This extract was taken from the SAMHSA web site,
January/February 2009, Volume 17, Number 1
The final revisions to the Guidelines expand the use of enhanced versions of these tests to cover a broader range of illicit substances including:
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy,” or “Adam”)
- 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA or “Love Drug”)
- 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA or “Eve”).
Taking a more cautious approach than the 2004 proposals, the final revisions to the Guidelines take a step back from proposed use of alternative specimens and techniques in Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. These alternative methods include testing hair, oral fluid, sweat patch specimens, and point of collection testing (instant screening kits) for urine specimen testing.
Although the 2004 proposals had raised the possibility of incorporating these potentially promising testing methods into the final guidelines, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has determined that further study and analysis is needed.
As part of the continued review process for these alternative tests, HHS and SAMHSA plan to issue a notice in the Federal Register requesting information and assistance from the general public to provide or identify data and research findings that address specific areas of interest.
HHS anticipates issuing further revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines addressing the use of alternative specimens and the use of point of collection testing devices for urine and oral fluid. These revisions will be published in the Federal Register, with opportunity for public comment.
This is an extract from the SAMHSA Guidelines, note that despite revising the guidelines in 2008, Saliva is still not accepted as a matrix for testing federal workers in the 