Oral Drug Screening
Oral Drug Screening is covered by the new Australian Standard AS4760. It uses human saliva to record positive or negative results with a high level of accuracy. This type of test is only effective on drugs of abuse.

This form of screening is performed using a Cozart® testing system, and is conducted by a Biomediq DPC trained tester. It is the world′s first fully integrated, on site, oral fluid based drug abuse diagnostic system. A mouth piece is used to collect an oral fluid sample, which is then analysed in the Cozart® machine. Within several minutes, a printed result is displayed giving either a positive or negative reading. This test screens for the five main drug groups:

• Amphetamines (Stimulants)
• Benzodiazepines
• Cannabis (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opiates (Codeine, Heroin)

This type of testing for drug abuse offers significant advantages for workplace screening programs.
These include:

• Oral Fluid screening is not a medical procedure and collection is easy and non-invasive
• Adulteration, dilution and substitution is impossible because of constant observation during test
• The screening will identify Cannabis used recently (Window of detection is approximately 6 hours)
• Other substances can have up to a 24 hour window of detection
• Oral Fluid gives a more accurate indication of concentration of drugs in the blood
• Oral Fluid screening gives a more reliable indication of potentially impairing drugs
• Laboratory Testing can be carried out on the Oral Fluid to give a more thorough confirmation
• This screening can be carried out in the workplace, with minimal disruption to duties
• On the spot results are available, as opposed to conventional laboratory testing where results can take many days
• The five main drug types can all be detected simultaneously with a single sample
• No blood or urine is required to produce this accurate result

The hand-held Cozart® instrument minimises user-error and removes operator subjectivity from diagnosis. The system accurately times the incubation period; reads, interprets and stores the results which are displayed on the screen and can be printed. A secondary signal of green or red flashing lights gives immediate operator feedback. The system can be used in dim light conditions, where visual interpretation may be difficult.