Canadian HR Reporter

www.hrreporter.com 23 Lab-based or express testing The next decision is whether to use lab-based or express testing or a combination of both. A lab-based test is straightforward. The sample is collected and sent to the lab. A negative result can be reported the next day; a positive result will take a bit longer. Once at the lab, the sample is tested at screening levels. Should the sample fail the screen, it is then tested at confirmation levels; the confirmation test will determine the exact drug and level. Should it be over the confirmation level, the case is sent to a medical review officer (MRO) for qualification. The MRO reviews the result and interviews the donor to determine if there is a medically valid reason for the sample to fail. Using this information, the MRO determines the final result. With an express testing, a kit is used at the point of collection. If the kit determines the sample as negative, the test is resulted as negative. Should the result show a non-negative result, the sample is sent to the lab and will go through the testing procedure like based testing. The main advantages of urine testing are that it provides the most flexibility in testing different drugs and is the most likely of all drug testing methods to withstand legal challenges. Basically, it is the tried- and-true standard. Oral fluid testing is often preferred because the sample is obtained under direct observation so there is a minimal risk of tampering. The test is considered non-invasive, samples can be collected easily in virtually any environment and the detection window for the drugs tested is normally shorter and closer to use. However, there are drawbacks to oral fluid testing. Adjusting drugs tested and their cutoff levels is far more difficult. Oral fluid testing has not been legally challenged as often as urine testing, so case history is not as accessible as urine testing. And there are no express kits that match the panel that labs use. This is important as express kits cannot produce a positive result; inconclusive results from express kits are sent to the lab for confirmation. a lab-based test. In a workplace drug test, there should never be a positive result unless an MRO determines it's a positive result. Many companies like to get the best of both worlds by doing what is called an express-to-lab test. This is when the express kit is used at the point of collection and the sample is sent to the lab. In these cases, the express test is used as a screen in order to act but the employer will rely on the lab test for the final result, as with a post-accident situation. There are a few points to remember about express kits. They are not as accurate as the lab, so they cannot determine positive results. In terms of oral fluid, there are no express kits Pre-employment testing involves the testing of employees after an employer has made an offer of employment but before the person begins working. that come anywhere near the screening levels of approved lab levels and they are not recommended except for the most unique circumstances. It's recommended that employers work with the testing provider to determine the best test, who can set up an account so that there is consistency to your policy. CHRR Bill Duncan is the manager of marketing and communi- c a t i o n s a t C a n n A m m Occupational Testing in Edmonton. He can be reached at bill.duncan@cannamm.com or visit www.cannamm.com for more information.

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