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Showing posts from May, 2009

Federal Study Links Drug Use to Crime

A recent federal study that obtained urine samples from 3 ,924 men arrested in 10 metropolitan cities across the U.S.: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago , Denver, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New York, Portland, Oregon, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. show that half tested positive for some type of illegal drug . Individuals in Chicago and Sacramento had the highest positive rate . Of those arrested in Chicago, 87% were positive and 40% of those tested positive for multiple drugs. Sacramento had a positive rate of 78% with 29% testing positive for more than one drug. In 9 out of the 10 cities, marijuana was the most common drug in the test results . Atlanta was the exception where cocaine was the top narcotic. Chicago rated the highest for heroin at 29% and in general, the west coast seemed to have the highest concentrations of methamphetamine usage. Sacramento tested in at 35% and Portland, Oregon at 15%.

Memorial Day Drunk Driving Snapshot

Connecticut Connecticut State Police sobriety and traffic checkpoints reported that there were 64 DWI arrests during the Memorial Day weekend. Connecticut State police statistics also showed that there were 257 accidents with 2 fatalities. Illinois Illinois State police arrested 55 people on DWI charges and issued nearly 1,000 speeding tickets during the 2009 Memorial Day weekend. Houston Local police made nearly 200 DWI arrests during the holiday weekend. Police utilized "No Refusal" tactics which meant DWI suspects who refused breathalyzer tests were served a search warrant ordering them to have blood drawn for testing immediately. local law enforcement officers submitted probable cause affidavits to Nacogdoches County Court-at Law-Judge Jack Sinz and obtained search warrants to test a driver's blood for signs of intoxication.

Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index Has Cocaine on Decline Among Workers

A recent workplace drug study by Quest Diagnostics shows that cocaine use in 2008 among the U.S. labor force dropped about 30%, while amphetamine use among workers increased slightly. Methamphetamine use fell approximately 20% in 2008. Quests results are based off of the data it collected from 5.7 million drug tests conducted last year. Barry Sample, Director of Science and Technology for Quest Diagnostics' Employer Solutions Division stated that "The recent spike in amphetamine use could indicate increased use of a prescription drug to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." Sample went on to say "The findings are unusual because methamphetamine and amphetamine typically track together - Cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine are each a type of stimulant, typically used to increase alertness and relieve fatigue." When it comes to quality drug testing solutions , hiring managers and risk mitigation professionals should solely rely on a professiona

Tulsa Oklahoma Police to Undergo Random Drug Testing

Starting in June, the Tulsa Police Department will be subjected to random substance abuse testing. The new random drug testing policy replaces the old testing regime that was based on "For Cause" testing. The new policy will test 25% of the force annually with some random pools containing duplicate officer screenings. If an officer tests positive they will have to immediately begin an Employee Assistance Treatment Program and undergo two years of testing. Deputy Chief Daryl Webster stated, "Under the terms of the policy, normally a first-time positive test will not result in disciplinary action but in treatment and rehabilitation, a second positive is punishable." The new drug program will test for: Marijuana Cocaine Amphetamines Opiates PCP

Captain of Sunken NJ Fishing Boat May Have Smoked Marijuana

Crew members of the scallop boat, Lady Mary had elevated levels of marijuana in their blood according to samples taken during a U.S. Coast Guard ordered autopsy. The Lady Mary recently sank of the southern coast of New Jersey near Cape May. The Captain of the boat also tested positive for marijuana but at lower levels. Still under investigation is whether the crew being under the influence of illegal drugs was the main reason for the ship wrecking. Going forward responsible owners and companies of fleet ships should implement a comprehensive random drug testing program for all crew members especially those responsible for piloting the boats. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is a premier provider of random drug testing solutions and offers affordable and compliant drug testing campaigns. MMC adheres to all Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal and Non-Federal testing guidelines.

Britain Looks to Roadside Drug Testing to Snare Under the Influence Drivers

British authorities are contemplating a bill that would implement road side drug testing to curtail under the influence drivers on English roadways. The proposed tests will focus on drivers who are using illegal as well as powerful legal drugs such as sleeping pills. A government office is in the phases of studying a device called the "drugalyzer" which is an oral fluid testing device that can detect amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, cannabis and methadone. Currently, British authorities use the same testing method as they would for drunk drivers - The "Walk the Line" test. The UK Telegraph reported that "If enacted in Britain, the bill would likely help the authorities reign in the suspected 23% of drivers and 21% of riders in accidents who have 'impairing' drugs in their systems."

Mobile Medical Corporation - Exhibiting at The 2009 Building Construction & Trades Department Conference

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is headed to Washington D.C. for the 2009 Building Construction & Trades Department Conference. MMC will be exhibiting from May 17th to May 19th. This year's show is being held at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel. Stop by and see our brand new booth and be sure to check out our line of industry leading testing products and solutions. VISIT MMC AT BOOTH # 415 Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) , organized labor’s premier third party administrator of collectively bargained substance abuse testing programs! 888.662.8358

Visit Mobile Medical Corporation at The 2009 IBEW Construction & Maintenance Conference

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is headed to Washington D.C. for the 2009 IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference. MMC will be exhibiting from May 14th to May 16th. This year's show is being held at the Hyatt Regency Washington, Capital Hill. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there! Stop by our brand new booth and check out our line of industry leading testing products and solutions. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC), organized labor’s premier third party administrator of collectively bargained substance abuse testing programs! 888.662.8358

Missouri Adds Politicians To Drug Testing Rosters

Missouri's new public assistance drug testing bill which allows authorities to drug test work-eligible welfare recipients if there is a reasonable cause that drugs or alcohol are being used was recently amended. The drug testing law now includes all statewide elected officials and members of the General Assembly. All Missouri politicians must now pass a drug test in order to take office. Mobile Medical Corporation ( MMC ) is a premier provider of random drug testing solutions and offers affordable and compliant drug testing campaigns. MMC adheres to both the Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal and Non-Federal testing guidelines. For any questions on random drug testing call or email MMC today ! (888) 662-8358

Arkansas Act 423 - Drug Testing Drivers Involved In Traffic Accidents

Arkansas recently passed legislation in the form of ACT 423 requiring police to conduct post-accident drug testing on motor vehicle operators that have been involved in near fatal or fatal traffic accidents. According to the law, testing can be done by collecting the blood or urine of the driver or the driver can take a breathalyzer test. State Senator Denny Altes said "The tests are to be conducted even if the surviving driver does not appear to be under the influence of any intoxicants or narcotics." If a motorist refuses the testing, their licenses will be revoked. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Providing Premier Substance Abuse Testing Nationwide Contact MMC today with all of your drug testing questions!