LABORATORY TECHNIQUES AND QUALITY CONTROL

The Laboratory uses a range of carefully controlled chromatographic and immunoassay techniques for detecting and confirming the presence of drugs of abuse in urine specimens. The Laboratory aims to ensure a minimum of false 'negative' results, and that no false 'positive' results are reported. Confirmatory tests are always performed for the identification of specific amphetamine and opiate class drugs. However, in the cases of benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine and methadone, confirmatory tests are NOT routinely carried out, because these immunoassay are relatively specific and rarely produce false positives. Confirmatory test are, however, available for unexpected findings. The Laboratory is able to provide "absolute" confirmation of findings using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. The Laboratory participates regularly in external quality assurance schemes as part of an effort to achieve a consistently high standard of performance.