I.  PURPOSE
 

This policy establishes the use of a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived chromatographic absorbent device that offers competitive immunoassay to screen for the presence of various drugs in urine samples at Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH/Department) directly operated clinics.
 

II.  DEFINITIONS
 

Clinic: Any DMH directly-operated facility.

Urine Drug Test: Rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of multiple drugs in human urine at specified cut off levels.

Authorized Personnel: Physician, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, nurse practitioner, psychiatric technician, clinical pharmacist. 
 

III.  POLICY
 

Urine Drug Test kit shall only be obtained from DMH Pharmacy Services.

Urine drug testing with rapid chromatographic immunoassay shall be used for in vitro detection and screening for the presence of drugs in urine.

Only Authorized Personnel shall perform urine drug screen tests.

Clinical competency shall be demonstrated to and deemed satisfactory by the Chief of Nursing or designee on an annual basis.

Test kit shall be stored between 4°C to 30°C (39°F to 86°F) in the sealed pouch away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.

Test kit shall not be frozen.

Opened or expired test kits shall not be used.

Used drug test kit shall be discarded properly.

Authorized Personnel who perform and interpret test results shall also document results in IBHIS.
 

IV.  PROCEDURES
 

V.  AUTHORITIES
 

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988
DMH Directive
 

VI.  ATTACHMENT