Author: John

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The United States Coast Guard has announced today that the minimum random drug testing rate for all “Covered” employees will remain at 25% effective January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.  It is also important to note that call employers must submit their 2017 Management Information Systems (MIS) reports on or before March 15, 2018.  Click here for the entire USCG announcement.

The USCG stated that annual MIS reports may be submitted electronically to the following email address:  DAPI@uscg.mil

Are your DOT Policies Up To Date?

With the announcement of random drug testing rate, employers should take this time to review their current DOT Policy to ensure compliance with with the new rule effective January 1, 2018.

The DOT rule changed addressed the changes to the DOT Agencies & United States Coast Guard (USCG) in regard to DOT-regulated employers what updates their DOT policies will need to contain as it relates to the changes to 49 CFR Part 40.

What Is The “New” DOT 5 Panel?

The DOT has amended its current rule to include the following substances in the 5 panel DOT Drug Test.  As specified in DOT regulations 49 CFR part 40 with the Cut Off levels listed in DOT regulations 49 CFR part 40; the following substances will be tested for:

  1. Marijuana metabolites
  2. Cocaine metabolites
  3. Phencyclidine
  4. Opioids** – codeine, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone & hydromorphone
  5. Amphetamines -amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA & MDA

**Some common names for the new semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, and Exalgo®.

For more information on policy Development, Addendum to your current policy or to enroll in a Random DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Pool (Consortium), please call Accredited Drug Testing, Inc. at 800-221-4291 or click here to enroll online

 

 

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What is Ketamine

Ketamine is categorized as a dissociative anesthetic. A dissociative anesthetic is a drug that distorts perception of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment or dissociation from the environment and self. On the streets, the drug is sold as either a colorless, odorless liquid or as a white or off-white powder.

History Of Ketamine

Image result for ketamine

Ketamine was developed in the 1960s to replace phencyclidine (PCP) as an anesthetic agent.  Most of the time, it is used in veterinary medicine as an animal tranquilizer, although also may be used in human medicine as an anesthetic. Used improperly, on the streets, the drug is often injected, consumed in drinks, snorted, or added to joints or cigarettes. Ketamine was placed on the list of controlled substances in the US in 1999.

Teens are Primary Users

ketamine

One of the most alarming facts about Ketamine is the primary age group of abusers is between the ages of 12 and 25 years old. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, individuals aged 12 to 25 accounted for 74 percent of the Ketamine emergency department mentions in the United States in 2000. Use among high school students is a growing concern. Nearly 3 percent of high school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in the past year.

A Club Drug

In addition to Rohypnol and GHB, Ketamine is also considered a “club drug”, or “date rape drug” and may be used in drug-facilitated sexual assault situations.
Adults sometimes place the drug in the drink of an unsuspecting user and await the effects of the drug to take place. Once the individual is under the influence, there are risks of amnesia and blackout.

Effects Of Ketamine

Ketamine is a very dangerous drug and even using it a single time can have serious repercussions including the potential for long-term side-effects, coma or death. According to the National Institute on DruImage result for ketamine drug statsg Abuse, “Ketamine distorts perceptions of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment from the environment and self.” At low doses, users can experience impaired attention, learning ability and memory. In higher doses, it can cause dreamlike states, hallucinations, delirium, unconsciousness, and flashbacks-reoccurrences of a certain aspect of the drug experience at any time. Other associated side effects are depression, delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.

Street Names

The most popular name used for ketamine in the streets is “Special K”. There are also many other common street names that refer to this drug.

  • K
  • Cat Valium
  • Super C
  • Green

Ketamine street names that are brand or type-specific include:

  • Ketaset
  • Ketalar
  • Ketalar SV
  • Ketanest
  • Ketanest S

Drug Testing For Ketamine

As with testing for any other drug, there are specific procedures for Ketamine drug testing. Ketamine is not included in a 5-panel drug screen. The only way Ketamine use can be detected is by studying the levels of “Norketamine” in the blood and urine. The parent drug, Norketamine is detectable in the blood and urine of users for up to 7-14 days depending on dosage and frequency of use. In some cases involving regular users, Ketamine can be detected in a drug screen beyond the typical 7-14 day period.

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What is DATIA?
DATIA

DATIA: Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association.

The Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) was founded in 1995 and has grown to represent over 1500 member companies, and expanded its scope. DATIA now represents the entire spectrum of drug and alcohol service providers including collection sites, laboratories, consortiums/TPAs, MROs, and testing equipment manufacturers.

The Accredited Collection Facility Program, administered by the Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA), created by leaders in the drug and alcohol testing industry interested in raising the level of accuracy in urine specimen collections.

