Random Student Drug Testing
An archive of contents from the Prevention Not Punishment website
Frequently Asked Questions About Random Student Drug Testing (RSDT):
What is Random Student Drug Testing (RSDT)?
RSDT is a valuable part of drug prevention programs in middle and high schools. Students are tested for the recent use of illegal drugs during normal school hours.
Why test students?
There are 4 primary goals of student drug testing programs.
To deter and prevent drug use
To reinforce all other prevention efforts
To identify students who need help getting and staying drug-free
To prepare students for workplace drug testing
Want to Learn More? RSDT programs help prevent adolescent addiction, help high risk groups, improve the quality of school education, and decrease the risk of injury.
What is the history of drug testing?
Drug testing began in the U.S. as a prevention strategy during the Vietnam War. In 1982, the U.S. Navy began random drug testing all active duty personnel following a tragic accident on the carrier Nimitz which was due to impairment from illegal drug use. Shortly thereafter random drug testing was extended to all active duty military personnel.
Responding to concerns about public safety, the Federal Government expanded drug testing to workers in safety-sensitive industries in the late 1980s. At that time drug testing became standard for many private and government employers. Building on these positive experiences in the workplace since 1995 an increasing number of public and private schools incorporated random drug testing into their comprehensive drug prevention programs.
On May 10, 2001, President George W. Bush set a two-year goal of reducing drug use in youth by 10 percent, and a five-year goal of reducing use by 25 percent. In his January 2004 State of the Union Address, the President expressed strong support for random student drug testing and increased spending on student drug testing programs.
Is random student drug testing legal?
In two landmark cases, the U.S. Supreme Court held that is constitutional to perform random drug testing on students participating in athletics and competitive extracurricular activities:
Vernonia School District 47J v. Acton, 1995
Policy: To require all athletes to take a urinalysis drug test in order to participate in sports activities
Challenge: Unconstitutional - Violation of children's right to privacy.
Supreme Court Ruling: Student drug testing for athletes was held as constitutional
Decision: 6 to 3
Supreme Court Case Dissent Opinion Syllabus
Board of Education of Independent School District No. 92 of Pottawatomie County, et al, Petitioners v. Lindsay Earls et al, 2002
Policy: To require all middle and high school students in Tecumseh, Oklahoma to consent to urinalysis testing for drugs in order to take part in any extracurricular activities.
Challenge: Unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures
Supreme Court Ruling: Held Constitutional.
Decision: 5 to 4
What are the types of programs?
Random testing is distinguished from for-cause testing because the testing is not based on individualized suspicion that the tested student has used drugs recently. For-cause testing is based on suspicion of use by the tested student.
Random testing can be either Mandatory or Voluntary:
Mandatory: All students in a designated group are eligible for student drug testing (athletes, participants in extracurricular activities, student drivers, etc.).
Voluntary: Students, with parental consent, may choose to be a part of the student drug testing program by signing consent forms or choose not to join the program without penalty.
What is the testing procedure?
While each school's drug testing policies and procedures are unique to its community, there are standard steps to follow in developing a RSDT program. For detailed description of writing policies, see Checklist for Success: A Manual for Developing a RSDT Program.
Each day that students are present in school, they are eligible for a random test even if they were tested the day before.
Students are randomly selected and are individually excused from class for a short period of time.
Students are brought to the nurse's office or another appropriate place where they are instructed that they have been randomly selected to be tested on that day.
If urine tests are used, the student is given the specimen cup and is asked to offer sample in a private setting -- usually the nurse's bathroom or other school restroom.
After completion of the test, the student returns to class.
School nurses or Third Party Administrators (TPAs) are usually the collectors of specimens. If hair or saliva tests are used, the samples are taken on site. If a sample tests negative for illegal drugs, no other testing takes place on the sample.
What happens when a student tests positive?
A positive drug test result may indicate recent use of illegal drugs. Throughout the following procedures, confidentiality is kept among all parties involved.
The positive test is verified by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO is a licensed physician who is responsible for reviewing laboratory drug test results and evaluating medical explanations for certain drug test results.
The student has an evaluation with a counselor.
No law enforcement is involved.
