be permitted to drive their vehicle. No further action is taken by police until the results of the laboratory analysis are known. Drivers will be informed within a few weeks if the laboratory analysis confirms the presence of THC, Methylamphetamine or MDMA and accordingly, they will be issued with an expiation notice or prosecuted for an offence.

Note - Penalties apply to drivers who refuse or fail to undertake a drug screening test, oral fluid analysis or blood test when required to do so by a police officer.

How reliable is saliva testing for illegal drugs?

Saliva testing is an accurate and reliable method for detecting the recent consumption of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy). All roadside saliva drug screening devices are required to meet standards of accuracy.

A positive oral fluid sample result will be confirmed by laboratory testing before the police will take any further action (such as issuing an expiation notice or commencing a prosecution against the driver of the vehicle).

Are drivers required to leave their vehicle to undertake a random roadside saliva test?

A roadside saliva screening test may be conducted through the driver’s window, in a similar way to breath tests for alcohol. As with alcotests, a driver who returns a positive result to the initial saliva test will be required to leave their vehicle to accompany police for further testing (oral fluid analysis or blood test).

If a driver tests positive during a random roadside saliva test, are further tests required?

A driver who tests positive for a roadside saliva test is required to undertake either an oral fluid analysis or a blood test – which will then be sent off for laboratory analysis. Police will inform drivers within a few weeks of the results of the laboratory analysis.

Drivers will be given a part of the sample to have their own analysis done if they wish.

Before an expiation notice can be issued or charge laid, the presence of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) or MDMA (ecstasy) will be confirmed by the laboratory analysis.

If the laboratory analysis confirms the presence of THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) or MDMA (ecstasy) police will issue an expiation notice or may prosecute the driver.

Drivers who return a negative saliva and alcohol test will not be detained further.

Are drivers who test positive for a random roadside saliva test allowed to drive before the results of the laboratory analysis are known?

A driver who tests positive for THC (cannabis), Methylamphetamine (speed) or MDMA (ecstasy) will be advised by police not to drive until the drug is no longer detectable in their system (up to 4 hours for THC and up to 24 hours for Methylamphetamine or MDMA).

If necessary, a police officer will assist in moving a driver’s vehicle to a place where the vehicle can be parked legally. If the driver has a passenger with them and wants the passenger to drive them home, a police officer may test the passenger before allowing them to drive away.

If a person is alone, police will endeavour to assist in arranging alternative transport. Similar procedures already apply in relation to testing for alcohol.

If they attempt to drive away they may be arrested on suspicion of attempting to drive with a prescribed drug in their oral fluid.

Under the legislation, police officers are provided with the power to direct a driver to leave their vehicle and not to drive any vehicle until permitted to so do by a police officer. A driver may be required to surrender their keys and the vehicle may be immobilised.

Can a driver refuse to undertake a random roadside saliva test?

A driver who is pulled over for a random roadside saliva test is legally required to undertake the test. Penalties apply to drivers who refuse to undertake a drug screening test, oral fluid analysis or blood test when required to do so by a police officer.

What if a driver is unable to provide a saliva sample?

A driver who is unable to provide a saliva sample because of a medical or physical condition may provide a blood sample instead. Blood samples will be conducted under appropriate medical supervision.

Can police request a blood test for drugs?

Yes. In certain circumstances the police may direct a driver to undergo a blood test. This includes situations where a driver cannot produce enough saliva for an oral fluid test, or they have a medical or physical reason which does not allow them to provide a saliva sample, or show obvious signs of being impaired. A blood test is conducted at no expense to the driver.

Are the evidentiary saliva and blood samples destroyed after a period of time?

Yes. Under the legislation all saliva and blood samples must be destroyed if proceedings for an offence have not commenced within the period allowed or when the prosecution proceedings (and any appeals) have concluded.

Are the saliva or blood samples collected used for DNA testing?

No. Saliva and blood samples collected cannot be used in DNA testing.

Can the saliva or blood samples be used as evidence for other offences relating to drug possession and use?

No. The legislation does not allow police to use the results of a drug screening test, oral fluid analysis or blood test or any admissions or evidence relating to these tests for anything other than proceedings against the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 or other driving-related offences.

