Drug abuse can be detected using a number of different methods of testing. Blood, urine, hair and oral fluid (saliva) can all contain traces of drugs; therefore analysis of each of these sample types can provide useful information – the choice of which sample to use will depend upon particular need.

Urine testing is currently the most popular choice for routine drug screening in the workplace. It can be collected relatively easily, particularly if carried out as part of a general medical examination. It gives a satisfactory detection window on drug use (particularly for cannabis), and therefore is likely to be the sample of choice for pre-employment drug screening. Screening can be carried out in the laboratory or on-site where presumptive results can be obtained within a few minutes. Suspected positive samples can be sent to the laboratory for legally defensible confirmation analysis.

Oral Fluid (Saliva) testing is gaining in popularity as a testing technique. It provides shorter detection windows than urine but is less invasive. Collected samples can be screened on-site and any suspected positive samples can be sent to the laboratory (in much the same way as urine samples are tested). A portable, electronic testing device (Cozart Rapiscan) can also be used for the on-site screening of oral fluid samples – this removes any subjective operator assessment of the test results. Oral fluid testing could be preferred if field testing is necessary or impairment assessment is necessary.

Hair testing is comparatively more expensive than saliva or urine but provides much longer detection windows (up to several months or more). Therefore it is generally used to confirm abstinence for individuals undergoing counselling and treatment or to provide lifestyle information on certain job applicants.

Blood testing is mainly confined to forensic work due to the health and safety implications associated with blood.

Drug Types

Drugs of Abuse testing is directed towards those drugs which are commonly abused. These drugs are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) which categorises the drugs into class ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ depending upon the degree of harm. It may be an offence to possess or supply these drugs.

Testing is usually carried out to support Employee Substance Abuse schemes (Workplace Services), Abstinence Monitoring or requirements within the Criminal Justice System.

Amphetamine (Speed), class ‘B’ – usually found as an off-white powder, in a piece of folded paper (a ‘wrap’). It is a stimulant and is usually taken orally. If injected however it may be considered to be Class ‘A’.

Ecstasy Drugs, Class ‘A’ – these drugs are all chemically related to amphetamine. The most common member of this group is methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, MDMA. These drugs are also stimulants although they possess mild hallucinogenic properties and can have a socializing or entactogenic effect.

Cannabis, Class ‘C’ – naturally occurring drug which is processed from the Cannabis plant. Can be found as dry herbal material (grass, weed) or as cannabis resin. Usually smoked in cigarettes (with tobacco), or in pipes.

Opiates, Class ‘A’ – this group of drugs contains morphine and heroin. Heroin can be injected or smoked. Oral use is not so common.

Cocaine, Class ‘A’ – powerful stimulant drug, usually found as a white powder. Can be abused by nasal insufflation (snorting). Cocaine can also be smoked as the free base – ‘Crack’ is a particular form of cocaine base.

Benzodiazepines, Class ‘C’ – this group of drugs contains well known names such as Valium , Librium and Temazepam. They are tranquillising drugs and are usually found as tablets or capsules.

Barbiturates (little used tranquillisers and hypnotics) and LSD (powerful hallucinogen) are not common in Northern Ireland.

For detailed information on the extent of the drugs problem in Northern Ireland see www.drugsalcohol.info/drugs.