Schools do not dismiss or suspend students from school for positive random drug tests. School policies may require a student who tests positive to leave certain non-academic activities for a period of time to ensure that the student has become drug-free. Schools commonly provide specific drug education programs for the student.
Follow-up testing takes place to help the student remain drug-free. If on follow-up testing after the student is evaluated the student continues to test positive, the student may be referred to treatment.
What about prescription drugs?
If a student is appropriately using prescription drugs, he or she may test positive on a drug test. However, a Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews every laboratory positive drug test result. The MRO verifies that the substance identified in the drug test is prescribed to the student. If that is the case, the test is reported by the MRO to the school as a negative test result.
This ensures that no student tests positive for drugs due to prescription medicine. Student confidentiality is maintained and only the student, the student's parents and the MRO know of the student's use of prescription drugs.
Addressing Administrators’ Common Concerns
How do schools fund drug testing programs?
Drug testing is a bargain, costing about $10-20 per test. If 50% of eligible students are tested on a random basis during the school year, for 1,000 eligible students the cost of the tests is about $5,000 to $10,000 if the school handles collection and about $12,500 if a Third Party Administrator (TPA) is used. A TPA is an outside agency employed by the school to manage the testing processes.
Funding may be obtained from grants, private organizations, local businesses, nonprofit foundations, or donations. For a community it is much less expensive to use effective education and prevention techniques - including RSDT - than it is to pay for treatment or damages to families and communities as a result of drug abuse. RSDT is a preventative tool that is a part of the larger efforts in schools working with families and communities to help more students stay drug-free. If grant funds are used to start an RSDT program, the school will sooner or later have to build this cost into its own budget. For most schools it makes sense to start budgeting for RSDT right away since the school budget is where program funding will be most stable.
Do RSDT programs create distrust between students, teachers and parents?
RSDT programs exist for the protection of the students. The program serves to deter students from using illegal drugs at an age when they are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure and to being introduced to illicit substances. Students who test positive receive counseling and, if necessary, are referred to treatment
Are students less likely to participate in athletics or extracurricular activities if they are in the random testing pool?
Some schools with random student drug testing have reported an increase in student participation of after-school activities compared to schools with no student drug testing. Students are attracted to opportunities to be with other drug-free students.
Do drug tests invade students' privacy?
In Board of Education v. Earls, the Supreme Court held that "Tecumseh's Policy is a reasonable means of furthering the School District's important interest in preventing and deterring drug use among its schoolchildren and does not violate the Fourth Amendment" (Pp.2564-2569).
In addition, for public schools that receive federal funding, federal regulations protect the students' privacy regarding confidentiality of procedures and testing (see FERPA and PPRA).
What if students start to use drugs that they learn are not being tested for currently?
A student drug testing program coupled with a supportive comprehensive drug-prevention program creates an environment that does not accept drug use. Schools can rotate the drugs tested for to extend the reach of drugs identified. It is important that students know that any illegal drug can be tested for to maximize the deterrent power of RSDT.
Is there a test for alcohol use?
Saliva and urine tests can identify alcohol use if the student has ingested alcohol within the past few hours. There are other test methods that can be used to curb this problem. For example, EtG tests can detect alcohol exposure up to 80 hours prior to the test.
How easy is it to cheat on drug tests?
Most schools experience few problems with cheating. One way to reduce cheating which is limited to urine testing is to alternate between urine, oral fluids, and hair testing so that the student will not know which test to expect.
Most urine cups purchased for drug testing have built-in temperature gauges to detect fluids that are added to the urine sample when collected. Laboratories also have techniques to detect contaminants in urine samples. If hair samples or saliva tests are performed, there is very little opportunity for cheating.
Do drug tests identify how much of the drug has been used?
Drug tests identify the presence of drugs or their metabolites (breakdown products) at or above the specified cut-off levels, so they are read as "negative" (meaning no drug found at or above the cut-off level) or "positive" meaning they were found at or above the cut-off level. They are not read like alcohol tests at specific levels.
How can my school network to gather more information on RSDT?
