Screening

Random workplace drug testing

Random drug testing is common in many institutions to identify drug users. Screening for opioids is usually done by immunoassay urine drug screen, a positive result being confirmed with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Employees are usually tested initially at commencement and then randomly during employment.

Methadone maintenance programmes

Patients who are on methadone maintenance are often screened for concomitant opioid use, which is discouraged and often forbidden in these types of drug treatment programmes.

Psychiatric patients

Asymptomatic psychiatric patients are routinely screened. Psychiatric treatment would include drug addiction therapy for patients with positive results.

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