USADAOA UADC TRAINING

PURPOSE zThis training module will provide you with a better understanding of the drug testing process.

ARMY DRUG TESTING POLICY zThe Army drug testing program is based on a “use standard,” not impairment. zYou will be in violation of Army Regulation if the presence of drugs is detected in your system. zThe amount of drugs or its current effect on your system is not important when determining if a drug test is positive. zDrug tests can identify drug use that occurs several days, and sometimes weeks, prior to the time of giving a specimen.

SAFEGUARDS zDrug testing is reliable. Over five million tests have been completed without one case of false identification by laboratory error. zDrug and alcohol testing process used by the Army protects the rights both of the soldier and the nation.

SAFEGUARDS (cont.) zThere are four safeguards to protect soldiers and the Army: yclear rules for the collection of specimens yonly specifically certified laboratories are used for testing yphysician’s review to determine of there is a medical reason for a positive test yoption for a second laboratory evaluation zThe entire drug testing process is designed to ensure that you have a fair and reliable drug test.

COLLECTION PROCEDURES zDrug testing begins at the collection site. zA specially trained individual will give you instructions for providing a specimen. The Unit Alcohol and Drug Coordinator, UADC, is the unit collection expert. zThe UADC will assist you in completing the required paperwork. zThis process is designed to ensure that nobody spoils or switches your sample. zCOLLECTION PROCEDURES zThis process is called chain of custody. zChain of custody at the collection site means: yyou will handle your sample until it is released by you to go to the laboratory. yyou will keep your sample in sight at all times until it is ready to go to the laboratory. ythe sample will be sealed in your presence and you will initial the bottle zThe chain of custody process guarantees that your specimen and its result will not be switched with that of another soldier.

FORENSIC LABORATORY zDepartment of Defense laboratory tests are accurate and reliable. zChain of custody continues at the laboratory. zSpecimens and their chain custody documents arrive at the laboratory in sealed packages. zBefore a specimen can be tested, its package, sample container, and chain of custody document are inspected thoroughly for signs of tampering. zThe laboratory will not test samples that do not conform to strict chain of custody standards.

LABORATORY TESTING zBefore testing, the laboratory also checks for evidence of deliberate tampering not detected at the collection site. zThe laboratory uses a two test system: yIf the first is negative and conforms to quality control standards, the laboratory releases the result. yIf the test is positive for one or more drugs, a second, more specific test must confirm the same result.

LABORATORY TESTING (cont.) zThe second test is performed by a process called gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). yGC/MS looks for molecular “fingerprints” of drugs. yBecause GC/MS is virtually error proof, it is called the “goldstandard” of drug testing. yThe testing process identifies only controlled substances. It does not identify over the counter medication, birth control pills, ect.

zYour drug testing laboratory is certified by the Department of Defense. zCertification requires specially trained personnel and quarterly DA inspections, in addition to continuous quality control. zDrug testing laboratories are held to the highest standards of forensic science. zThe laboratory will not release a result that cannot be defended in court. LABORATORY TESTING (cont.)

REPORTING PROCEDURES zOnly illegal drug abuse is actionable by your commander. zAll positive drug tests for opiates, amphetamines, and barbiturates must be reviewed by a physician before they are actionable by your commander. zThis physician, called a Medical Review Officer (MRO), determines if there are legitimate reasons for the positive test. zIf there are legitimate reasons why you tested positive, then the MRO would report to your commander “no urinary conformation of drug abuse.”

REPORTING PROCEDURES (cont.) zAn individual with a prescription for Tylenol with codeine will test positive for opiates. zIf the MRO finds that the use was according to doctor’s or dentist’s orders, the MRO will report “no urinary conformation of drug abuse” to your commander. zSoldiers who are currently taking prescribed drugs under medical orders will not be reported as positive for drug tests. zThe drug testing process always allows for a second opinion. Soldiers may also request a second GC/MS from the laboratory.

CONCLUSION zAn individual always has the opportunity to have a small portion of the original sample sent to another laboratory for independent evaluation. zThe President of the United States directed your drug testing program for your safety an the benefit of the defense of our nation. zThe military Court of Appeals has upheld your drug testing process. And so have thousands of other courts and commanders. zThe drug testing process has been legally reviewed at every Army and federal level and has been found to be accurate and reliable.