Schools can reach out to other schools with established RSDT programs. While every RSDT program is unique to the school it serves, schools can get valuable information, support, and new ideas to start a program or to improve an existing RSDT program from connecting with schools that have successful programs. Schools located nearby are especially useful.
Third Party Administrators (TPAs) are testing providers who have a great deal of experience with drug testing, often including workplace as well as school-based testing. Whether a school plans to use a TPA or trained school personnel to administer the random drug tests, TPAs can be great resources to schools considering building or improving an RSDT program.
Of Interest to Parents
Ask Questions and Become Informed about RSDT
It is every parent's right and responsibility to be informed about student drug testing in school. Knowing the right questions to ask can help understand the background, policy, and procedures behind a drug testing program.
The answer to these questions should be covered in the school's student drug testing policy. If they are not, ask. Administrators in charge of the RSDT program should be able to give you clear answers to ALL of these simple questions:
How will the drug test be administered?
Where will the test be administered?
When will my child be tested?
Who will know the results of the drug test?
Will I know what day my child will be tested?
How will I be notified of the results?
Who will administer the drug test?
Will positive results be confirmed?
What will happen to my child's record when he/she leaves the school?
Will student drug testing results affect future educational and professional opportunities?
Talk with your Children
Becoming involved with your children is a good way to prevent drug abuse. Here are some basic rules to follow:
Learn who, what, when, and where: Know what is going on in your children's lives by asking about school, work, and after-school activities.
Support community efforts to encourage drug-free environments such as school drug prevention programs (including student drug testing) and PTA committees.
Look at newspaper articles, TV shows, and advertisements: Use them as "teachable moments" with your children to bring up the subject of drugs.
Talk about your children's future early and often: What do you expect from your children? What do your children expect from you?
Help your children feel good about themselves and their achievements. Show excitement about what they care about and help them achieve their goals.
Set standards for drug and alcohol use. Take a stand on cigarettes, beer, liquor, and illegal drugs. Let your children know what behavior is expected of them.
The booklet from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy includes examples of conversations for parents and teens about drugs What You Need To Know About Drug Testing In Schools.
Responding to a Positive Test
While most of the time drug tests will come back negative, if a positive test result is confirmed, consider the following:
Let your children know that your commitment to their being drug-free is based on your love and respect for them.
Talk with your children about their drug use and let your children know of your expectation that they stay drug-free.
Do not discipline your children when you are angry or upset.
Ask for help and be open to advice. Raising drug-free children is a long-term process that will not respond to short-term solutions.
Support drug testing at your school. Talk with the counselors at your school and get their ideas for how to handle your family problems.
If your school maintains a list of parents who have indicated they are willing to help others, make contact with them and learn from their experiences.
Get professional help if the drug use persists. Use the resources available to you for referrals for treatment if needed.
Of Interest to Students
You may be worried about what it will be like to be drug tested. If you do not use drugs, you may wonder why they are going to test you. Student drug testing programs are in place because administrators, teachers, parents, and your community all care about you and your well-being.
How does RSDT affect me?
If you do not use drugs, RSDT gives you one more good reason to continue avoiding drugs. It reinforces the school policy against drug use and helps to provide a safe, drug-free environment.
If you use drugs, no one can help you unless they know that there is a problem. Participating in RSDT can be a good way to let others know and let them get you the help needed. Using drugs is illegal and unhealthy but does not make someone a bad person; it just means there might be something else going on and that the student needs to stop drug use. Often people use drugs as a distraction from life, to not feel pain, to hide their emotions, etc.
See page 11 of What You Need To Know About Drug Testing In Schools, from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy on what students can expect when tested.
Checklist for Success: Developing a RSDT Program
There are 3 keys to making a student drug testing program successful:
RSDT is used as a TOOL for a preventative, not punitive approach to reduce drug use
RSDT is INTEGRATED into a comprehensive drug prevention program
RSDT ADAPTS to the unique school environment involving students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the local community
Download a copy of the detailed manual here: Checklist for Success: A Manual for Developing a RSDT Program
Read Sample Policies
Checklist for Success: A Manual for Developing a RSDT includes:
Identify the Need for RSDT: Conduct anonymous student surveys to gather information about school-wide drug use and perceptions about illegal drug use. The survey should ask questions about accessibility, usage and opinions about drug use.
Present the Idea and Establish Community Relationships: The process for implementing a RSDT program follows a process that is similar to implementing anything new in a school's curriculum. The major decision-makers must review and give approval before presenting the need for the program to the community. Upon approval for a RSDT program, build a support team.
Write Policies and Procedures: Policies generally contain four major sections:
Statement of Need
Introduction / Position Statement
Discussion of the Procedures
Reviewing the Rights & Responsibilities for the School Community
Implement and Evaluate the Program: Does the program need to be improved? What changes can be made?
RSDT as a Component of Drug Prevention Programs
RSDT is NOT a stand-alone drug prevention program! In order to create a comprehensive drug prevention program, consider the following integral components:
Written Drug & Alcohol Policies
Each school has a drug and alcohol policy that is separate from its student drug testing policy. The consequences for a student who brings drugs or alcohol onto school property are different than those for a student who tests positive on a random drug test. It is essential that these policies work together to promote the goal of a unified drug and alcohol-free community.
A successful student drug testing program must have clearly written testing policies and procedures regardless of whether it is voluntary or mandatory or both. Checklist for Success: A Manual for Developing a RSDT Program gives you the tools you need to set up a successful student drug testing program.
Student Assistance Programs
Student assistance programs (SAPs) provide a framework for delivery of prevention, intervention, and support services to students and educators in grades K-12. In addition they assist secondary schools in dealing with alcohol and other drug problems among students. SAPS do not provide treatment to students; instead, they refer students and their families to resources that can help the student if treatment is needed.
Student Drug Education Programs
Explore the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center.
Faculty Drug Education Programs
It is important to educate faculty and staff on signs and symptoms of drug abuse and to be aware of the problems related to students' substance abuse. Most faculty members can find information through their school's drug prevention program. In some schools with RSDT programs, faculty members volunteer to be in the testing pool. This demonstrates their support to the students for the program and demonstrates the importance of taking personal responsibility to stay drug-free.
Parental Involvement
Parents need to know that they play an important role in the effort to keep young people drug-free. Parents can be true allies of children in the development and implementation of random student drug testing programs. Parents can help prevent their children from starting to use drugs, and they can also help their children who have started to use drugs to quit.
Community Involvement
Community involvement and support is important to the success of student drug testing programs. Provide as many opportunities as possible for open discussions about student drug testing in the school community. Educate community members on the current issues they may be unaware of regarding student drug use at the school.
Results of School Testing Programs
A study conducted by the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. and published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse shows students in schools with RSDT programs who knew they were subject to random testing and expected to be tested in the coming school year reported significantly less marijuana and other illegal drug use than students who knew they were not subject to testing. Study Summary. Journal Abstract.
There are hundreds of schools with student drug testing programs. Below are some examples of model programs. Each program is specific to its school; however, they each have a written policy and evaluation procedure.
Eastern Public High School - Hunterdon Central Regional High School, New Jersey
Before Program Implementation
School anonymously surveyed its high school students in 2001 in which students reported lifetime use of the following:
45% of all students had used marijuana
70% of all students had used alcohol
Over 10% of all students had used hallucinogens
13% of seniors had used cocaine
38% of seniors reported that heroin was "readily available"
Program Description
Random Mandatory Student Drug Testing Program implemented in 1997
Type of Test: Urinalysis
Drug Test Panel: Marijuana, cocaine, heroin/codeine, amphetamine/methamphetamine, PCP, steroids, alcohol
Students Tested: Athletes only
Policy Summary: If test was confirmed positive,
School notified parents and set up a meeting between student and school counselor to discuss positive test result
Student attended a mandatory 4-week drug education course and was suspended from athletic activity until subsequent test showed drug use stopped
If student could not produce a valid sample when tested, it was considered a positive test
Changes to Program:
Type of Test: Added oral fluid test to standard urinalysis
Students Tested: Added extracurricular/club participants and student drivers to testing pool
A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union suspended all random drug testing claiming a violation of Fourth Amendment Rights
Results of Program Implementation
In 1999, after two years of the successful testing program, an anonymous survey of all students showed that of the 28 categories of drug use evaluated by the survey, drug use went down in 20 categories
Rates of drug use of "Multi-Drug Users" were as follows:
9th Grade - 57% decrease
10th Grade - 100% decrease
11th Grade - 14% decrease
12th Grade - 52% decrease
In 2002, following a 3 year suspension of the random drug testing program, anonymous survey results showed drug use was up in 18 of the 28 categories
In the high risk category of "Multi-Drug Users" the rates went up:
9th Grade--316% increase
10th Grade--100% increase
11th Grade--52% increase
12th Grade--209% increase
Following a victory over the legal challenge to the program, in 2003, the testing program was reinstated and continued using urinalysis and oral fluid tests.
