NCJ Number
184589
Date Published
2000
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This paper explains urinalysis and the issues involved in its use in the Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) program; presents initial data from the DUMA program; and argues that although urinalysis gives only limited information about drug use behaviors, it is an important element in monitoring recent drug use.
Abstract
The DUMA project collects urine specimens for drug consumption analysis. It is often a two-step process that involves an initial screening test, followed by a confirmatory test for some classes of drugs. The two most common outcomes are a true positive or a true negative test results; a false positive or a false negative can occur in a small minority of cases. The combination of both drug detection testing and self-reported behavior is a potentially powerful research methodology to aid understanding of drugs and crime. Of the 980 detainees who were asked, 814 agreed to answer voluntarily a series of questions about their drug use and criminal activities; 565 of the 814 individuals agreed to provide a urine specimen for research purposes only. These responses suggested that a combination of correct protocols, trained independent interviewers, and police cooperation and support can make possible the monitoring of drug use among detainees for research purposes. Tables, figures, and list of members of scientific advisory board