Drug Testing for Child Protection
Objectives Clarify different types of drug testing available Understand how drug testing is used in relation to child protection Define drug testing results and levels Determine what certain results may suggest for probable use/abuse November 10, 2018
Alaska’s Drug & Alcohol Climate Alaskans average among the highest per capita users of controlled substances and alcohol Home to highly organized cocaine import and distribution groups Demand for Alaska-grown marijuana continues to be high due to exceptional THC content November 10, 2018
Drugs in the News
Non-DOT Program Tests Marijuana (THC) Amphetamine & Methamphetamine Alcohol (24hrs or 80hrs) Suboxone K2 Spice Bath Salts Oxycodone MDMA Meperidine Nicotine Methaqualone LSD Marijuana (THC) Amphetamine & Methamphetamine Cocaine Opiates Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Propoxyphene Methadone Caffeine November 10, 2018
Testing Process
Detection Periods in Urine Drug Time Frame Marijuana Amphetamine PCP Cocaine Opiates 2 – 30 days or more 2 – 4 days 2 – 3 days 12 – 72 hours November 10, 2018
Urinalysis Instant UAs Lab Based UAs In house test with a dip stick to determine whether drugs are detected in the urine Non-Negative samples are sent to lab for confirmation testing Cannot test for alcohol Restricted to 5, 7, 9, or 11 Panel tests Laboratory confirmation of which specific sub-class of drugs and at what quantitation levels Results received in approximately 2-3 business days Laboratory tests for Validity in urine November 10, 2018
Hair Tests Adult tests for ingestion of tested drugs ChildGuard tests for exposure to tested drugs Detects back approximately 90 days 100-120 MG required for testing Head hair requires 120 strands; size of pencil eraser Body Hair requires size of cotton ball (arms, underarms, etc) Needs to be 1 ½ inches for testing November 10, 2018
Collection Sites Anchorage Wasilla Kenai Fairbanks Beacon 300 W 36th Ave Wasilla Valley Phlebotomy Kenai Beacon 450 Daubenspeck Circle Fairbanks Beacon 575 Riverstone Way Fairbanks Urgent Care (Airport Way) Tanana Valley Clinic (Cushman Ave) Juneau and Ketchikan Tongass Substance Screening November 10, 2018
OCS Drug Testing Policy OCS case decisions should not be made based on drug testing results alone Testing should only be used as one tool in conjunction substance abuse screening and assessments as well as a comprehensive coordinated multidisciplinary response that includes mental health/substance abuse professionals Frequency of testing at OCS is based on national best practices (SAMSHA), the specifics of the case, and cost Drug testing is not compulsory Testing should not be used unless the information will be useful and unless its part of a comprehensive approach and date client has agreed to participate. Testing should not be ordered by OCS if the client is A) currently in a treatment program (where testing may be a component) B) if the client has admitted to using C) if the client refuses to participate. Testing of children should ideally be conducted with their medical provider or at a CAC (where that option is available) More Questions? Call Richard Bloomquist at (907) 465-3207 November 10, 2018
Questions & Answers
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