Category: Drug Testing News

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Benefits of a Florida Drug Free Workplace

Overview

In 1990 the Florida Legislature enacted a State law titled “Florida Drug-Free Workplace” F.S 112.0455. This law provided specific requirements which an employer must comply with in order to be certified as a Florida Drug Free Workplace. The benefits of the Florida Drug Free Workplace Act are available for employers who are “certified” as a Florida Drug-Free Workplace. The State of Florida through this law encourages employers to drug test employees and promotes a safe  Drug-Free Workplace environment.

How To Become A Florida Drug-Free Workplace?

Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides full compliance with Florida’s Drug-Free Workplace Act and all components necessary for an employer to be certified as a Florida Drug Free Workplace. Any business regardless of size, who wishes to be certified must implement and maintain all requirements of the Florida Drug Free Workplace law.

In addition to providing all of the services needed to comply as a Florida Drug Free Workplace, Accredited Drug Testing Inc has drug testing centers in all Florida cities.

To find a Florida drug testing center – Click Here

The State of Florida encourages all businesses regardless of size to be a Florida Drug Free Workplace and compliance with all requirements can provide many benefits for a Florida employer.

What are the benefits in becoming a Florida Drug Free workplace?

Benefits of a Florida Drug Free Workplace include 

·         Reduction in employee absenteeism ·         Reduction of employee theft
·         Improved employee morale ·         Dedicated employees
·         Enhance customer service ·         Reduction in health care cost
·         Reduction in work related accidents ·         Workers compensation discount

Additional Benefits For The Employer 

When an employee has a positive test result which violates the employers Drug Free Workplace Policy, the State of Florida provides the employer a defense in a Workers Compensation or unemployment claim.

Florida Statute 440.102 provides that medical and indemnity benefits are forfeited, and an employee may be discharged for testing positive for alcohol or a prohibited drug, or refuses to test, provided the employer has a program in compliance with the Workers’ Compensation Premium Reduction Act.

Furthermore, benefits are denied if the injury was caused primarily by employee’s intoxication or use of drugs not prescribed by a physician. If the employer does not have a certified program, an injured employee’s positive test or refusal to test creates a rebuttable presumption that the injury was caused primarily by the impairment, unless the employer has actual knowledge of and acquiesced while the employee was under the influence. Fla. Stat. §440.09(Supp. 2006).

In other words, if drugs are found in the employee’s system, that employee may not be entitled to workers compensation benefits under Florida Law.

Can the Florida Drug Free Workplace Program Save Money $$$

Florida companies that qualify as a Florida Drug Free Workplace can receive a 5% discount on their workers’ compensation insurance policy if the employer has properly implemented and continuously maintains all of the regulatory requirements of the Florida Drug Free Workplace Program.

 Florida Drug Free Workplace requirements include 

  • A written drug and alcohol policy (distributed and acknowledged by all employees)
  • 60-day testing commencement notification to employees
  • Supervisor training (reasonable suspicion)
  • Employee drug and alcohol testing program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Drug testing must be conducted by a certified laboratory
  • Drug test results must be verified by a Medical Review Officer
  • Completion of a Florida Drug Free Workplace application  (workers compensation credit)

To Review The Florida Drug Free Workplace Law – Click Here

The Florida Drug Free Workplace statute requires an employer to conduct pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing, random drug testing is optional.

Employers who do conduct random drug and alcohol testing must ensure that the company’s drug and alcohol policy state that random drug testing will be conducted. Random drug testing selection must be conducted in an impartial manner utilizing a random selection program which is administered by a computer program or other neutral process.

For more information on becoming certified as a Florida Drug Free Workplace call us today 800-221-4291 or send us a message

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Related image

Kratom, or  Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree native to southeast Asia which has leaves that can be manufactured into a high-producing drug when ingested. Sold over the counter, Kratom has been abused all over America, with calls to the U.S Poison Control Center associated with Kratom spiking rapidly between 2010-2015. Kratom is commonly marketed as treatment for Addiction, Anxiety, and Depression. At head shops, gas stations, and other general retail businesses, Kratom is sold in the form of raw leaf, powder, gum, capsules, tablets, and as a concentrated extract.

Effects of Kratom:

  • Increased energy and alertness.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Increased sociability.
  • Heightened libido.
  • Analgesia (pain reduction).
  • Drowsiness.
  • Calm, dreamlike mental state.
  • Cough suppression.
  • Reduction in symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Signs of Kratom use:

  • Pupillary constriction (tiny pupils).
  • Facial flushing (blushing).
  • Tremors or loss of motor coordination.
  • Constipation.
  • Sweating.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Itching.

Common Uses/Misuses of Kratom

Kratom is used as a painkiller, antipyretic (fever reducer), anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough suppressant), antihypertensive (to lower blood pressure), as a local anesthetic, to lower blood sugar, and as an antidiarrheal. There are no studies linked to the effectiveness of these uses.

Image result for kratom imagesKratom is also illicitly abused, in a fashion similar to prescription pain-killers, touting opiate-mimicking effects. Although Kratom is used by all age groups, there has been a recent increase in use among young adults.

FDA Warnings

The FDA released a statement in 2017 warning against Kratom use.  The conditions that are being treated with Kratom should be treated by licensed professionals. There is also high potential for abuse, as Kratom produces effects similar to Opiates and Stimulants.

Testing for Kratom

Standard drug tests cannot detect  7-Hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine, the main psychoactive components of Kratom. The only way Kratom can be detected is through laboratory testing. It is estimated that Kratom can be tested for up to 5 days after ingestion.

For information on Kratom testing, or to order a Kratom Drug Test, Visit Accrediteddrugtesting.com, or call 800-221-4291

 

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2 Dead and 17 Injured In NJ Transit Bus Accident 

Aug 29 2016

2 Dead and 17 Injured In NJ Transit Bus Accident

A tragic accident occurred on Friday morning August 19, 2016 when two NJ Transit busses collided.

The driver of the No. 59 bus driver was traveling westbound on Broad Street with no passengers onboard when it T-boned the No. 13 bus headed north on Raymond Boulevard with approximately 20 passengers onboard.

According to a NJ Transit spokesperson, the driver of the 59 bus and 1 passenger were killed along with 17 other passengers taken to nearby hospitals with seven listed in critical condition.  When the two buses collided, the impact forced one to flip over and appeared to be partially split in half at a Newark intersection Friday morning.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department Of Transportation (DOT) regulations 49 CFR Part 382.303 regulates the criteria for post accident testing.

 

What CDL/DOT Drivers Need to Know

DOT drug and alcohol tests include:

  • Pre-employment – An employer must receive a negative drug test result before permitting a CDL driver to operate a CMV.
  • Post-accident – Drug and alcohol tests may be required after crashes.  Click here for info https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/drug-alcohol-testing/what-tests-are-required-and-when-does-testing-occur
  • Random – CDL drivers must be randomly tested throughout the year.  Any employer who employs only himself/herself as a driver, who is not leased to a motor carrier, shall implement a random testing program of two or more covered employees in the random testing selection pool as a member of a consortium.
  • Reasonable suspicion – Drivers who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol are subject to immediate testing. Employers must have trained supervisors to detect the symptoms of driver impairment.
  • Return-to-duty – This is required for drivers who have tested positive, refused to test, or otherwise violated the prohibitions of  49 CFR Part 382 Subpart B; and drivers must also complete the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional. This return to duty test is directly observed, and a negative result is required before resuming driving duties.
  • Follow-up – Required for drivers who tested positive, refused, or otherwise violated the prohibitions of and who have completed the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional, and have tested negative for a return-to-duty test. This testing is prescribed by the substance abuse professional for a minimum of 6 directly observed tests in 12 months, but could be extended an additional four years.


For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here
John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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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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Marijuana use changes brain’s reward system overtime

June 9 2016

Marijuana use changes brain's reward system overtime

Researchers found that individuals who were long-term marijuana users had increased activity in certain areas of the brain associated with reward when presented with marijuana-associated cuesMarijuana use changes brain’s reward system overtime , compared with when they were presented with fruit-associated cues.

Study co-author Dr. Francesca Filbey, of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas, and colleagues publish their findings in the journal Human Brain Mapping.