This enables collection facilities to assure their clients that they are committed to offering superior collection services.

For some entities, like those regulated under DOT Part 40, its employees must be drug tested by a company with DATIA Certifications.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA) Mission and Purpose

  • Promote the highest possible standards of professionalism, quality control in the drug and alcohol testing industry, and develop and oversee education, certification, and accreditation programs for the drug and alcohol testing industry
  • Serve as the voice for the industry on regulatory and legislative matters of drug and alcohol testing, collection issues as well as drug-free workplace regulatory issues
  • Serve as a body for discussion and resolution of common problems and issues affecting the drug and alcohol testing industry;
  • Inform its members of issues affecting their businesses through newsletters, legislative alerts, and meetings;
  • Collect and disseminate information on drug and alcohol service and product providers through a national directory distributed to business and the general public; and,
  • Actively cooperate with other entities, organizations, and service providers involved with or affected by drug and alcohol testing on common interests and values

The Accredited Collection Facility Program involves upholding the highest professional standards in the following two main areas:

(1)the collection facility and its operation and
(2)the collection facility’s personnel.

To obtain accredited status, collection facilities are required to adhere to strict standards in areas such as:

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Company services standards
  • Specimen handling
  • Operational practices
  • Business ethics
  • Facility equipmentAll accredited collection facilities are also required to maintain a staff of Certified Professional Collectors that are formally trained in DATIA’s Collector Training Course or that received training from the CPCT on their staff and successfully completed the DATIA Certification Exam.

What Is A SAMHSA Certified Lab?

SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration

Formerly known as NIDA, National Institute of Drug Abuse, SAMHSA is a Federal department of Government which regulates and certifies laboratories drug testing specimens. Currently, SAMHSA regulated laboratories are the only type of labs that may process any employee who is governed by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).

SAMHSA Policies

SAMHSA Laboratory Certification is the highest standard available for drug testing labs and ensures the most accurate processing. Through SAMHSA all non-negative, and positive donor specimens are tested.

The Lab will conduct specimen validity tests (SVTs) to determine if the specimen was adulterated or substituted. Tests found to be adulterated or substituted are also reported to the MRO and may be considered a refusal to test.

At the laboratory, the staff will determine if a flaw in the specimen exists.If a flaw exists, the specimen is rejected for testing.

If no flaw exists, this is the process that a specimen will undergo under SAMHSA Guidelines.

  1. Open only the A bottle and conduct a screening test.
  2. Specimens that screen positive will be analyzed again using a completely different testing methodology.
  3. If the specimen tests negative in either test, the result will be reported as a negative.
  4. Only if the specimen tests positive under both methods will the specimen be reported to the medical review officer as a positive test.
  5. Report the findings of the analysis of the A bottle to the Medical Review Officer (MRO)
  6. Store the A and B bottles for any reported positive, adulterated, or substituted result for at least 12 months.

Accredited Drug Testing Certifications

SAMHSA Certified

Accredited Drug Testing Is DATIA Certified, and has also been recognized as Nationally Accredited though DATIA. There are only 25 drug testing facilities that have been rewarded this privilege.

Accredited Drug Testing only utilizes SAMSHA Certified Laboratories.

At Accredited Drug testing, we hold our company to the highest values in the Drug Testing Industry to provide our clients this the best services.

“When you need a test, chose the best”!

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IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Effective January 1, 2018, The Department of Transportation is amending its drug-testing program regulation to add hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone to its drug-testing panel. The revision of the drug-testing panel harmonizes DOT regulations.
See below for more information.

2017, What A Year! – Our Thanks!
 
As 2017 comes to a close, Accredited Drug Testing Inc and our affiliated companies wish to thank our clients, industry partners, and employees for making this year a tremendous success. With the expansion of our corporate offices, additional staff, new services, and more testing centers throughout the nation, Accredited Drug Testing is ready to serve all our clients drug, alcohol, and DNA testing needs in 2018!   
 

Service Spotlight

Occupational Health Testing

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Accredited Drug Testing, Inc. offers Occupational Health Testing.  Services range from  Audio-grams, Blood Collections, Body Metric Screenings, EKG, Physicals (DOT & NON-DOT), Respirator Certification and much more.
 
For more information regarding Occupational Health Testing Services 
please call 800-221-4291.
 

Industry News

Stay up-to-date with all industry news including new drug laws, policy changes, and drug epidemics by visiting our blog.

James A. Greer, President and CEO of Accredited Drug Testing and Vice President John Burgos attended The IFDAT conference this year to stay up to date with leading industry news. Allowing Accredited Drug Testing to better serve you! 
 
