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Laboratory Testing Standards
NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse) is the government agency responsible
for regulation of the drug testing industry. All testing associated with the
government and its employees is performed in accordance with NIDA standards.
NIDA decides what the accurate cutoff levels are to detect the most minute
traces of prohibited substances while still avoiding false positive results.
Standards from NIDA are only used in NIDA certified laboratories. If a lab
is not NIDA certified, it may have its own standards, or adopt those of the
entity requesting the test.
All NIDA certified labs start by conducting an EMIT (Enzyme
Multiplied Immunoassay Technique) screen and then confirm the results,
if positive, using the more accurate and sensitive GC/MS
(Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) test. If your sample is "clean"
according to the EMIT test, they will not test your sample further. If, however,
your sample tests positive for any amount of illicit substances or shows any
suspicious signs of tampering, your sample will be subject to GC/MS.
Only labs that perform the GC/MC at the same location as the initial EMIT
can be NIDA certified. Again though, not all labs adhere to NIDA specifications.
Some labs even fail to do a GC/MS confirmation, and worse, some use cheap
alternative test methods to reduce expenses. In the work place, an EMIT is
typically used, followed by a GC/MS if the EMIT is positive. However, this
is not a rule. Some employers may surprise you with a GC/MS up front and others,
such as the U.S. Government, use a different testing method known as RIA
(Radio Immuno-Assay).
Anyone being tested under Department of Transportation guidelines can be
tested only for THC, cocaine, PCP, opiates and amphetamines. This is known
as a five panel test. They can not ask the donor to empty his/her pockets
before entering the test unless there is an obviously large object in them.
The donor can be asked to remove a jacket if one is worn. The donor will not
be observed.
Private companies can test for anything, but the labs usually only test for
the same substances as in the DOT regulations. Private companies can make
almost any request they want, including having the donor wear a hospital gown,
but this is rare. Donors are almost never observed providing their sample.
Individuals in the criminal justice system, whether through probation, parole
or deferred prosecution (drug court), can be certain of an observed donation.
URINE-THE-CLEAR™ is designed specifically to address this need. Individuals
in this category will most likely be subject to an eight panel test, including
the above mentioned drugs, plus barbiturates, benzodiazepenes and propoxyphenes.
Currently, 50 nanograms of THC metabolites per millimeter of urine defines
a "presumptive positive" by NIDA certified labs. These cutoffs are
not mandated for all testing facilities. The lab your sample is sent to may
use a cutoff level of anywhere from 15Ng/ml to 100Ng/ml. The fact is, methodology,
accuracy and cutoff levels vary from lab to lab. This makes it extremely difficult
to take appropriate counter-measures. One thing is certain though: urine testing
done properly is very accurate and can reliably detect adulterants
and detoxifiers.
* This product is to be used in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.
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