2007 Updates to Program
The testing frequency increased to 20% of eligible students every year. The testing pool also increased to 2,000 students out of total student population of 3,135.
Hunterdon returned to only using urinalysis because of concern about shorter detection window for marijuana with oral fluid tests.
The school began randomly testing students for alcohol using a breath test at school activities including prom and other dances.
Hunterdon also began randomly testing students on both local and international school-funded trips.
From Office of National Drug Control Policy. (2002). What You Need to Know About Drug Testing in Schools. [Booklet] U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C. Update provided by Lisa Brady, school Superintendent October, 2008.
Southern Public High School - Autauga County School System (13 Schools), Alabama
Before Program Implementation
Schools had an existing student drug testing program for 7th graders
Schools anonymously surveyed 8th graders in 2001 using PRIDE Surveys which showed past 30 day use:
35.9% of 8th grade students reported use of nicotine
39.9% reported use of alcohol
18.5% reported use of marijuana
Program Description
In 2001-2002, school implemented a Random Voluntary Student Drug Testing Program
Type of Test: Urinalysis
Testing Frequency: Twice per year
Drug Test Panel: Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, opiates and PCP
Students Tested: 8th graders added to 7th grad testing pool
Policy Summary
If test is negative, students received a picture ID that entitled them to special deals at more than 55 participating restaurants and stores.
If test is positive, students relinquished ID cards and special privileges. The school counselor notified parents and treatment options discussed if needed.
Results of Program Implementation
In 2002, school anonymously surveyed 8th graders again after the first year of the drug testing program. A decrease was seen in the following rates of past 30 day use for 8th graders:
24.4% reported use of nicotine - a decrease of 11.5%
30% reported use of alcohol - a decrease of 9.9%
11.8% reported use of marijuana - a decrease of 6.7%
From Office of National Drug Control Policy. (2002). What You Need to Know About Drug Testing in Schools. [Booklet] U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C.
Midwest Public School - Suburban
Program Description
Mandatory Random Student Drug Testing Program tested athletes, extracurricular activity participants and student drivers
Type of Test: Urinalysis
Testing Frequency: 16% of eligible students tested each year
Drug Test Panel: Marijuana, cocaine, heroin/codeine amphetamine/methamphetamine, opiates, PCP and alcohol
Junior High School Policy Summary (7th and 8th grades)
Any positive test: parents notified of test result
High School Policy Summary (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grades)
1st positive test: student lost privilege of participating in athletics, extracurricular activity, or student driving until random follow-up drug test is completed with negative results
2nd positive test: student prohibited from participating for 1 year and may be required to continue participating in random testing
3rd positive test, student prohibited from participating in athletics, extracurricular activity, or driving for remainder of tenure in school district
Changes to Program: In 2000-2001 academic year, the program was suspended due to court case elsewhere in state. State Supreme Court ruled school drug testing is constitutional
Results of Program Implementation
In 1999-2000, the full school year of testing before the program was suspended, 4% of positive tests were for positive for marijuana
After reinstating the drug testing program after it was suspended, 15% of positive tests were positive for marijuana showing a significant increase in the use of the drug
The next full academic year of testing, the rate of positive drug tests decreased and the number of suspicion-based tests decreased
From DuPont, Campbell, and Mazza. "Report of a Preliminary Study: Elements of a Successful School-Based Student Drug Testing Program." US Dept. of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, 2002.