Though marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in America, with around 22.2 million users in the past month, an increasing number of states are legalizing its use for recreational or medical purposes.

However, despite this increase in marijuana legalization, Dr. Filbey and colleagues note that there is limited information on how the drug might lead to problematic use.

While only a small number of studies have investigated how marijuana use impacts the neural circuits of the brain to trigger cravings for the drug, some of these studies have suggested that the mesocorticolimbic reward system is involved.

This system incorporates several brain regions that release dopamine – a neurotransmitter that regulates the reward and pleasure centers – in response to certain cues.

Marijuana use disrupts mesocorticolimbic reward system
To further investigate how marijuana use might affect the mesocorticolimbic reward system, the team enrolled 59 daily, long-term marijuana users – who had used the drug for an average of 12 years – alongside 70 non-users.

Fast facts about marijuana
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in marijuana
In 2011, there were almost 456,000 drug-related emergency department visits in the U.S. in which marijuana use was involved
Altered senses, change in mood, impaired body movement, and problems with thinking and memory are just some of the effects of marijuana use.
Learn more about marijuana
Both groups were presented with visual cues. These included marijuana-associated images, such as a joint, bong, or pipe, and self-selected images of preferred fruits, such as a banana, an apple, or grapes.

The researchers explain that fruit is a natural reward cue that is “inherently salient and represented in the brain’s reward system.”

During the stimuli task, the researchers assessed the participants’ brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The team found that long-term marijuana users showed greater activity in the mesocorticolimbic reward pathways of the brain when they were presented with marijuana-associated cues than when they were shown images of preferred fruits.

Specifically, in response to marijuana-associated cues, long-term users had greater brain activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, anterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, and the ventral tegmental area (VTA).

The researchers also found that the greater the interference of natural reward pathways in response to marijuana cues, the more problems that were experienced as a result of marijuana use, such as family problems.

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the entire United States, Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is available to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:

Brandon Rains
Director Of Online Marketing
Brandon@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

 

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As a Nationwide Third Party Administrator (TPA), we receive numerous inquiries on the topic of random drug testing. Oftentimes random is referred to as “spot,” drug testing and it is a strong deterrent to drug users because it is conducted on an unannounced basis.

Employers should also have a drug free workplace policy which out lines the who, what, where, when, why and how of their drug testing program.

What is the best method for random testing?

Our best recommendation for a random drug testing program is to utilize a random selection process where everyone has an equal chance of being selected for the random test.  Some examples include: using a random-number table or a computer-based random number generator that’s traceable to a specific employee. The most important factor is to be sure to use a scientifically valid method to select employees for testing.

Employers who utilize a computerized random selection process will ensure that there is no bias and that all employees have an equal chance of being selected, regardless if individuals have been drug tested recently.

Implementing a random drug testing program may be a more effective method to detect and deter drug use in conjunction with pre-employment testing because employees are uncertain as to when they may be selected for testing.

Typically, most drug free workplace policies do not even outline the basics of a properly written policy and we find that many employers believe that merely having a statement that they are a drug free workplace is the policy.
It is important to be aware that a statement in your handbook does not constitute a policy and in fact, it may be opening your business/organization to potential liability.

How does the computerized method work?

Every employer can outline the parameters of their random drug testing program based on their specific drug free workplace policy. Their policy should set the number of employees to be tested and the frequency of such testing.

Privately owned non -regulated businesses can make that determination on a case by case basis. However, regulated companies such as those covered by CFR 49 part 40 must adhere to strict requirements regarding their random drug testing program. Below are the current random testing rates for businesses/individuals regulated or “covered” under CFR 49 Part 40.

The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2018.
DOT Agency 2018 Random Drug Testing Rate 2018 Random Alcohol Testing Rates

The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2018.
DOT Agency 2018 Random Drug Testing Rate 2018 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA]		 25% 10%
Federal Aviation Administration
[FAA]		 25% 10%
Federal Railroad Administration
[FRA]		 25% – Covered Service 10% – Covered Service
50% – Maintenance of Way * 25% – Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration
[FTA]		 25% 10%
Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
[PHMSA]		 50% N/A
United States Coast Guard

[USCG]

(now with the Dept. of Homeland Security

 25% N/A

Why Random Drug Testing

With today’s climate regarding drug use and abuse, there is a high probability of drug use occurring and by implementing a drug free workplace policy that is comprehensive and includes both pre-employment and random drug testing will help reduce the number of employees working at your company that are doing illegal drugs.
This will translate into less accidents, sick days, better productivity, and a safer work environment for both employees and customers.

