Deaths from cocaine, after holding steady for many years, increased an alarming 52% between 2015 and 2016, according to the CDC, with the trend continuing in the most recent federal data. The stimulant is now killing approximately 13,000 people a year, on track to rival painkiller pills and heroin. Although researchers don’t fully understand why … Read more
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Oct. 5, 2016 SAN FRANCISCO—The married couple living in the third-floor, ocean-view apartment were friendly and ambitious. She explored the city, posting selfies on Facebook. He started a small music label at home. “They were nice people,” said Ann McGlenon, their former landlady. “She’s very sweet. He’s a go-getter.” Authorities say Candelaria Vazquez … Read more
Myth: Confirmed levels of metabolite concentrations in urine are directly proportionate to usage (i.e. the more drug you take, the more you have in your system) Fact: There are several studies discussing how drug metabolite disposition varies among individuals and dosage levels. In the previously referenced manuscript by Dr. Marilyn Huestis and Dr. Edward Cone, … Read more
Myth: Hair testing is ‘new science’ and is not ready for prime-time. Fact: Hair testing was brought to the commercial marketplace by Psychemedics in 1987 after ten years of extensive research and development. With millions of hair tests already conducted for employers, child protection agencies, and police forces all over the world, the scientific validity has … Read more
Myth: My lab result was negative but my instant/point of care test was positive. I need a new cup vendor. Fact: They could BOTH be right! Instant/point of care test results depends on combined activity in a given drug class. The instant test is designed to simply indicate if further testing is needed, and is … Read more
Myth: Oral fluid provides a similar window of detection to urine Fact: It is widely known in the drug testing industry that oral fluid provides a shorter window of detection when compared with urine. However, some clients see oral fluid as much simpler and less intrusive. It is important that clients are properly informed about … Read more
Myth #2: An employer cannot prohibit the use of medical marijuana at the workplace. Fact: This is certainly a hot topic in our current environment of relaxed state laws pertaining to marijuana use. Fortunately for employers who want to keep marijuana users out of the workplace, federal law still classifies marijuana as an illegal substance under … Read more
After a scathing report in 1971 by Congressmen Robert Steele (R-CT) and Morgan Murphy (D-IL) highlighting a heroin epidemic among servicemen in Vietnam, the U.S. military announced that it would begin urinalysis testing of all returning servicemen (known as Operation Golden Flow). During this program, 4.5 percent of the returning servicemen tested positive for heroin … Read more