rograms. The DOT tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine and amphetamines. Initial tests are done by immunoassay and positive results are confirmed by gaschromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. Testing for alcohol is somewhat morecomplicated as alcohol remains in the blood stream for only a few hours (Campbell). Acomplete drug testing package can cost between $40 and $100 dollars. Marijuanausers function with reduced ability for about 4 to 6 hours after drug use and may testpositive for 1 to 3 days after use. In rare cases, a false positive test result for marijuanamay occur due to the prescription drug dronabinol (Marinol). Be careful with cocainetesting because it is used in some medical procedures which may cause a false Page 7positive test result (Campbell). I always thought this next one was a rumor but it reallyis a fact that ingestion of poppy seeds may elevate urine morphine levels and drugssuch as propoxyphene (Darvon) and diphenoxylate (Lomotil) may cause a falsepositive result for opioids (Campbell). In such cases, physicians should confirm theprescription of the respective drugs. Testing can be a very valuable tool if it is donecorrectly and in the proper situations. However, do not think that it can solve all of yourproblems alone. As you can see, the validity and reliability of drug testing results isquestionable. Drug testing seems to be an essential part of a good substance abuse policybut it can be extremely costly and ineffective in reducing substance abuse (Largent). Subcommittees of the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine havecompleted a study assessing the extent of drug use in the workplace, and the impact ofdrug abuse on job performance. Drug testers may be a little upset by some of itsconclusions, since the study raises important questions about the scientific rationale forworkplace drug testing (Largent). Workplace drug testing is a very big business. Thestudy gr...
