Drug & Alcohol Testing Gold Coast | Coolangatta Medical Centre

Your Partner in Promoting an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace

Drug and alcohol screening involves laboratory examinations to determine if there are specific substances present in a person’s system before or during the test. It is often implemented by organisations, employers, and law enforcement to maintain a safe workplace, improve productivity, and help employees overcome or modify their patterns of substance use.

Coolangatta Medical Centre provides innovative drug and alcohol testing solutions tailored for all industries. With a commitment to cutting-edge technology and personalised approaches, we ensure accurate and efficient testing processes catered to you or your organisation’s unique needs.

How Does Drug and Alcohol Testing Work?

A drug and alcohol test usually involves analysing biological samples such as urine, blood, or saliva to detect the presence of specific substances. Here’s an overview of what happens during a D&A test.

Our Drug & Alcohol Testing Process

Urine Drug Kits

This process involves the collection of a urine sample in a controlled environment, which is followed by a laboratory analysis. Our supervised urine drug test can detect a wide range of substances, including:

Cannabinoids (i.e., marijuana)
Amphetamine Substances (e.g. speed, ecstasy, etc.)
Benzodiazepines (valium, etc.)
Cocaine Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine)

We also offer standard drug screening services, covering the following substances:

Barbiturates Alcohol (ethanol) Methadone Metabolite
Phencyclidine
Other drug classes can be tested upon request

Urine Drug Testing Process

Urine Collection

Urine samples may be collected under the supervision of our trained staff according to the company’s OH&S protocol and the Healthscope Commercial Pathology policy. Collection, labelling, and transport of the sample are carried out according to strict ‘Chain of Custody’ protocols as described in National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) guidelines. These protocols are designed to protect sample integrity and avoid tampering and claims of misidentification.

Urine Drug Collection Kit

Healthscope Commercial Pathology provides a convenient kit to facilitate urine specimen collection and labelling. The kit consists of a strong plastic transport tube with screw-on lid, two specimen bottles and caps, specimen ID labels, Chain of Custody request form, tamper-proof seals, temperature strip, and specimen plastic bag. These kits are suitable for mailing or transport to Healthscope Commercial Pathology laboratories.

Urine Screening, Testing, and Confirmation

The initial laboratory testing is a ‘screening test.’ A screening test can give a false positive result on occasion, thus it is strongly recommended that all positive results be confirmed using a confirmatory Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) test. Screening rechecks can be requested by the referrer, without charge, on the original sample.

Alcohol Testing

Samples for alcohol testing can be collected through the breath, blood, or urine. The most common method of sample collection is by using a breathalyser device. However, blood or urine samples may be extracted in certain situations for more precise testing. Here’s the overview of alcohol testing process:

Our Alcohol Testing Process

Breathalyser Testing

Our trained staff asks the testing candidate to blow into a breathalyser device to measure the concentration of alcohol in the breath sample.

Blood Alcohol Testing (if applicable)

In most legal or medical cases, we may draw blood to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC), which refers to the percentage of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream.

Blood alcohol testing provides the most accurate and reliable results.

Urine Alcohol Testing (if applicable)

Urine alcohol tests may be used to detect alcohol metabolites in the urine.

This method is less common than breath or blood testing and is often used when either of the two is not applicable.

Analysis and Results

The collected sample (breath, blood, or urine) is analysed by our trained technician and the concentration of alcohol is recorded using specialised equipment.

Reporting of Results

For blood alcohol testing, the BAC is typically reported as a numerical value.

In the case of breath testing, the result is usually displayed immediately on the breathalyser device.

For blood and urine tests, results may take longer to process and report.

Result Interpretation

One of our authorised personnel interprets the results. The interpretation considers Australian drug testing laws, workplace policies, or medical guidelines, depending on the purpose of the test.

Follow-Up Actions (if applicable)

Depending on the context, positive test results may have follow-up procedures such as confirmatory testing. In some cases, it may lead to legal consequences of workplace disciplinary measures depending on the client’s guidelines.

