Table of Contents
Abstract
This Standard sets out requirements and guidance on the mechanisms of incorporation of drugs into oral fluid, factors that might affect drug concentration, procedures for specimen collection, storage, handling, on-site initial testing and, if relevant, dispatch of human oral fluid to the laboratory.
Scope
This Standard provides requirements and guidance on the mechanisms of incorporation of drugs into oral fluid, factors that might affect drug concentration, procedures for specimen collection, storage, handling, on-site initial testing and, if relevant, dispatch of human oral fluid to the laboratory. It also covers applicability of oral fluid for drug testing and general issues related to drug detection on-site and quantitation in the laboratory.
The laboratory method is intended for, but not limited to, workplace, medico-legal or court- directed detection of any or all of the following classes of drugs:
(a) Opiates.
(b) Amphetamine-type stimulants.
(c) Cannabis.
(d) Cocaine and metabolites.
NOTE: Although the use of test results is outside the scope of this Standard, where oral fluid testing is used for employment purposes, consideration should be given to the development of policies in consultation with all relevant parties, specifically in relation to the basis of requesting, testing, reporting and the proper application of results.
Application
The Standard addresses only the testing of specimens for workplace, medico-legal or court-directed purposes. The testing of specimens for clinical use or in sport is not covered. Oral fluid specimens collected under this Standard should only be used for the specific purpose of drug analysis, e.g. they are not to be used for DNA testing.
The Standard addresses only the testing of specimens for workplace, medico-legal or court-directed purposes. The testing of specimens for clinical use or in sport is not covered. Oral fluid specimens collected under this Standard should only be used for the specific purpose of drug analysis, e.g. they are not to be used for DNA testing.
History
First published as AS 4760-2006.