Southern Private Co-Ed School - Urban
Before Program Implementation
School anonymously surveyed its student population using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and determined that some of the students had used alcohol, marijuana and/or cocaine.
The program was developed in 1997-1998 and was supported by administrators, faculty, parents, religious organizations and law enforcement. Students were neutral or expressed mixed feelings for the program.
Program Description
Mandatory Student Drug Testing Program tested all students (730 in grades 8-12) at least once during the academic school year
Type of Test: Hair
Testing Frequency: All students tested at least one time, 20% were tested another day during the school year
Drug Test Panel: Marijuana, cocaine, heroin/codeine, amphetamine/methamphetamine, PCP and ecstasy/MDMA
Policy Summary:
1st positive test: family was contacted by Dean of Students and conference was scheduled; drug education and follow-up testing occurred
2nd positive test: parents were notified to withdraw student from school
Results of Program Implementation
After the first year of testing:
When testing began, the positive testing rate was 3.4%
All students who initially tested positive had a follow-up drug test; of those students, 10% tested positive a second time
After the second year of testing:
The positive testing rate dropped to 2.1%
Of all follow-up drug tests, 5% tested positive a second time
Detentions for fighting reduced by 85%
Disruptive behavior decreased by 65%
The positive rate has fluctuated over the years but has continued to stay below the initial positive rate of 3.4%
From DuPont, Campbell, and Mazza. "Report of a Preliminary Study: Elements of a Successful School-Based Student Drug Testing Program." US Dept. of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, 2002.
Lessons Learned
History of a Successful RSDT Program
Lisa Brady, Superintendent, Hunterdon Central Regional High School
Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Flemington, NJ began its nationally recognized and highly successful RSDT program in 1997, paving the way for many other schools starting RSDT programs. This article offers insight and lessons learned related to the history of Hunterdon Central's program including information about how they face legal challenges and continue to evaluate and update the RSDT policy. Download Hunterdon Central - A Historical Perspective.
Middle School Drug Testing
Bill Trusheim and John Graf, Pequannock School District
"In becoming the first middle school in New Jersey to implement a RSDT Program, Pequannock Valley School and the Pequannock School District weighed the potential negative connotations against the potential benefits for students. After considerable study and experience with RSDT, we are convinced that the potential benefits far outweigh the negatives. Our experience leads us to believe that once understood, RSDT becomes part of the culture of a school. This happened quickly at Pequannock Valley School and our students not only responded as volunteers for the testing pool, but also as advocates for living drug and alcohol free. We also believe that middle school testing sets a strong foundation for RSDT at the high school level and that the effects of the program are lasting. By engaging in a research project with the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, we hope to be able to contribute to scientific knowledge about the effectiveness of RSDT as a viable deterrent to drug and alcohol use. We further believe that RSDT provides students with a source of positive peer pressure to live safe and healthy lives free of abuses from drugs and alcohol." Read the full article Middle School Drug Testing.
Handling Positive Random Drug Tests
Branden Johnson, Drug Prevention Technician
Based on his experience working directly with students in schools with RSDT, Branden Johnson explores the options schools have after a student's random drug test result is read as positive in The Aftermath. He also discusses ideal follow-up testing procedures in Testing During the Aftermath.
What to Ask of a Drug-Testing Provider
Steve Cooper, S&A Services, Inc.
Harvey Graves, Pinnacle Medical Management Corporation
Harvey Graves and Steve Cooper each put their spin on what schools need to ask when interviewing potential drug-testing providers for RSDT programs. Read Graves' Choosing a Service Agent and Cooper's Selecting a Service Provider for your RSDT Program.
An International Perspective: RSDT in Sweden
Per Johansson, Secretary General of RNS, Sweden
In Fall 2008, Landskrona became the first city in Sweden to introduce RSDT in a public school. Read about how the program developed in the article Random Student Drug Testing Begins in Sweden.
Smarter Student Drug Testing
Here are some key ideas to improve student drug testing programs that come from Robert L. DuPont, M.D. & Harvey Graves, Ph.D., 2005. Download the full PDF file.
Identify Commonly Used Drugs
Knowing what drugs are available and which are widely used in the school community can help determine how effective drug testing will be. By surveying the school population, a school can create its own core panel drug screen.
