By Robin Leonado
For effective implementation of this
program, there are certain aspects to be taken care of.
Here are a few tips that enable effective implementation
of the program.
Explain the importance:
Teachers, parents, employers or any other personnel
conducting the drug testing program should make it clear
to the suspects that the purpose of the program is to
ensure better and healthy living of the individual. It is
their duty to explain the benefits of detecting and
preventing the drug abusing habit. By doing so, the
individuals will be encouraged to take the test without
any inhibitions.
Determine the best method:
Drug testing methods are classified into different types
depending on the sample used - hair, saliva, urine and
blood. Of these methods, choose a method that is
convenient. The convenience of the test should be
judged in terms of ease of conducting and effectiveness
in giving reliable results.
Be aware of drug detection windows:
Knowing drug detection windows is important for
effective implementation of the program because, the
drug detection periods vary from sample to sample and
from drug to drug. For example, in case of
amphetamines the drug detection period is 1 to 3 days in
urine, 24 hours in blood, 90 days in hair and 0-24 hours
in saliva.
Implement preventive methods to avoid sample
alteration:
There is a probability that the suspects adulterate or
manipulate (alter) test samples. Hence, make sure that
the testing area/room does not contain any kind of
materials/solvents which can be used to adulterate the
test sample. It is also important that while collecting test
samples, the donors should be monitored.
Use reliable test kits:
The effectiveness of the program is also dependent on
the effectiveness of the equipment. Since testing at
schools or workplaces requires on-site testing tools, drug
test kits are recommended. These kits can also be used
for home drug testing as they ensure privacy of results.
These kits are cost effective, fast, safe, accurate and
reliable. They are of different types based on the
specimen used (saliva, urine, hair, etc.) and the design of
kits (cups or strips). FDA approved kits give accurate
results as they abide by the SAMHSA cut-off levels.
An effectively implemented drug testing program not only
fetches accurate results but also plays a vital role in
eliminating the habit of drug abuse.