The use of drugs across a vast demographic in the U.S. has surged rapidly in recent years. Whether it is marijuana, heroin, or prescription drugs, the need for drug abuse testing in the region has reached alarming levels. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the U.S. Health Department, in 2017 there were more than 30 million Americans aged 12 or more who used an illicit drug in the past month.
Drug of abuse testing (DOA) is the detection of illicit and/or prescribed substances in the blood, urine, hair, sweat, or saliva. Drug testing helps identify substances not normally present in the body, with the exception of certain hormones and steroids monitored as a part of sports testing. The procedure involves an initial screening test which is followed by a second test that detects and/or confirms the presence of a substances or substances.
Global Market Insights, Inc., forecasts that global drug of abuse testing market size will be worth more than US$4.8 billion by 2025.
In addition to illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin that can result in abuse and addition, prescription medication including sleeping pills, painkillers, and tranquilizers are also known to have similar effects. In fact, prescription painkillers are the second most abused drugs abused in the U.S. after marijuana. A greater number of people die from opioid painkiller overdose than from road accidents and gun deaths combined.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates drug of abuse tests that are sold to healthcare professionals or consumers in the U.S. Many of these tests are reviewed by the FDA before they are sold for use. In its review, the FDA assess the design and performance of tests and sample collection equipment to ensure that they yield accurate results. Additionally, the FDA also reviews the test instructions and package supplements to make sure that users can easily understand how to perform these tests successfully.
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However, the FDA does not review DOA tests intended for insurance testing and employment given they include a label stating that the test is solely intended for use in insurance testing and employment, and does not include DOA test systems intended for Federal drug testing programs, such as programs run by the SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. military.
An Upsurge in Workplace Drug Testing
For the majority of employers in the U.S., a drug screening has become a crucial part of the hiring process to ensure their employees are not under the influence of illicit substances. Regular drug testing also helps ensure that employees do not place themselves or their colleagues at risk by using illegal drugs. Statistics suggest that nearly 56% of employers in the U.S. require applicants to take preemployment DOA tests.
As per the application procedure, job applicants could be screened for alcohol and drug use. Depending upon the state law and the company policy, employers may do this before making a job offer or as a possibility for a job offer. Employees may also be screened for alcohol or drug abuse in the workplace, where permitted by the state law.
Certain states have imposed limits as to when and how drug of abuse testing can be conducted. In certain cases, the law requires DOA testing. For instance, industries regulated by the U.S. DOT are protected by federal or state drug testing requirements.
Increased Usage of DOA Testing in Anti-Doping
Performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) are commonly used by athletes and sportspersons in order to boost their performance. These drugs are generally consumed to build lean muscle mass, stimulate energy and focus, and to alleviate pain before, during, and after physical activity. However, when consumed without a prescription or supervision by a licensed healthcare professional, these substances can be extremely harmful.
The use of performance enhancing substances (PESs), particularly anabolic steroids and human growth hormones, is forbidden in almost all competitive sports as the side-effects can be potentially dangerous and life-altering. Athletes consuming over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional supplements may believe that these substances are safe. However, these supplements are not subjected to the same quality tests and pre-approval requirements as FDA-approved prescriptions.
From test planning and sample collection through the results management process, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), offers a thorough program with procedures and policies in agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Standards, the World Anti-Doping Code, the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Anti-Doping Rules.
Drug of abuse testing forms an integral part of any effective antidoping program. Ongoing developments in drug screening have enhanced the ability to counter anti-doping violations, leading to much lower numbers of reported violations over the past few years. Growing awareness towards the various potential side-effects of PEDs and favorable anti-doping regulations will foster DOA testing market forecast.
The surging use of illicit drugs for recreational purposes has increased the need for rapid testing devices and DOA testing is a routinized procedure in numerous departments including law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and hospitals. Ongoing technological developments will further augment drug of abuse testing industry trends in the future.
Author Biography
A graduate in electronics and telecommunication engineering, Hrishikesh Kadam has always found writing fascinating. Hrishikesh blends his technical knowledge and expertise to pen down articles for numerous portals, retaining a specialized focus on pivotal subject domains such as healthcare and technology.