Ensuring Employee Safety

Some occupations are dangerous to perform even when person is not impaired. Employees using heavy equipment, or operating machinery that requires an employee to be alert and not under the influence. Pre-employment urine drug testing typically provides a detection window of approximately 3-5 days; therefore, an individual seeking employment may stop using just to get the job and start right back up again.
Random drug testing will help deter use and that the employee doesn’t work while under the influence, protecting themselves, other staff and the public from potential accidents.

Employers having both pre-employment and a random drug testing program can assist your organization to stand out with respect to safety. In general, people want to feel safe and they want an organization to be reliable, consistent and provide clear and concise standards. Implementing a random testing program may help demonstrate that you invested in employee safety and your customer’s safety and satisfaction. Furthermore, it can also help you attract higher quality candidates leading to better job satisfaction, higher morale and increased productivity.

For more information on random drug testing call us today at 800-221-4291

 

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What Is Specimen Validity Testing?

Workplace drug testing today has dramatically since the early 1970’s, along with the types of illicit drugs available the general public.

Over time, it has been a common practice for illegal drug users to attempt to beat (cheat) a drug test. It is also important to realize that as testing methods and technology advances, individuals will continue to find new and creative ways to cheat a urine drug test.

Current trends in attempting to cheat a drug test is Synthetic urine. Many individuals purchase these items with a optimism of attempting to avoid a positive drug test result.

With this influx and the attempts to beat a urine drug test by utilizing synthetic urine products such as UPassTM, Quick Fix®, and Xtream® has attracted the attention of various state lawmakers.

One example would be Representative Willie Bailey of Mississippi which had proposed a bill known as the “Urine Trouble Act” in an effort to address the matter of safety-sensitive employees using synthetic urine to evade drug tests in industries such as transportation and manufacturing. Although the bill passed in the Mississippi House, it was rejected by the state senate.

Furthermore, there is at least seventeen states, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, have pending legislation banning the use and sale of synthetic urine.

There are many choices when choosing a laboratory to perform drug testing analysis, but we recommend utilizing a laboratory which provides validity testing to ensure that a urine drug test specimen is human and has not been tampered with.

Accredited Drug Testing utilizes only SAMHSA Certified Laboratories for all incoming specimens, which include specimen validity testing as part of their drug testing procedure and analysis.

For more information in urine drug testing or to schedule a test call 1-800-221-4291 or click the button below to register today!

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drug testing cut off levels

What is an MRO?

A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is an individual who is a licensed physician and has received additional qualification training and certification  in order to receive and review laboratory results generated by an employer’s drug testing program. A Medical Review Officer (MRO) plays an intricate part of any robust drug testing program for both DOT/NON DOT drug testing regulated employers or individuals.

What are the Medical Review Officer’s responsibilities in the DOT drug testing program?

Listed below are the basic responsibilities/ requirements of a Medical Review Officer as it relates to the DOT Drug Testing Program.

Medical Review Officers/MRO’s…

(a) Are an independent/impartial “gatekeeper” of the drug testing process who also advocates for the accuracy and integrity of the drug testing process.

(b) Provide an overall quality assurance review of the drug testing process (CCF form) for the specimens under their review.

(c) MRO’s must determine whether there is a legitimate medical explanation for a confirmed positive, adulterated, substituted, or invalid drug test result issued from the laboratory.

(d) MRO’s provide medical review of employees’ test results, however it does not imply that there has been established a doctor-patient relationship with the employees whose tests MRO’s review.

(e) Medical Review Officers must act to investigate and correct problems wherever possible and must notify appropriate parties (e.g., HHS, DOT, employers, service agents) where assistance is needed.