What is IFDAT?
 
The International Forum for Drugs and Alcohol Testing (IFDAT) is an annual event where drug testing and related industry professionals come together. Experts from all over the world unite to share their knowledge with the rest of the international community.

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Attorney General Sessions & DEA Patterson Fight Against Opioid Crisis   
Attorney General Sessions and Acting DEA Administrator Patterson announce new efforts being made by the United States Government to follow through with the fight against the deadly Opioid Crisis in America.
On Wednesday, November 29th, 2017,  at a press release held in Washington.
 
Read More…
President Donald Trump Declares Opioid Crisis A Public Health Emergency

64,000 Americans died from overdoses last year — 175 every day, seven every hour.
These are real-life statistics of the effects the opioid epidemic has had on the American population.
On Thursday, October 26th, President Trump declared the opioid crisis as a public health emergency.
Read More…

DOT Corner

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DOT Amends Drug-Testing Regulations
 
On November 13th, 2017 The United States Department Of Transportation, DOT, published its final rule regarding DOT drug and alcohol policy.
The DOT compliant drug screening will expand its current 5-panel urine test, to include expanded testing on Opiates, including Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone, and Oxycodone.
Effective January 1st, 2018 a DOT urine drug analysis will test for
 
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Marijuana
MDA
PCP
Opiates
Hydromorphone
Oxymorphone
Oxycodone
 
The opiates category of a 5-panel drug screen tests for the illicit drug heroin, and the licit drugs codeine and morphine.
DOT Part 40 Amendment – Final Rule
On November 13th, 2017 The United States Department Of Transportation, DOT, published its final rule regarding DOT drug and alcohol policy.
The DOT compliant drug screening will expand its current 5-panel urine test, to include expanded testing on Opiates
Read More…
Preparing For Impacts of the DOT Part 40 Final Rule
On January 1st, 2018, the revised CFR 49 Part 40 Final rule, published November 13th, 2017, will be put into effect. This rule refers to the Drug and Alcohol testing procedures and programs to all safety-sensitive employees regulated by the U.S Department Of 
Transportation (DOT). 
Read More…
Accredited Drug Testing values our clients and industry partners.   
Thank you for choosing Accredited Drug Testing for all your drug testing needs! 
 
ADT STATISTICS
November

3712 Tests
Scheduled/Performed

Proud To Serve Over
857 Employers Nationwide

38 New Clients 
Welcome!

 

The process to schedule a drug, alcohol, or any service at any testing center nationwide is fast and easy. There are three different methods which you may utilize depending on the method you prefer.

Method 1: Call Our National Scheduling Office at 800-221-4291

Method 2: Email orders@accrediteddrugtesting.net

Method 3: Receive Login to Scheduling System (Brief Training Required)

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Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a new illness only recently acknowledged by the medical community has been seen more commonly since new states have been legalizing medical and recreational marijuana.

medical marijuana

It affects a small population — mostly, a subset of marijuana users who smoke multiple times a day for months, years or even decades.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome is characterized by cyclic episodes of nausea and vomiting and frequent hot bathing. Image result for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

Chalfonte LeNee Queen suffered periodic episodes of violent retching and abdominal pain that would knock her off her feet for days, sometimes leaving her writhing on the floor in pain.

“I’ve screamed out for death,” says Queen, 48, who lives in San Diego. “I’ve cried out for my mom, who’s been dead for 20 years, mentally not realizing she can’t come to me.”

Diagnosing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome can be frustrating and expensive.

There is no blood test to link the stomach ailment with marijuana use, so physicians often order pricey CT scans and lab tests to rule out other medical problems.

One way doctors have been diagnosing the illness is when a patient says that hot baths subside the symptoms. For whatever reason, unknown, patients who develop this disease find a significant relief in hot showers and baths. Toxicologists say the heat may distract the brain from pain receptors in the abdomen but, like  Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome itself, is still very misunderstood.

cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

The exact cause and onset of  Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome remain much of a mystery today in the medical field. The first diagnosis of this illness can be dated back to 2004 by an Australian doctor.  Since  Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a newly recognized illness, only been seen more commonly throughout the US due to the recent passings of Marijuana laws, it is often mistaken for something else.

Toxicologists say the chemical compounds in marijuana may throw off the normal function of the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which help regulate the nervous system. Some people may be genetically predisposed to the syndrome, or marijuana’s potency or chemical makeup may have changed over time, says Dr. Craig Smollin, medical director of the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System and an ER doctor at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

endocannabinoid system

Since most people, especially cancer patients are told that marijuana is known to aid in nausea and vomiting, it seems hard for a patient to believe that the link to their aggressive and chronic vomiting spells is due to marijuana.  19-year-old student Cameron Nicole Beard, of East Moline, Ill., said she struggled to believe her doctors about the link between pot and severe vomiting.