The drug driving legislation is about deterring people from driving with a prescribed drug in oral fluid or blood, thereby improving road safety.

Has there been a review of the legislation since it was first introduced?

Yes. The Road Traffic (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2006, which came into operation on 1 July 2006, required that the legislation be reviewed after the first year of operation and a report to be laid before both Houses of Parliament.

The aim of the review was to assess the effectiveness of the legislation and its operation and to provide an opportunity to refine the legislation or identify further amendments.

An independent review was undertaken and placed before both Houses of Parliament on 25 October 2007.

Summary

Urinary drug screening can detect substances including over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The focus of screening is often illicit drugs.

Simple point-of-care tests, largely immunoassays, can rapidly detect a class of drugs or specific drugs in urine. More complex large scale laboratory screens and confirmatory tests can also be used.

Urine tests can often provide evidence of previous drug consumption. Screening is therefore useful in monitoring abstinence from drug use, the use of drugs in the workplace and in legal disputes.

Introduction

Drugs, chemicals and other substances consumed by humans are often excreted in the urine, where they may be detected with screening tests. The detection of these compounds is limited only by the assay and cost.

In hospital or pathology laboratories the emphasis is typically on drugs of abuse, screening either for compliance to (e.g. methadone) or abstinence from (e.g. cannabis) particular substances. Hospital screening can also give the clinician additional help in the differential diagnosis and treatment of a patient, but the availability of toxicological analyses varies between hospitals.

Most commonly used drug screening tests involve immunoassay techniques.1 These range from so-called bedside or point-of-care testing to more sophisticated laboratory-based immunological tests. Immunoassay can provide fast and reliable results, however the results must be interpreted with caution.

What can be tested?

The most common drugs tested in urine include amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine and opioids. Other tests can screen for more specific compounds, rather than drug classes, such as alcohol, methadone, buprenorphine, phencyclidine and other stimulants (for example cathinones) and designer drugs. Alcohol metabolites such as ethylglucuronide can now be detected in urine and, importantly, for much longer periods than alcohol itself (up to several days). Ethylglucuronide screening has been used clinically as evidence of abstinence from alcohol for patients awaiting liver transplant.2

Urinary drug screening can be quite complex with detection of a comprehensive list of targeted and unknown substances. For example, forensic laboratories have the capability to detect a wide range of compounds using immunoassays and other chromatographic techniques (that is gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry). The methods used in these laboratories often aim for a wide range of drugs and metabolites to try to detect as many forensically relevant compounds as possible.

Other laboratories, such as sports testing facilities, can screen for drugs (including steroids and biomarkers). Screens for unknown compounds have been made possible by the advent of new technologies. These laboratories are more specialised than the typical hospital or pathology laboratories and are strictly regulated for the detection of these compounds by accrediting bodies such as the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia3 and the World Anti-Doping Agency4.

Standards

An Australian/New Zealand Drug testing standard (AS/NZS 4308:2008) provides guidance on the most common classes of drugs to be tested in urine.5 The Australian Standard (AS 4308) was the world's first national standard for medicolegal drug testing. It is designed to ensure the standardisation of procedures for specimen collection and the detection of drugs of abuse. These include cannabis metabolites, cocaine metabolites, benzodiazepines, sympathomimetic amines (amphetamines) and opioids. Urine for medicolegal testing should be collected and analysed by an AS/NZS 4308:2008 accredited organisation. Consultation with the laboratory is useful to find out which compounds can be tested as well as for interpretation of negative or positive findings

Why test urine for drugs?

Urine screening can provide an indication that someone has consumed drugs at some point before sampling. Most drugs typically have a detection window of up to 48 hours (Table). This may be shorter for some drugs which are eliminated relatively quickly from the body such as alcohol or gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Drugs such as diazepam and cannabis can persist in urine for days or even weeks and so can be detected for longer periods.

The frequency of drug consumption will also have an impact on the effectiveness of urine screening. Acute or once-off use, as in the case of drug-facilitated crime where a drug is used to render someone incapacitated, is more difficult to detect and may challenge the sensitivity of urine screening. People who use drugs more regularly will typically have higher concentrations of drugs in their urine leading to easier detection with possibly longer time frames.

