NCJ Number
136448
Date Published
1989
Length
900 pages
Annotation
This manual provides a quick reference to the legal and technical issues related to the testing of bodily fluids for evidence of illicit drugs.
Abstract
The first three chapters deal with technical issues. While the primary focus of the manual is urine testing, it also discusses the testing of other body fluid specimens. Some questions related to drug testing methods include accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, resolution, chain of custody, and quality assurance practices. The technical discussions center on the limitations of testing in terms of the potential for inaccurate results and the inability of chemical tests to prove impairment or intoxication. The chapters dealing with legal issues begin with a review of the most controversial area of testing, that is, employment. The manual covers private employment, government employment, and pre-employment. Special areas of concern include the use of urine tests in schools and their use in the criminal justice system. The final chapter examines alternative ways of dealing with drug abuse in the workplace and in general. The manual provides expert opinion, case law, and advice for practitioners. 8 appendixes