About our tests
QML Pathology operate a network of Laboratories throughout Queensland which have been NATA Accredited to AS4308 and AS4760 standards. As part of the Healius network, we can provide a national solution to employers from design of the drug and alcohol testing program through to the interpretation of results.
There are several sample types which are suitable in some circumstances for drug monitoring programs. All have their strengths and weaknesses and the choice of the particular matrix is best determined in consultation between employers, employees/unions, and WHS staff or consultants.
If the industry has no previous experience with this testing, it is often advisable to contact an occupational health consultant or an accredited laboratory to obtain specific guidance regarding setting up and managing testing procedures.
Drug and alcohol services
- AS/NZS 4308 Accredited Urine Drug Devices available for purchase
- AS4308 Urine Instant and Laboratory Immunoassay Screening
- AS4308 LCMS Laboratory Confirmation Testing
- AS/NZS 4760 Accredited Oral Fluid Drug Devices available for purchase
- AS4760 Oral Fluid Instant and Laboratory Immunoassay Screening
- AS4760 LCMS Laboratory Confirmation Testing
- Hair Drug Screening
- Chain of Custody Consumables
- Customised request stationery
- Drug and Alcohol policy assistance
- Synthetic Cannabinoids, Cathinone’s and Bath Salts Testing
- Broad Range Urine Drug Toxicology Testing
- Expert consultation services form specialist staff and pathologists
- Drug and Alcohol information sessions available in person or online
Testing methods
- Urine Immunoassay (Screening) via Instant Drug Device or Laboratory
- Urine LCMS Drug Confirmation
- Oral Fluid Immunoassay (Screening) via Instant Drug Device or Laboratory
- Oral Fluid LCMS Drug Confirmation
- Alcohol Breath Test
- Alcohol Laboratory Urine Test
- Hair Drug Testing - View list of routinely reported drugs
- Urine EtG
- CDT
Instant Drug Devices available through Healius Pathology are verified and validated by the Laboratory as fit for purpose in accordance with AS4308 for Urine Devices or AS4760 for Oral Fluid Devices. These can be purchased directly for use by the employer, the individual for home self testing or can be used for testing at your workplace by certified Healius collection staff.
If the screening test (instant or laboratory screening) indicates the possible presence of a drug (a non-negative result), a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) confirmation test is performed. It is a more sensitive and specific method with the purpose of eliminating any false positive results , to define which specific member(s) of the drug class is (are) present, and to determine how much is present.
Advantages and disadvantages of Urine Vs Oral fluid
What's best for your company?
- Opiates
- Amphetamines / Methamphetamines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Benzodiazepines
- Opiates
- Amphetamines / Methamphetamines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Benzodiazepines*
- Oxycodone
Benzodiazepines are not specifically listed in the oral fluid Standard but they are commonly requested and legitimately reported because of an expectation arising from urine testing as well as requirement in the Australian Government Building Code 2013
Generally 3-4 days
Generally 3-12 hours
- Generally 3-4 days.
- Longer window of detection which will detect drug use when behavioural risks are significant.
- Adulterant checks in place for urine i.e. temperature, creatinine, pH, Oxidants and visual inspection.
- Takes between 4-7 minutes to collect and perform instant test.
- All persons produce urine.
- Less expensive for both screening and confirmation testing.
- One void is sufficient for all testing.
- Generally 3-12 hours.
- Less invasive.
- Do not need special collection facilities.
- Testing for parent drug versus metabolite in Cannabis, thus less historical.
- Special collection facilities required.
- THC looks at metabolite which can give historical use after quitting use for up to 3 months.
- Shorter window of detection which align more closely with more recent use which may fail to detect drug use when behavioural risks are significant.
- Salive may be diluted, corrupted or neutralised by brushing teeth/mouth, using mouthwash, smoking.
AS/NZS 4308:2023
AS/NZS 4760:2019
Collection methods
Healius can provide tailor made collection options to suit each individual client. These options include:
- Dedicated collection centres – footprint covers metropolitan and regional areas.
- On-site client premises
- Mobile Testing Vans – NSW/ACT only
- Couriering samples to the Laboratory from client premises (if on current courier run)
- Clients can drop off samples to collection centre for transportation to laboratory (as long as Healius procedures are adhered to)
Drugs tested
Results
Results are provided in real-time anywhere, anytime through our online results platform Medway.
Medway is a diagnostic results platform that works with you to make more informed decisions and promote better health outcomes.'