In chronic users, drugs of abuse can be detected in urine for approximately one week after last use, and in extreme cases even longer in cocaine (22 days) and cannabis users (up to three months).6 Urine testing will not show when a drug was used, or how much. Importantly, a positive drug result cannot infer impairment at the time the urine was collected.

Results

Urine testing typically involves a screening test followed by a confirmation test. Confirmation is usually performed on the sample taken for screening.

Screening tests

Most drugs of interest are first detected by simple immunoassays. These are broad screening tests that are quick, often cheap and effective for showing a positive or negative result. However, as with all screening tests there are limitations to the degree of interpretation that can be inferred from the result. The limitations of immunoassay techniques include false positives as well as false negative results.

A false positive is a screening test that fails to be confirmed using other more sensitive and specific techniques such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. This means that the immunoassay has cross-reacted with some other substance in the urine leading to a false positive result for the substance of interest. Other drugs can trigger such false positive results and the laboratory should have a list of compounds which can cross-react with the screening test. For example, ranitidine can produce a false positive result for amphetamines. It is also worth noting that some foodstuffs can also produce positive results such as poppy seeds for opioids.

A false negative result is possible when the screening test is negative but the confirmatory test is positive. This is less common as negative screening tests are not usually confirmed. When a screening test is negative that is usually the end of the investigation. In a workplace, a false negative test can have far-reaching ramifications if an incident occurs after screening and a urine sample test then finds drugs which were missed by the initial screening process. On-site or point-of-care devices must therefore be rigorously tested and validated before use in the field. AS/NZS 4308 states that on-site screening devices be evaluated at 25% above and 30% below the level considered positive (these are typically referred to as cut-offs). The Standard also specifies that failure of no more than 10% of on-site devices is permitted.

When using immunoassay techniques, samples can easily be adulterated to provide a false result. Adulterations are common in patients who undergo clinical compliance testing, for example abstinence control in drug users. Adulterations can include water (leading to dilution of urine), bleach and masking agents (such as diuretics) or other substances that interfere with the screening test. Adulterant checks are also part of a laboratory's capability to detect an invalid specimen. The Standard provides guidance on what to do to avoid adulteration and how to test for adulterants (for example temperature and creatinine checks).

Confirmatory tests

Confirmation tests are usually required for medicolegal purposes when drug testing is used in the workplace or for family custody disputes in which parents are allegedly using drugs at home in the presence of children. An initial urinary screening test must be confirmed for evidence of drug use. Confirmatory testing is more sensitive and specific than screening tests and confirms the drug of interest as opposed to the drug class.

Clinical laboratories have relied on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for confirmation, however developments in liquid chromatography/ mass spectrometry technologies over the last 10 years have meant a wider range of compounds can be confirmed simultaneously. Laboratories must demonstrate compliance with requirements to either International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 (for chemical/forensic testing) or ISO 15189 for medical/pathology testing and must be accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities.

Screening tests other than urine

The evolution of oral-fluid testing (saliva) both from a policy and technology viewpoint has grown rapidly in recent years. This testing has been used primarily to test drivers for illicit drugs (amphetamines and cannabis) and is now being used in the workplace.

Saliva is easier and safer to collect than urine. Unlike urine, not all drugs are easily detectable in oral fluid, either because of the low concentrations or the short time that drugs are present in saliva. The detection of a drug in oral fluid is normally associated with recent use (up to 24 hours) as the drugs can be related to blood or plasma concentrations and therefore physiological effect. This cannot be inferred from urine as the concentration in urine can only be related to previous consumption and not any effect of the drug.

Conclusion

Urine screening is an effective tool for monitoring abstinence from drug use, assessing the use of drugs in the workplace and for legal disputes. A number of laboratories can provide testing for drugs of abuse and prescription drugs (for example benzodiazepines and some opioids). Point-of-care tests can provide similar information, however knowledge of which drugs and compounds can be detected as well as interpretation of what the test results mean is essential in maximising the information that can be gained from urinary screening.

