A snapshot of workplace drug testing in the UK.
BACKGROUND
There is a growing trend towards workplace drug testing in the UK, but there is little published data associated with this work.


OBJECTIVE
This survey reviews our findings from workplace drug testing in comparison with the results obtained from routine illicit drug monitoring.


METHODS
The results of the analysis of 1617 specimens from 82 workplace drug testing sources and 12,281 submitted from drug dependency units were collated and compared.


RESULTS
Workplace specimens were found to be positive for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine and heroin.


CONCLUSIONS
The data presented here suggest that a regular monitoring is required to discern the true extent of drug use in the workplace, especially in safety critical areas.
George
S
S
Regional Laboratory for Toxicology, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK. Stephen.George@swbh.nhs.uk
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D017132:Workplace