NCJ Number
206544
Date Published
January 2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the limitations in using results from urine-based drug tests for decisionmaking in drug courts.
Abstract
Urine drug testing is qualitative not quantitative. It can determine the presence or absence of a drug in a urine sample, but it cannot determine the concentration or amount of the drug in a person's body. Thus, it cannot determine whether a person's drug consumption is diminishing or whether the person's body has not yet completely eliminated drugs used prior to entering the drug court program. Repeat testing of clients at regular intervals can improve the interpretation of positive tests. Multiple positives over a period of time indicate that an individual may be regularly using the drug(s) being detected. For individuals known to have habitually used drugs prior to the start of urine drug testing, the collection of multiple urine samples over a period of time requires special attention. Although continued drug excretion from previous exposure is a factor in multiple positive tests, this explanation is only valid until such times as the drug being detected should have been eliminated from the body. Multiple negative or "none detected" results provide evidence that an individual is maintaining abstinence and not using drugs regularly. Fact Sheet quiz and 4 references