Industrial employee drug screening: a blind study of laboratory performance using commercially prepared controls

Article Abstract:

Increased use of industrial employee drug screening has led to an interest in laboratory quality control. Until recently, laboratory quality was measured by performance using various proficiency testing programs, in which the samples tested were known to be part of the evaluation. However, blind testing, in which proficiency samples are submitted that cannot be distinguished from normal samples, results in higher, and presumably truer, error rates, and blind testing is now mandated for forensic toxicology testing and for employers that contract with the federal government. Rockwell International Corporation and a third-party laboratory, Toxi-Lab Inc, conducted a joint study to determine the performance of drug screening laboratories used by Rockwell, the feasibility of industrial blind testing, and the usefulness of blind testing programs. Error rates for all laboratories averaged 2 percent false positive, and 20 percent false negative. Thus, few people would potentially be falsely accused of drug use, but one in five people using drugs would not be identified. Laboratory measurements are such that measures taken to decrease the rate of false negatives must increase the rate of false positives, which bears a heavier burden of consequences. A number of approaches are suggested to improve the accuracy of laboratories providing drug-screening services to industries. Interpretation of the results by knowledgeable professionals is absolutely necessary. Since the real goal of drug monitoring is improved performance and safer working conditions, employers are encouraged to employ less punitive, more supportive approaches to confirmed employee drug use. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Evaluation, Rockwell Automation Inc., Mandatory drug testing, Drug testing, Toxi-Lab Inc.

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Setting efficient standards for occupational hazards

Article Abstract:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is beginning to set standards for the health and safety of industrial workers based on costs and benefits.

Safety and security measures, Economic aspects, Laws, regulations and rules, Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health, Factories, United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Administrative law

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Drug abusers on the job

Article Abstract:

Statistical, economic and legal factors involved in drug abuse on the job.

Employee drug abuse

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