The Specimen

  • Urine is the preferred sample for a number of reasons:
    • Drugs are concentrated in urine
    • Most drugs are excreted and detectable in urine
    • Drugs are detectable in urine for longer periods than in some other substances such as oral fluid
    • Published and legally accepted procedures are available for urine testing – AS/NZS 4308:2001
  • Oral fluid may provide useful information in some circumstances
  • Blood may be used to quantify certain drugs