Tag: Accredited Drug Testing

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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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Accredited Drug Testing, Inc has been in business for over 4 years, and in that time we have grown exponentially. We are the nation’s leading provider of drug and alcohol testing. Our President and CEO James Greer has been an expert in the drug testing community for over 20 years. He is a successful entrepreneur and has grown the company to be an active and honored part of the drug testing industry. In drug testing, there is a lot of confusion especially when it comes to the rules and regulations associated with the industry and the ever changing laws on things like medical marijuana. And this is how we came up with the idea for American Drug Talk.

American Drug Talk is a show designed to talk about the issues affecting the nation’s drug and alcohol testing industry. Upcoming episodes will address issues such as medical marijuana in the workplace, U.S. Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing regulations (commonly referred to as Part 40), regulations on background checks. The show will also address issues facing today’s society in regards to the opioid epidemic and answer the viewers’ questions on any and all drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures.

There will also be training in several episodes to teach the skills needed to succeed in successful drug testing administration. All of the episodes will also include a guest that is an expert on the topic at hand. Occasionally there will be a guest on hand to speak about opinions they have on drug testing and the industry.

But most importantly, American Drug Talk is a conversation about drug use and testing throughout the nation. James Greer is our host and leader into demystifying the world and regulations of the testing industry. This show is meant to entertain and educate viewers each week with thought provoking discussions and lessons. We hope you tune into each week as we discuss America’s drug and alcohol testing industry.

 

American Drug Talk Ep. 1: Welcome

Watch Episode 1 Above!

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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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MMA Legend Conor Mcgregor and undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather’s upcoming match will be one for the books on August 26th, 2017.

What fight?

The athletes have done several press events to build anticipation for the fight, now dubbed “The Money Fight” being held in the T-Mobile Area in Las Vegas, Nevada. Where they face off and taunt each other with scare tactics.

But one thing both athletes have agreed on is being part of a USADA robust testing program. This program is very similar to the UFC Anti-Doping Program Mcgregor is still a part of. And while many are considering this fight a circus, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is insisting that this will be treated and regulated like all other boxing matches before it.

Who’s been drug testing?

Mcgregor has yet to be tested under the USADA’s program but has been tested 5 times in 2017 under the UFC testing program and has consistently come up negative. Mayweather, on the other hand, had been tested twice this month under the new program but hasn’t been tested in over 2 years since his fight with Andre Berto in September 2015. Mayweather is coming out of retirement for the big “Money Fight” this month.

For Mayweather some are worried this month was a bit late to begin testing but officials are insistent the drug testing will be continuous  moving forward.

“There is no maximum number of tests that can be performed and like our other programs, we will test robustly leading up to and during the fight in order to maximize deterrence and detection,” the spokesperson said. “Each athlete’s test history will be published on the USADA website and updated weekly.”

Who’s in charge?

The testing is administered through the United States Anti-doping Agency (USADA) but has not been registered with the Nevada State Athletic Commission as of yet. The USADA and NSAC have had differences in the past which spelled trouble for Mayweather during his Pacquaio fight in 2o15.

For the latest in drug testing industry news and DOT news, check out the rest of our blog at accrediteddrugtesting.net

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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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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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This week in the news, a U.S. Navy veteran went into a routine appointment at his local VA Clinic in Panama City Beach, Florida to get a cholesterol test done when he found something attached to his test results, the results of a drug screening. One he did not ask for.

His first reaction was that it was “kind of weird” the Panama City Herald reports.

Robert Williams, the veteran in question, said this was an infringement of his fourth amendment rights which include “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

A representative from Senator Marco Rubio’s office said the tests are not a part of the VA’s policy and aren’t to be given without the consent of the patients. Williams tested negative for all the drugs he was screened for, but he wasn’t concerned about the results- he is adamantly opposed to drugs- but that wasn’t the issue.

He claims this was a privacy infringement, but a representative of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) defends the drug screening that took place. “This test does not require consent from the veteran, but the veteran is free to do the test or not. … If there is proof a veteran isn’t taking his/her controlled substances responsibly, or doesn’t allow the provider to monitor the effectiveness of the medication(s) prescribed, the provider may stop the veteran’s prescription” representative Jerron Barnett wrote in a prepared statement to the press.

They have a right to do a urinalysis; it’s the drug test that’s a search of your person,” he said. “Just because they have a sample or tissue of mine does not mean they have a right to test it.” He also wonders how many more veterans will be subject to this testing without their knowledge and for those that do test positive, how it will affect their VA benefits such as health care, housing-related assistance and disability.

“The real question is who authorized this?” he said. “Whose idea was it? And who told (my doctor) his patients had to be drug-screened?” He said the VA’s inconsistent responses are in line with many issues plaguing the agency.

“That’s the thing about VA; they have deniability,” Williams said. “Everything about their process is built with an opaque protection for the people so you’ll never get to the bottom of this, whose decision this is.”