Conflict of interest: none declared

The use of roadside breath testing has long been a feature of the law enforcement response to drink driving. However, it is only since 2004 and only in some states that roadside testing has been extended to include the detection of drugs other than alcohol. Based on self-reported rates from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, in 2007 it was estimated that 12 percent of Australians aged 14 years or over had driven a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and three percent had driven while under the influence of illegal drugs in the past 12 months (AIHW 2008). Compared with the general population, a higher proportion of police detainees self-report alcohol and other drug driving (Adams, Smith & Hind 2008). Based on Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) data from 2005 and 2006, it was estimated that approximately 24 percent of police detainees had driven while under the influence of alcohol and 38 percent had driven while under the influence of other drugs in the past 12 months. Combined, the total prevalence of drug and/or drink driving among all police detainees was 46 percent. Drink driving was highest among younger detainees aged 18–20 years, whereas drug driving was more often reported among those aged between 21 and 35 years. The overall prevalence of drug and/or drink driving was highest among the 21–25 year age group.

NSW Police has been labelled as “ludicrous” and having “lost touch with basic moral principles” for seizing legal equipment that campaigners say could save people’s lives.

An advocate for drug law reform has told news.com.au that NSW Police appears to be undertaking a “PR campaign” that will lead to young people harming themselves as a strategy to deter others from taking illegal drugs.

On Monday, NSW Police announced they had raided a shop in the Sydney inner west suburb of Newtown where more than $34,000 of “drug equipment” was seized.

It included “536 cannabis pipes, 195 ice pipes and 74 cocaine spoons,” as well as “numerous other pieces of equipment allegedly used to administer prohibited drugs”, police stated.

However, the police also said they had seized “seven ecstasy testing kits” despite the fact these are not illegal under NSW law.

The confiscation comes as advocates for drug law reform have increased pressure on the NSW Government to allow drug testing of ecstasy pills at summer music festivals.

Last summer, seven people died in Australia at festivals.

Will Tregoning, executive director of Unharm — an organisation that campaigns for safe drug use — lashed out at the police.

“It’s ludicrous for police to be boasting about confiscating these kits,” he told news.com.au

“This is dangerous, and police should reconsider.

“We’re in this crazy situation where police and politicians are doing everything in their power to prevent people from identifying and discarding the most dangerous substances before they take them. They are promoting harm in order to deter drug use.

“Aside from the fact that this strategy doesn’t work, it shows they have lost touch with basic moral principles.”

NSW Police uploaded images onto their Facebook page of the haul. However, by Wednesday the post has been taken down.

NSW Police has not answered news.com.au’s questions as to why they confiscated the kits or the reason why the original post was taken down.

Mr Tregoning who has set up the Tests, Not Arrests initiative to lobby for testing at festivals, said the seizure seemed to be as much about public relations than prevention. He said he understood police intended to “disrupt” any attempt to distribute pill testing kits at festivals.

“This operation was made for media and social media. It’s about police being seen to be ‘tough’ on drugs,” he said.

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After three young men died in a car crash heading home from a Blue Mountains festival last year, police opposed this year's festival going ahead. The driver, who survived, was charged with driving under the influence.

Psyfari festival organisers responded by putting on extra doctors, nurses and paramedics, as well as free drug and alcohol testing for drivers leaving. They had the backing of the local council as well as the landowners, who stood to be personally liable if anyone got hurt.

And so, last weekend, 5000 people took to the narrow road to a remote bush block, way out of mobile reception and a long drive from the hospital. On the way they passed through a roadblock manned by a dozen officers - way more than last year.

Over the course of the weekend police would conduct more than 2500 random breath tests and 250 random drug tests. About 10 per cent - or 25 people - would test positive for drug-driving.

Psyfari is a bush doof that bills itself as a return to a time when "life was simple and life was wild". More than a few punters were smuggling in drugs like MDMA and weed.

The officer in charge described it as a "real perfect storm for a really unsafe outcome."

Meanwhile, the rest of the state, including organisers of other festivals, looked on for clues to how festivals would be policed this coming summer. Last festival season saw five drug-related deaths and a deepening rift over NSW drug reform.

There had been renewed calls for allowing punters to have drugs tested inside festivals, to avoid overdoses, and no sign these calls would be heeded.

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