| Abstract: | The military has tested urine for drugs of abuse since 1971.Testing followed the evidence of heroin use in Vietnam. The program was limited, by technical constraints, to a few drugs and in 1974by a decision that precluded the use of information gained by urinalysis in disciplinary actions. In 1980, testing expanded enormously due in part to the availability of immunoassays for cannabis metabolites. The period of 1981-1983was marked by deficiencies in military laboratories; faulty testing, inadequate personnel, and the inability to document challenged results. As many as 50,000 discharges were subject to review and revision. The 1983Einsel Commission, a toxicology panel, submitted recommendations that reformed the testing systems. This experience affects current nonmilitary testing programs. Many give the program credit for decreasing drug use and improving performance. The empirical proof of this is not obvious and the cost effectiveness of the program can still be criticized. |
