Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jan 2002
Source: Mobile Register (AL)
Copyright: 2002 Mobile Register.
Contact:  http://www.al.com/mobile/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/269
Author: Myron Von Hollingsworth
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

DRUG TESTS ARE REALLY 'LIFESTYLE TESTING'

 From the very first "drug test" to the present, the very nature of the 
methods used for screening reduce these tests to nothing more than 
"lifestyle testing."

Furthermore, only certain lifestyles result in a "failure" of these tests. 
It's not about public safety or employee safety, and it is not about 
identifying true, real-time impairment of employees before their shift 
begins. It's about fear, control and oppression.

Moreover, the most popular methods of testing (urine, sweat, blood and 
hair) do not measure true, "real time" impairment. They only measure 
non-psychoactive metabolites that can be present days or weeks after the 
effects of substances have subsided.

Meanwhile, those who would have other individuals submit to the tests 
claim, "It may not be a fair or effective test but it is all we have."

This excuse dilemma will no longer hold water. Saliva testing will prove to 
be cheaper. Those truly interested in the bottom line will have the chance 
to prove it.

Saliva testing will be simpler (it can be performed by almost anyone with 
chain of custody problems being next to nil).

Saliva testing will be much less time-consuming (it can be administered on 
site -- before and even after a shift -- instead of having to drive people 
to a clinic).

Most important, saliva testing will measure and indicate, without a doubt, 
what employers, insurers and others in authority say they fervently require 
and want: true, current, real time, up-to-the-minute impairment of individuals.

MYRON VON HOLLINGSWORTH, Fort Worth
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MAP posted-by: Jackl