Federal Workplace Drug Testing Expanded

Testing for Broader Range of Illicit Drugs

The U.S. government has expanded its drug testing procedures for all federal employees to include tests for a wider range of illicit substances, including some popular "club drugs" such as Ecstasy.

The "Final Notice of Revisions to its Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs" was published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to establish guidelines for all federal workplace drug testing.

Broader Range of Drug Tests

According to SAMHSA, the new guidelines call for workplace urine test for a broader range of illicit substances including:

• 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy," or "Adam")
  
• 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA or "Love Drug")
  
• 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA or "Eve")

Previously, federal employees were not tested for the above substances, known as "designer drugs" or "club drugs" due to their popularity with young people who frequently nightclubs and parties.

Alternative Tests Not Mandated

In 2004, SAMHSA looked at proposals to include adding testing on hair, oral fluid and sweat patch specimens. Also proposed was testing at the point of collection for "screening agents" that can be used to try to contaminate urine tests.

However, the Department of Health and Human Services decided that further study of these alternative testing techniques needed to be completed before adding them to the mandatory guidelines.

Future Expansions Possible

The use of alternative testing may be recommended in the future, however.

"These final drug testing guidelines will continue to protect the public's health and safety," said SAMHSA's acting administrator, Eric Broderick, in a news release. "However, we recognize that there are other emerging technologies and approaches that may enhance the nature and scope of drug screening efforts, and we will do everything we can to help aid their development."

_Source:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "Final Federal Workplace Drug Testing Guidelines Allow Broader Use of Urine Specimen Testing." November 2008.