One method by which donors attempt to undermine the integrity of the drug testing process is by substituting their urine with synthetic urine. Synthetic urine is essentially water that has been fortified with various constituents such as creatinine, salts, and yellow coloring in an effort to make a specimen appear to be normal human urine and pass standard tests of specimen validity. Over time, additional chemical tests of specimen validity have been proposed and, in limited cases, used by drug testing laboratories. However, manufacturers of synthetic urine have responded by adding these additional constituents to their products in an effort to defeat these additional SVT tests.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
◾It’s important to work with a drug testing provider that performs specimen validity testing in a certified laboratory. These labs are inspected on regular intervals throughout the year as well as participate in proficiency testing (PT) programs, which include challenges to the laboratory’s ability to perform routine specimen validity testing accurately. Unfortunately, the cheating industry continues to develop products and systems that may be undetectable in standard urine drug tests. As such, our scientific experts continue to monitor new generations of products and adjust accordingly.
◾Professional sample collectors follow precise protocols and are trained to identify suspicious or unusual activities during the drug test collection process such as a urine sample that is not within the appropriate temperature range or a donor who exceeds a reasonable time limit while using the toilet.
◾If synthetic urine can be successfully substituted for real urine in the privacy of the collection site toilet, unfortunately there is often little that can be done to prevent the substitution of real, human urine that is free of drugs and drug metabolites. Again, this reinforces the need for highly trained, professional collectors who are qualified and capable of helping to ensure a legitimate, subversion-free specimen collection experience.

In summary, technology alone cannot solve the issue of subversion of the urine drug testing process. Combining a variety of tools and tactics is the best strategy to help thwart drug test cheaters and maintain drug-free, safe, and productive workplaces. Employers should select a provider who offers multiple drug test specimen types, specimen validity testing, and collections performed by well-trained, professional collectors.

Racoo Screening provides a national and international sample collection network for all your workplace drug testing needs, please contact us at info@racoo.co.uk for more information

Information from Quest Diagnostics