Who Can Drug Test Employees at Work?

Many Australians may be unaware that nationally recognised standards exist which apply to the onsite collection of saliva and urine for alcohol and drug testing in the workplace. These standards apply specifically to the collection, labelling, handling, screening and reporting of drugs present in a collected human specimen.

Who is NATA?

NATA or the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia was established in 1947 by the Commonwealth and was the world’s first comprehensive laboratory accreditation body. As an independent, not-for-profit company, guided and monitored by a Board of Directors, NATA ensure the compliance of all testing with international and Australian standards, including drug testing employees at work. These standards have been established to ensure that the on-site screening process and confirmatory laboratory testing procedures meet the requirements for reliable detection of illicit drugs in human specimens.

NATA works to establish consistent and reliable testing, measurement and data by managing the collection of the sample, transporting the sample securely, undertaking the testing and reporting the result. To perform drug tests in the workplace, legislative requirements for testing must be met in accordance with the following Australian set standards:

• AS/NZS 4308:2008 Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in urine
• AS 4760-2006 Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs in oral fluid
• AS3547:1997 Breath Alcohol Testing Devices for Personal Use

Drug and alcohol tester training

To ensure standards are upheld throughout the procedure, only certified Drug and Alcohol Screening Officers can administer a drug test at work. These types of professionals are usually engaged from an onsite workplace drug testing company, accredited by NATA. NATA accreditation is available to third-party, second-party and in-house service providers that have been assess and certified to collect specimens for drug abuse testing.

In accordance with OH&S requirements, all testing officers must hold a Statement of Attainment which ensures the ‘collector’ has received comprehensive training. In the training course, testers will cover a variety of topics to ensure compliant procedures are followed when performing onsite drug and alcohol breath tests, including the preparing and packaging of drug and alcohol test specimens for laboratory testing.

Receive quality drug and alcohol testing or training from MediNat

Whether you are looking to engage a nationally accredited onsite workplace drug and alcohol testing service or are hoping to receive comprehensive drug and alcohol tester training, MediNat is committed to providing exceptional services at competitive prices. For over 10 years, 100% Australian owned company, MediNat have developed some of the best tested and proven products available on the market today.

For additional information on our drug testing and training services, contact our team of experts to discuss your requirements. Give us a call at 1300 725 520 or use our online contact form for more information.