Effect of Medications

It is possible that some medications may interfere in the initial screening, producing false positive results. Staff supervising the urine drug testing usually asks to list all prescription and non-prescription medicines and supplements the candidate may be taking.

Our Gold Coast GP Doctors

Areas We Serve

Apart from drug and alcohol screening procedures, Coolangatta Medical Centre offers a spectrum of specialised services designed to ensure your holistic wellness. From preventive care to advanced diagnostics, our commitment to your health knows no bounds.

Appointment, Costs, and Booking Process

Coolangatta Medical Centre offers flexible rates for clients and candidates in need of instant drug and alcohol testing. Our payment plans include lower fees for healthcare and pension card holders as well as Medicare rebates.

For more information, reach out to us or book an appointment with our staff for pre-employment drug and alcohol testing in Australia. If you have further inquiries, contact us at (07) 5599 1400.

Related Medical Services We Offer:

At Coolangatta Medical Centre, we also offer many other specialised care for vaccinations and overall family health care to keep you and your loved ones healthy. Book your appointment to visit our clinic at Gold Coast.

To see more of our other medical services, click here.

Payment Methods

Full fee upfront is payable on the day of your appointment and will be processed with a credit/debit card token provided at the time of booking.

Medicare rebate is processed for you on your behalf by the administration team and will go back into the account that you have nominated with Medicare within 24 to 48 hours. For more information about Medicare rebates, see our FAQs page.

Out of pocket fee is the amount of money that you will be out of pocket after Medicare has processed your rebate.

Frequently Asked Questions in Drug and Alcohol Testing

What is the expected timeframe for receiving the results?

The time it takes to get the results can vary depending on the type of test and the method used. Some rapid tests can produce preliminary results within minutes, while others may take a few days to a week to complete.

Why are my results delayed?

Depending on the method, workplace drug and alcohol testing can involve additional or follow-up steps to ensure accuracy and reliability of results, which may cause delays.

Can I access my medical records?

According to the Privacy Act 1988, patients have the right to access their medical records. Check with your healthcare provider for the specific process on how to get yours.

Who else can view my medical records?

Only clinical and administrative staff can access your medical records, and no other person can do so without the patient or candidate’s valid consent. Employees’ assessment results may be given to relevant third parties such as your employers or insurers with your consent.

Please note that your information will only be accessed without your consent if we are legally obligated to do so.

Is urine testing the most effective method for alcohol and drug screening?

While urine testing is widely used for drug screening due to its non-invasive nature and broad detection window, it is not the go-to method for alcohol testing. The choice of screening method depends on the specific substances you’re testing for, the detection window required, and the circumstances of the testing.

What is the most common method of drug testing?

Due to its convenience, non-invasiveness, and ability to detect a variety of substances, urine testing is the most common method used to detect drugs in the system. This type of testing is often employed in workplace drug testing procedures and probation monitoring.

What is an MRO?

An MRO or Medical Review Officer is a licensed physician who receives and interprets the results of laboratory tests. They are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the drug testing process, providing quality assurance review of the method.

How long do drugs stay in the system?

The duration that drugs stay in the body varies depending on factors such as the type of substance, frequency of use, and the person’s metabolism. Some drugs can stay in your system for days, while others last for months.

What is the difference between drug testing and drug screening?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are notable differences between the two. Generally, a drug test involves a more extensive process, producing more accurate results. Drug screening, on the other hand, is often quick and identifies a range of substances without high precision. It is more of a preliminary step to identify potential cases that require further investigation or confirmation.

How accurate are the results for drug screening?

While drug screening generally produces faster results, it is known to be less reliable compared to laboratory drug tests. Confirmatory tests are usually done to verify positive results.

Are there any risks in drug and alcohol testing?

The process is generally considered safe and non-invasive.

What is the most effective test for drug detection?