“Who wants to be told you can’t smoke marijuana when you think marijuana can help?” says Beard, while recovering from a marijuana-related vomiting episode at a University of Iowa hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, last month. She said she had lost 20 pounds in 10 days.

There is still no direct cure for Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, although doctors are getting better at treating the symptoms. They have been using old anti-psychotic medications and cream for muscle aches.

For questions on detecting marijuana use, please visit Accredited Drug Testing, or call 1-800-221-4291.

 

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On November 13th, 2017 The United States Department Of Transportation, DOT, published its final rule regarding DOT drug and alcohol policy.

The DOT compliant drug screening will expand its current 5-panel urine test, to include expanded testing on Opiates, including Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone, and Oxycodone.

Effective January 1st, 2018 a DOT urine drug analysis will test for

  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • MDA
  • PCP
  • Opiates
    • Hydromorphone
    • Oxymorphone
    • Oxycodone

The opiates category of a 5-panel drug screen tests for the illicit drug heroin, and the licit drugs codeine and morphine.

Please be advised, due to the addition of the number of drugs being tested, a small price increase on  DOT drug tests will take effect.

Our labs, Medical Review Officers, and CEO will review this new panel and provide additional information as it becomes available.

Accredited Drug Testing will add an amendment in its policy regarding these changes, effective January 1st, 2018.

Things to remember

1. Blind specimen testing is no longer required.
Blind specimen testing is a specimen submitted to a laboratory for quality control testing purposes, with a fictitious identifier, so that the laboratory cannot distinguish it from an employee specimen.

2.CCF forms
You should not order new CCF forms– the current CCF forms are valid until June 30th, 2018. If you have not yet done so, now would be a good time to look into eCCF forms ( Electronic CCF). Doing this will save you time and save you the hassle of shipping and storing paperwork.

For any other questions regarding DOT Compliance – please email info@accrediteddrugtesting.net, or reach us directly at (800)221-4291.

accredited drug testing

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64,000 Americans died from overdoses last year — 175 every day, seven every hour.

These are real-life statistics of the effects the opioid epidemic has had on the American population.

On Thursday, October 26th, President trump declared the opioid crisis as a public health emergency.

This Opioid Crisis is the worst drug crisis in American history.

President Trump

Opioid addiction does not discriminate. It does not target one age, one race, one income level. Opioid addiction is everywhere.

Eric Bolling, a former reporter for FOX news has felt the effects of this epidemic first hand.

Bolling’s only child, 19-year-old Eric Chase was found dead September 9th, 2017, the same day his father left his job at Fox News.

After undergoing an autopsy, the report concluded the 19-year-old contained numerous illegal substances in his system, including the deadly drug fentanyl.

On September 11, 2017, the post-mortem toxicology report revealed Eric Chase had cocaine, marijuana, Xanax, and the opioid drugs, fentanyl and cyclopropyl fentanyl, in his system. 

Many friends expressed their condolences to Eric Bolling and his family.

On October 26th, 2017 Eric Bolling tweeted “Adrienne and I thank you for your continued prayers and support. We must fight against this national epidemic, too many innocent victims.”

According to time, since 2000 the number of opioid-related deaths has risen more than 137 percent.

opioid crisis
Map shows opioid-related deaths per 100,000 residents in 2015; 2c x 4 inches; 96.3 mm x 101 mm;

“This epidemic is a national health emergency,” Trump said during an address at the White House. “Nobody has seen anything like what is going on now. As Americans, we cannot allow this to continue. It is time to liberate our communities from this scourge of drug addiction.”

“We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic. We can do it.” These encouraging words stated by President Donald Trump challenges Americans to do all that they can to hinder this heartbreaking disease.

accredited drug testing

Visit Accredited Drug Testing to stay up to date on this topic, and other topics relating to the Drug and Alcohol Industry.

 

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The National Association of Professional Background Checks (NAPBS) is hosting their 2017 Annual Conference in Orlando, FL from September 17-19.

As a professional background check provider, Accredited Drug Testing will be attending the NAPBS annual conference and showcasing our background check solutions and answering any questions attendees may have about the background check industry.

Please stop by booth #337 and Say Hello!

The conference offers a diverse range of educational topics ranging from strategic business sessions, futuristic technology, legal issues, nuts and bolts “how-to” programs, international screening techniques, compliance guidelines, employment discrimination and what’s on the horizon for consumer reporting agencies, to name just a few. Every attendee will be able to take away valuable information and resources to benefit their specific business goals.

