Legal issues in oral fluid testing.
The use of oral fluid for drugs of abuse testing has received increased attention with the availability of accurate methods for the collection and analysis of drugs in oral fluid specimens. Already used in the transportation and insurance industries, there is increasing interest in oral fluid drug testing in the workplace, schools, roadside driving under the influence of drugs, and criminal justice. Given that sanctions may accrue from positive test results, legal challenges are to be expected. However, with its established scientific base, demonstrated accuracy and reliability of collection and test methods, and current positive regulatory developments, it seems clear that the use of oral fluid as a specimen for drugs of abuse testing will be able to withstand judicial scrutiny.
Kadehjian
Leo
L
Biomedical Consulting, 765 Chimalus Drive, Palo Alto, CA, USA. drleo@worldnet.att.net
D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014481:United States