Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders 3rd ed - R. Frances, S. Miller, A. Mack (Guilford, 2005) WW

4. Laboratory Testing 71CONCLUSIONDespite the legitimate concern with false-positive and false-negative testresults, the weakest link in the “chain” of drug testing is chain-of-custody violations.Regardless of the sophistication of laboratory technology, human error incompleting the requisite paperwork at the drug-testing site remains the singlemost important inconsistent aspect of the testing process. Given the variety ofavailable methods to cheat, it is likely that drug testing will not catch all drugusers.As is the case in all aspects of clinical medicine, an accurate diagnosis ofsubstance abuse is based on a comprehensive clinical workup; drug testing isonly one, albeit important, component of the process. Workplace drug testinghopefully will not only deter drug use by employees while on the job (eliminatingcostly accidents and errors) but may also assist in initially identifying individualswith drug use disorders. In the world of sports, drug testing is intendedto create a level playing field for all competitors and promote the health of athletesby deterring the use of potentially harmful agents. The role of educatingthe public, particularly those at highest risk for drug use, cannot be overstatedand needs to be the keystone of any drug-free program.REFERENCESChappell, J. S., Meyn, A. W., & Ngim, K. K. (2004). The extraction and infraredindentification of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) from aqueous solutions. JForensic Sci, 49(1), 52–59.Cody, J., & Valtier, S. (2001). Effects of stealth adulterant on immunoassay testing fordrugs of abuse. J Anal Toxicol, 25, 466–470.Cone, E. J. (1996). Mechanisms of drug incorporation into hair. Ther Drug Monit, 18,438–443.Hansen, H. J., Caudill, S. P., & Boone, D. J. (1985). Crisis in drug testing: Results ofCDC blind study. JAMA, 253, 2382–2387.Hoffman, J. P., Brittingham, A., & Larison, C. (1996). Drug use among U.S. workers:Prevalence and trends by occupation and industry categories (DHHS Publication No.[SMA] 96–3089). Rockville, MD: SAMHSA Office of Applied Studies.National Institute on Drug Abuse. (1989). Drug abuse curriculum for employee assistanceprogram professionals (DHHS Publication No. ADM 89-1587, pp. i–vi, 98). Washington,DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.Schwab, M., & Syne, S. L. (1997). On paradigms, community participation, and thefuture of public health. Am J Public Health, 87, 2049–2052.