Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
Experimental antibodies may counter the harmful effects of xylazine
According to a new study, researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have developed antibodies that may help reduce the harmful effects of xylazine, a veterinary sedative increasingly found in illicit fentanyl supplies. As part of the study,...
DOT return-to-duty scams: Risks, warning signs and prevention
A recent analysis article published by the American Substance Abuse Professionals (ASAP) and authored by Sandra Serrano discussed fraud involving individuals posing as qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)...
Newfoundland and Labrador consider new school measures to address student substance use
In July, Newfoundland and Labrador's education minister and the provincial NDP leaders expressed support for measures aimed at preventing substance use among children and adolescents in schools. The proposals follow recommendations from a recent child death review,...
DOT shy bladder and none provided
For collectors, Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), and Medical Review Officers (MROs), a "shy bladder" situation can be one of the more misunderstood problems that can occur during a DOT drug test. A shy bladder is not automatically a refusal to test, and the...
Overdose emergencies increased across Ontario cities in 2026
According to the results of a recent analysis published by CBC News and authored by Ariel Tozman, the number of opioid overdose calls to paramedics recorded in the first five months of 2026 increased in four Ontario cities significantly compared to one year ago....
DOT updates specimen collection procedures
The DOT has made some updates to their DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines. Many of the changes are simply the addition of greater detail regarding the procedure being specifically written out, rather than an actual change to how it should be...
Eye infections on rise due to drug injection: Study
According to a recent study carried out by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, injection drug use-associated eye infections have become significantly more common in recent years, with fentanyl use linked to poorer visual outcomes and...
Veterinary sedative found in majority of Thunder Bay drug samples
According to drug-checking services operated by NorWest Community Health Centres (NWCHC), over 70% of street drugs recently tested in Thunder Bay contained a veterinary tranquillizer called medetomidine. In addition, NWCHC has issued 10 drug alerts since April related...
DEA cannabis rescheduling hearings completed
A recent analysis published by the U.S. law firm Vicente and authored by Neil Willner and Shawn Hauser discussed the key testimony, legal arguments, and procedural developments from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hearing on the proposed rescheduling of...