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Biomedical subjects

R E Willette

Publications and source records attributed to R E Willette.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Urinary cannabinoids in monitoring abstinence in a drug abuse treatment program.

Urine specimens from 162 adolescents entering a drug treatment program were tested for cannabinoids using a photometric immunoassay (EMITst) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The EMITst has a cutoff point of detection 25 ng/mL or less of 9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol. When reported as positive, both tests appeared to be reliable. There were two false-positive EMITst results and three false-positive TLC results in the 67 urine specimens that did not contain cannabinoids. When reported as negative, however, the EMITst with its 100 ng/mL cutoff failed to detect almost 40% of all cannabinoid-positive specimens. Of the 65 chronic marijuana smokers in the present study who stated that they had smoked within two days of their admission into the treatment facility, 17 (26%) went undetected by the 100 ng/mL cutoff used by the EMITst method. In clinical settings such as drug treatment programs, tests for urinary cannabinoids should use a detection threshold at 20 ng/mL or less.

Adult

Drug testing programs.

Many Federal agencies and private companies are conducting drug tests on job applicants and employees. Although the reasons for testing and the circumstances under which testing is conducted vary considerably, the main intent of these programs is to provide a drug-free environment for other employees and a safe service to the public. The programs that have been most successful usually include a clear communication to all employees and applicants as to the nature of the drug program and the consequences of detected drug use. Also, successful programs usually afford employees some type of assistance and a second chance. Finally, it is essential for successful programs to provide a reasonable and fair approach that includes procedures for due process, that is, a line of review and appeal.

Government Agencies