"Our drugs of abuse in oral fluid proficiency testing scheme - featuring real human oral fluid samples"

Drug testing is extremely accurate and reliable when all aspects of the testing process are carried out correctly. However, if poor procedures and inadequate testing methods are utilised, the information obtained may be very misleading and inaccurate. To minimise this risk, laboratories should perform routine quality control tests and participate in suitable PT/EQA schemes.

DOF, AXIO's Drugs of Abuse in Oral Fluid proficiency testing programme, provides real human oral fluid samples to enable robust performance assessments for laboratories and clinics that provide analytical services in this field. Advances in technology have enabled oral fluid testing for the presence of many drugs. Oral fluid collection is also often less invasive, relatively easy to perform, and in forensic situations can be achieved under close supervision to prevent adulteration or substitution of the samples.

The operation of our DOF scheme is supported by an Advisory Group consisting of members of professional bodies, scheme participants, and others experienced in the field. The programme reports on the performance of UK participants (who have clinical responsibilities) to the National Quality Assurance Advisory Panels for Chemical Pathology.