Do not limit the tests to the common 5-panel screen (amphetamine/methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine), because they may not take into consideration the actual patterns of student drug use. Students who use drugs may avoid the drugs they know to be on the panel, and use alternatives instead. The school's specific core drug test panel should be used with every test, and include random testing for additional substances (such as EtG alcohol testing and nicotine testing).
Let students know the school tests for a full range of drugs, as it will help deter drug use to a greater extent.
Vary the Types of Tests Used
Hair, saliva, and urine tests each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages; however, not knowing which will be used can significantly reduce cheating on drug tests, a common concern in student drug testing. It is much harder to cheat on hair and saliva tests than urine tests. If a student does not know which test will be done, he or she cannot plan to cheat on a urine test.
Use Specimen Validity Testing
Specimen validity testing examines the pH, specific gravity, and createnine level within a urine sample. There is usually no extra cost and it limits a student's ability to cheat. Samples can also be tested for the presence of adulterants.
Determine How Many Students Need to Be Tested
Know how many students need to be tested each year in order to achieve deterrent goals. This number, called random pool penetration, is commonly 50% in the workplace and as little as 10% in schools. The higher the percentage of students tested, the more effective the testing will be both as a deterrent to drug use and as a way to identify drug using students who need help to become and stay drug-free.
Consider increasing the frequency of students tested as an additional tool to increase the effectiveness of testing. If testing days are not predictable, then students will be less likely to change behaviors to avoid being detected and be more likely to avoid drug use altogether.
Track ALL Results
Track both positive and negative test results: knowing what drugs are used and not used can help determine what to test for as years go on, as the student population changes as well as the level of drug use changes.
EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) Alcohol Testing
How EtG Tests Work
Tests for illegal drugs usually do not include testing for the presence of alcohol although for students under the age of 21, alcohol is an "illegal drug." A separate test is required because unlike illegal drugs, alcohol only stays in the body for a few hours after use. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a metabolite of alcohol that remains present in the body for up to 6 days after alcohol consumption.
EtG tests are urine tests which determine whether alcohol was previously consumed. EtG tests do not measure the amount of alcohol that was ingested and do not determine the timeframe in which it was consumed. Any alcohol use by anyone under 21 years old is illegal and can be both dangerous and harmful to that youth's health. Determining higher cut-off levels for EtG reduces the likelihood of students testing positive for alcohol consumption due to innocent exposure from products like mouthwash which contain small amounts of alcohol.
Cut-off levels range between 100ng/ml and 1,000ng/ml. The more alcohol a person consumes, the longer alcohol metabolites are present in the body.
Integrating EtG Testing into RSDT
EtG testing can be an integrative piece to RSDT programs. More schools are adding EtG tests to their programs. Although routine drug tests do not test for alcohol, adding EtG testing helps to deter students who may have been more inclined to use alcohol because it was not previously included in the test panel. EtG testing gives students one more good reason to stand up to peer pressure by choosing not to use alcohol and illegal drugs.
The Medical Review Officer (MRO) continues to play the same key role in verifying positive EtG test results. Schools using EtG tests often rotate EtG testing so they do not do it on all samples.
Schools can also use breath tests for alcohol at specific school events such as dances and athletic events, when there is higher use of alcohol by students. Conducting random breath tests at such events can act as a strong deterrent for students not to use alcohol before they attend.
Nicotine Testing
How Nicotine Testing Works
After ingesting nicotine (through cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, etc.), the body breaks it down into metabolites which can be detected in a manner similar to EtG Alcohol Testing. The metabolite present is called cotinine and can be detected in saliva, urine, and blood. Cotinine appears in the body for several days after last use.
Integrating Nicotine Testing into RSDT
Due to the ease of saliva testing, it is the most widely used test for nicotine. Many schools have added nicotine to the list of substances for which they test.
An example of such program is that of the Tallassee, AL City Schools which includes nicotine testing as a part of the RSDT program.
Low Positive Test Rates
While RSDT deters drug use and identifies students using drugs so that they can receive evaluation and treatment if needed, RSDT does not eliminate drug use among all students. If a school has few positive random drug test results, it does not mean that the students have stopped using illicit drugs; rather, it probably means that the drug tests being used are failing to identify the drug users.
Schools with positive drug test result rates below 3% should contact their testing providers and try another type or brand of test. Each substance tested (urine, oral fluids, hair, and sweat) has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some tests are better at identifying positives than others. On-site oral fluid tests are particularly likely to miss many drug users, especially marijuana users. Therefore, it is important for every school using RSDT to continuously evaluate its program and its testing provider by tracking its positive test rate.
For more information, read the Institute for Behavior & Health, Inc. paper on Low Positive Test Rates.
Drug Testing at Home
A family functions best when its members are alcohol and drug-free. Parents can actively help their children remain drug-free by setting clear standards in a caring and supportive family environment. Until children are living independently from their parents (physically and financially), parents need to be engaged with any behavior that could potentially harm their children including the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Drug testing can become a part of a family's supportive and health-conscious culture.
Establish a written family drug, alcohol, and tobacco policy with clear standards of no-use and which every family member agrees to. Consequences and privileges should be clearly stated and fairly enforced. Each family's policy is unique, as every family has its own dynamics, and may or may not include family drug testing.
Read the detailed guide on family drug testing:
Download the Full PDF: DuPont, R.L., & Bucher, R.H. (2012). Guide to Responsible Family Drug and Alcohol Testing. Rockville, MD: Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc.
Archived Resources
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. What You Need To Know About Drug Testing In Schools. (2002).
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. What You Need to Know About Starting a Student Drug-Testing Program. (2004).
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Strategies for Success: New Pathways to Drug Abuse Prevention. (Summer/Fall 2008). Read a commentary from the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc.
Edwards, C.E. & The Student Drug Testing Coalition. Student Drug Testing Programs: An Overview and Resource Guide. Arizona: Tucson, 2004.
DuPont, R. L. (2013, April 18). Students Subject to Random Drug Testing Use Drugs Less Than Students Not Subject to Testing in Same Schools. Rockville, MD: Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc.
DuPont, R. L., Campbell, M. D., Campbell, T. G., Shea, C. L., & DuPont, H. S. (2013). Self-reported drug and alcohol use and attitudes toward drug testing in high school with random student drug testing. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 22(2), 104-119.
DuPont, R.L. (2010). New Study Shows Efficacy of Mandatory Random Student Drug Testing. Rockville, MD: Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. Department of Education Study Executive Summary. Department of Education Study Full Report.
DeMitchell, T.A., Kossakoski, S., & Baldasaro, T. (2008). To Test or Not to Test? Drug Testing Teachers: The View of the Superintendent. The College Record, 110(6), 1207-1240.
Swedish Study Shows No-Use Messages from Parents Can Reduce Underage Drinking Behaviors Among Adolescents. Research Study Summary. Rockville, MD: Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., 2009.
DuPont, R.L., Campbell, T.G., & Shea, C.L. Preliminary Study: Elements of a Successful School-Based Student Drug Testing Program. Rockville, MD: Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., 2009.
McKinney, J.R. (2002). The effectiveness and legality of random drug testing policies. Ball State University. Reported by the Student Drug Testing Coalition.
McKinney, J.R. (2003). The effectiveness of random drug testing programs: A statewide follow-up study. Ball State University. Reported by the Student Drug Testing Coalition.
McKinney, J.R. (2004). Study of high schools with student drug-testing programs. Ball State University. Reported by the Student Drug Testing Coalition.
McKinney, J.R. (2005). Effectiveness of student random drug-testing programs. Ball State University. Reported by the Student Drug Testing Coalition.
Read Commentaries on Relationship Between Student Illicit Drug Use and School Drug-Testing Policies by Robert L. DuPont, M.D., and Student Drug Testing Coalition
DuPont, R.L., Campbell, T., Campbell, M. US Dept. of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program. Final Report of a Demonstration Project: Enhancing and Assessing Student Drug Testing, Rockville, MD: Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., 2007.
Ringwalt, C., et al. (2008). Random drug testing in US public school districts, American Journal of Public Health, 98(5), 826-828.