Medical Review Officer (MRO) Assistant Training-Laboratory and Pharmacology

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Michael Peat provides an overview of oral fluid laboratory drug testing. He explains that oral fluid testing has been used for years outside of regulated settings, such as in non-regulated workplace testing and rehab programs. HHS has approved oral fluid testing and established protocols for collection, laboratory testing, and review. DOT is also preparing rules for its implementation in the regulated arena. Peat discusses the cut-offs used in oral fluid testing, noting that they are lower than those used in urine testing. He explains that THC, the psychoactive constituent of marijuana, is detected in oral fluid testing, not the primary metabolite THC acid. Cocaine has been added to the panel for oral fluid testing. Peat also covers the process of oral fluid testing, including immunoassay screening followed by mass spectrometric confirmation. He mentions that no specimen validity testing is required for oral fluid testing and that labs must demonstrate competency to be certified. He concludes by discussing the transfer of drugs from blood serum to oral fluid and the detection of THC and THCA in oral fluid. The video does not credit anyone.

Keywords

oral fluid laboratory drug testing

regulated settings

HHS approved

THC detection in oral fluid

cocaine panel