Pubdate: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 Source: Daily Independent, The (KY) Copyright: 2002 The Daily Independent, Inc. Contact: http://www.dailyindependent.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1573 Author: Myron Von Hollingsworth SALIVA DRUG TESTING IS THE BEST METHOD In regards to the city of Greenup's plans to initiate random drug tests for some employees, 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. 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. What we have is a flawed system whereby a majority of impaired people aren't detected until after they have hurt or killed someone else or themselves while, at the same time, many unimpaired individuals involved in accidents may be fired/prosecuted because they ``tested" positive for something that took place days or weeks ago on their own time. 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 will no longer hold water. Saliva testing will prove to be cheaper, simpler and less time consuming. Most important, saliva testing will measure what employers, insurers and others in ``authority" say they want: up-to-the-minute impairment of individuals. The media needs to keep this story in the news and publicize the efficacy and popularity of this new technology as it develops in order to expose those who are justifiably concerned for the safety and well being of individuals and societies. Myron Von Hollingsworth Fort Worth, Tex. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart