Page 60 - OHS, June 2020

E m p l o y e e D r u g & A l c o h o l Te s t i n g
ers encounter more and more collection facilities that are closed, have reduced hours of operation or are unable to offer urine col- lections at this time, an on-site oral fluid collection conducted by a trained employee is a viable alternative.
In a typical oral fluid collection, the donor and collector are in proximity with one another during the entire collection process making every collection fully observed. However, because the col- lection is donor-driven, the donor and collector can easily main- tain at least six feet of distance between themselves per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).13 The collector also can wear a protective mask and gloves.
Additionally, drugs are usually detectable in an oral fluid sam- ple within minutes after usage. This makes oral fluid testing ideal for detecting recent use, which may be of heightened concern for safety-sensitive occupations during COVID-19.
POCT Urine and Oral Fluid. In accordance with applicable state laws, the use of point-of-collection (POCT) oral fluid or urine test devices also represent viable options. Sometimes referred to as instant- or rapid-result tests, POCT devices are single-use, dispos- able tests that render an immediate result at the location of the test. Though these tests can be conducted at a collection facility, mobile collection services can visit a worksite and administer tests or em- ployees can be trained to supervise the collection.
POCT devices render qualitative (positive or negative) results. A presumptive positive sample can be sent to a certified laboratory for confirmation testing.
Instrumented POCT. Some POCT devices are part of an in- strumented testing system, which eliminates the need for an in- dividual to interpret a POCT result, the instrument or machine renders the result. If the qualitative result is positive, the sample can be sent to a lab for confirmation and, if confirmed positive, verification by a Medical Review Officer (MRO).
Saliva Alcohol. Saliva alcohol screens are also easy to conduct and represent an alternative to the use of evidentiary breath test- ing (EBT) if such testing is unavailable. In fact, some providers are reporting an increase in agencies and clinics discontinuing the use of breathalyzers during COVID-19 pandemic due to concerns over deep-lung air being delivered at the site of testing facilities. DOT permits the use of approved saliva alcohol screening devices, though an EBT is still required for confirmation of a screen positive.
Conclusion
Studies suggest that, perhaps, the only thing that can cause drug abuse to increase faster than legalizing marijuana is a national cri- sis. We know that substance abuse will likely increase in the com- ing months. We know that some industries and occupations that are essential to our collective survival tend to experience higher rates of substance abuse. We also know that because of the present circumstances, some employers may be questioning the impor- tance of drug testing or are experiencing problems maintaining their existing drug testing programs.
As we continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic, employers should remain committed to their drug-free workplace goals and rely on drug testing to help them achieve those objec-
tives. The services provided by third-party administrators (TPAs), laboratories, mobile collectors, device manufacturers, trainers, pol- icy consultants and medical review officers are essential. Working together we can maintain safe workplaces during these uncertain times and help the country survive the challenges of the day.
Bill Current is the author of “Why Drug Testing: Updated and Expanded for 2020,” as well as nine other books on substance-related issues. He founded the Current Consulting Group in 1998 and it has become the number one recognized brand name in compliance, business development, and operations consulting in the drug testing industry. Bill is a frequent speaker at webinars and conference around the country. He created Current Compliance, the only comprehensive on-line subscription database on all state laws related to workplace drug testing, including marijuana and workers’ compensation laws. He is the former Executive Director of the American Council for Drug Education and Vice President of Consulting at Employee Information Services.
REFERENCES
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2. https://archives.drugabuse.gov/publications/stress-substance- abuse-special-report-after-911-terrorist-attacks
3. “Booze buying surges; senators push airlines for cash refunds. ” Associated Press. March 31, 2020. https://apnews.com/ c407ecb931c6c528b4cceb0ecc216f0c
4. “Drinking Alcohol When Working from Home.” https://www.alcohol.org/ guides/work-from-home-drinking/
5. “Legal cannabis industry sees record sales as customers facing coronavirus crisis stock up.” CNBC. March 25, 2020. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/25/legal-cannabis-industry- sees-record-sales-in-coronavirus-crisis.html
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7. “These are the workers the U.S. government deems ‘essential’ amid the coronavirus pandemic.” Fortune. https://fortune.com/2020/03/20/essen- tial-workers-government-list-employees-coronavirus/
8. Occupations Associated with Substance Abuse. August 21, 2019. https:// americanaddictioncenters.org/occupational-stress-influences
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10. DOT Guidance on Compliance with DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regula- tions. March 23, 2020. https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/compliance- with-dot-drug-and-alcohol-testing-regulations
11. FMCSA COVID-19 Drug & Alcohol Testing Guidance. In effect until June 30, 2020. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/fmcsa-covid-19-drug-alcohol- testing-guidance
12. Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs— Oral/Fluid. October 25, 2019. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ programs_campaigns/division_workplace_programs/final-mg-oral-fluid.pdf
13. Schools, Workplaces & Community Locations. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
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