Human urine has been used for many years to detect the presence of illicit drugs. Urine testing may be requested for a variety of reasons, including health care, occupational monitoring, insurance screening, legal and forensic purposes. Errors in tests could have severe consequences, such as dismissal from work or miscarriage of justice.

The AXIO Proficiency Testing Drugs of Abuse in Urine Scheme (DAU) is designed to provide an independent performance assessment of laboratories and clinics that provide routine services for the detection of drugs of abuse in urine. Laboratories and clinics are encouraged to participate in suitable PT/EQA schemes to ensure the highest standard of drug testing is achieved through independent assessment of measurement quality. 

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