The Exhibit Hall will be packed with industry partners showcasing their products and services. This is your best opportunity to learn about the latest industry products to enhance your business. Also, interspersed throughout the educational sessions will be Vendor Demonstrations during which companies that supply products or services to the background screening industry can showcase their products or services.

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When it comes to drug testing, especially for employment purposes, we are constantly bombarded with detection periods for drug testing and how drugs come up positive. We are here to debunk any mystifying details about the entire process so the next time you are called for a test, you are prepared.

Positive vs. Negative Tests

Most people don’t tend to dive deep on what makes a drug test positive or negative, they usually go into the test knowing whether they have passed or not simply be evaluating their personal drug use. But what if you have a prescription for painkillers or even have a Medical Marijuana Card? Then things can get a bit complicated. So let’s look at the process step-by-step from the beginning.

When getting scheduled for a drug test it is important to know that you will need to have a phone number on file that you can be reached at for reasons later on. But first, you will be scheduled for a drug test through Accredited Drug Testing by visiting our website (the one you are currently on) or by calling our national scheduling office at 1-800-221-4291.

Once you receive your donor pass you will proceed to the testing location at your earlier convenience (with Accredited Drug Testing you can even proceed the same day!). Once there you will take the test required (in certain cases urine, oral, or in others hair) and your end of the process is done from here on out.

After you take your drug test, your “sample” is then sent to a laboratory for testing. It is important to note that you will only come up positive for drugs that are included for testing in the test you took. For example, if you were sent to take a 5 Panel Urine Drug Test which only covers:

-Amphetamines

-Cocaine

-Marijuana

-MDA

-Opiates

-Phencyclidine (PCP)

You wouldn’t test positive for Oxycodone or Barbituates because your test doesn’t cover those panels. Even if you were actively taking those drugs. So as an employer it is important to know what exactly you are looking for in a drug testing so you are ordering the correct one for future candidates or randomly screening your current employees.

The test is then sent to a Medical Review Officer for a confirmation test. This test confirms the drugs found above the minimum levels required in your system. There are different levels for every drug and these levels are measured in nanograms for milliliter for urine and oral tests. These are considered the “cutoff levels”. A drug will not be found positive unless it meets that minimum level to be found in your system.

Who decides the “Cutoff” levels?

Cutoff levels for federally regulated drug testing programs (Department of Transportation for example) are established by mandatory guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rule 49 CFR Part 40 harmonizes with HHS and describes the required procedures for conducting drug and alcohol testing for the federally-regulated transportation industry. Many non-regulated employers mirror the cutoff levels established by the government.

For the latest and greatest in drug testing news, continue to check AccreditedDrugTesting.net for more!

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Jon Jones of the MMA fighting world just can’t seem to catch a break. The fighter just tested positive on another drug test. And after a rocky history outside of the ring, his career may finally come to an end.

Before this, Mr. Jones had the chance of going down as one of UFC’s greatest athletes of all time, even being ranked number one in the world during his championship reign and currently has the longest active winning streak in UFC.

A Troublesome Past…

But outside of the cage, he’s been involved in several controversies. In 2012, Jones was arrested under suspicion of a DUI after he crashed his Bentley into a telephone pole in Binghamton, New York. He pleaded guilty and avoided any jail time.

In 2015 after moving to New Mexico full time to be closer to his training gym, he turned himself in for a hit-and-run case where he struck a car with a pregnant woman driving. She sustained some injuries breaking one arm with included a wrist injury. For this, he faced a felony charge of leaving the scene of a crime, one which included jail time. He ended up being sentenced to up to 18 months of supervised probation, while also being stripped of his title, being removed from official rankings and facing a 1 year suspension from UFC.

Then in 2016, when he was set to come back to the ring versus Daniel Cormier at UFC 200 a urine sample tested positive for 2 banned substances, he was forced to withdraw from the event.

And a month later the Nevada State Athletic Commission revealed Jones had tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, which are both on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned substances list and are described as “hormone and metabolic modulators”. Jones claimed his innocence by stating he ate something intoxicated.

Fast forward to August 22nd, 2017  where Jones has tested positive yet again, but now for a different steroid. He has been indefinitely suspended again and if he is stripped of his title, it will revert to Daniel Cormier.

Cormier was notified of the news while on vacation and offered these comments “It’s hard to find words to describe how I’m feeling right now,” Cormier said. “I’m disappointed to hear the news. It’s very emotional. We as athletes are entitled to due process, and I will refrain from saying much more until I know exactly what happened.”

To hear the latest in drug testing news, check back every week on AccreditedDrugTesting.net.