(f) MRO’s ensure the timely flow of test results and other information to employers.

(g) MRO’s must protect the confidentiality of the drug testing information.

(h) MRO’s must perform all functions in compliance with part 40 and other DOT agency regulations.

For more information on the full detailed responsibilities of an MRO in the DOT Drug Testing Program, we recommend downloading and reviewing CFR 49 Part 40. (Click Here).

ADT offers a comprehensive drug testing program including analysis at a SAMHSA Certified Laboratory and our in-house Medical Review Officers review all test results whether they are DOT or Non DOT regulated employers or individuals.

For more information regarding the role a Medical Review Officer plays in the drug testing process or to open an employer account today. Call our customer service team at 800-221-4291.

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Riverside County Ecstasy Drug Seize Delivered From the Netherlands

March 3, 2016
Last month federal officials seized a package containing drugs with an Riverside County Ecstasy Drugestimated value of $22,250. The puzzle box sent from the Netherlands, contained puzzle pieces mixed with over 1,000 pieces of the illegal party drug Ecstasy.

The intended receiver of the package was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale charges. Detectives also found an additional 125 Ecstasy and 90 Xanax pills in the suspect’s apartment.

Ecstasy, or Molly/MDMA, is a psychoactive synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. Ecstasy gained popularity in nightclubs and raves, but is now reaching a broader range of users because of it’s ease of accessibility and low cost.

Ecstasy can affect the body’s ability to regulate spikes in the body temperature, that can occasionally result in liver, kidney, or heart failure, and possibly death. Many users will take a combination of Ecstasy with other drugs and or alcohol not knowing the possible dangers.

It is not uncommon for dealers to have large quantities of Ecstasy, for the sole purpose of distributing to the masses. A popular venue for the distribution are at concerts or multi-day music festivals, known as raves.

With the surge in popularity of Electronic Dance Music, or “EDM”, many venues are hosts to these multi-day festivals. Most venues are equipped with on hand medical staff to assist with emergencies, but many festival goers camp onsite, and are subject to being left unattended. Another major issue that arises are the sheer mass of crowds that attend these festivals. On site medical staff are only equipped to handle a few cases of medical emergencies, and with the ease of Ecstasy’s mass distribution some overdose cases may be overlooked, resulting in death.

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the Lake Elsinore area, Accredited Drug Testing is there to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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Lawmakers and Industry Leaders Pushing for Job Site Alcohol Testing in New York.

March 1, 2016
Last month an ABC-7 Eyewitness News Investigators exclusive investigation caught construction workers in Manhattan drinking heavily Alcohol Testingduring lunch. The shocking footage has the City Council, Department of Buildings, and some construction industry leaders calling for mandatory alcohol testing.

The footage captured on an undercover camera, shows workers drinking numerous beers and taking shots of hard liquor. Over a 45-minute period the workers are drinking heavily whilst consuming little to no food, then returning to work, which included rigging cranes and operating various dangerous equipment. The workers were filmed drinking at three different locations, none of which seemed concerned for getting caught

For answers to all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs, Accredited Drug Testing is the premier source with local locations across the state of New York!

Last year, there were 18 construction fatalities in New York City alone. Lawmakers and industry leaders are taking steps to make mandatory drug and alcohol testing the law. In February, after a crane collapse killed a pedestrian, the New York City mayor implemented new crane regulations and quadrupled penalties for serious construction violations.

What is clear, is that mandatory drug and alcohol testing in safety sensitive positions should not be overlooked. Negotiations will have to begin due to its collective barging nature. Lawmakers will have to work with unions, independent contractors, and construction companies to come into agreement for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.  

Some sites already require mandatory drug and alcohol screening but not all do. This leads to major concerns given the safety sensitive nature of construction work. Impaired workers not only endanger their coworker’s lives, but those around the site.

The contracter at the center of the investigation, says he has fired some of the workers. The company also stated they would require mandatory drug and alcohol testing at all sites now. Accredited Drug Testing can easily perform on site drug and alcohol testing.   

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the New York City area, Accredited Drug Testing is there to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

Related Article: ABC7NY.com: Investigators Exclusive: Union, lawmakers react after construction workers caught drinking