NATA Accreditation for our Drug Testing Facilities
A number of Australian Standards apply to the accreditation of workplace drug testing facilities in Australia.
Two such standards are detailed below.
Safework Laboratories is accredited by NATA. For specific details regarding our scope of accreditation please refer to the NATA website (Accredit. #: 18874):
https://www.nata.com.au/nata/orgs-and-facilities
AS/NZS 4308:2008
Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs in urine
AS/NZS 4308:2008 was designed to ensure the standardisation of procedures for specimen collection and the detection of drugs of abuse in urine.
This includes guidelines for specimen collection, packaging and transportation to an accredited laboratory where the sample is tested for detection of drugs.
The standard contains specific cut off levels for positive identification of the classes listed below:
- Amphetamine type substances
- THC (Cannabis)
- Benzodiazepine Class
- Cocaine/Metabolite
- Opiate Class
Pending a non-negative result, further break down of these classes is conducted by an accredited confirmation method such as LC/MS.
AS 4760:2006
Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs in oral fluid
AS 4760:2006 was designed to ensure the standardisation of procedures for specimen collection and the detection of drugs of abuse in oral fluid (saliva).
This includes guidelines for specimen collection, packaging and transportation to an accredited laboratory where the sample is tested for detection of drugs.
The standard contains specific cut off levels for positive identification of the classes listed below:
- Amphetamine type substances
- THC (Cannabis)
- Cocaine/Metabolite
- Opiate Class
Pending a non-negative result, further break down of these classes is conducted by an accredited confirmation method such as LC/MS.
For further information regarding the Australian Standard or to obtain a copy of AS/NZS 4308:2008 or AS 4760:2006, please follow the link to Standards Australia.
Hair Testing
Unlike urine or saliva testing there is no specific Australian Standard for detecting drugs of abuse in hair.
Safework Laboratories is accredited to perform hair testing based on a number of international guidelines and procedures such as those published by the (International) Society of Hair Testing, which means we can quickly and accurately detect the presence of
- Amphetamines (speed, ice, crystal Meth)
- THC (Cannabis, marijuana)
- Opiates (Codeine, heroin, morphine)
- Cocaine
- Benzodiazepines (sleeping tablets, tranquilizers)
To find out more about drug and alcohol testing and the best solution for your company; please contact Safework Laboratories on 1300 795 227 or via our contact page.