A snapshot of workplace drug testing in the UK.

BACKGROUND There is a growing trend towards workplace drug testing in the UK, but there is little published data associated with this work. AIM This survey reviews our findings from workplace drug testing in comparison with the results obtained from routine illicit drug monitoring. METHODS The results of the analysis of 1617 specimens from 82 workplace drug testing sources and 12,281 submitted from drug dependency units were collated and compared. RESULTS Workplace specimens were found to be positive for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine and heroin. CONCLUSIONS The data presented here suggest that a regular monitoring is required to discern the true extent of drug use in the workplace, especially in safety critical areas.