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FAQ2018-10-12T09:19:29+00:00

ASK & WE ANSWER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

At Mackay Drug Testing Services we are here to support you with all you drug and alcohol testing needs. Our Nationally Accredited and professional team are here to answer all your questions. Below are the most common questions but please feel free to call us if would like to discuss anything further.

Are Passive breathalysers able to be used in windy conditions outdoors?2018-10-22T22:27:36+00:00

A Passive breathalyser analyses a sample of ambient air from around its sample inlet (spigot). If the operator has provided adequate instructions and conducts the test correctly (this requires training), a Passive breathalyser collects a sample of the subject’s breath, mixing with some ambient air, analyses this sample and determines if any alcohol is present or not. Any significant external air flow, from wind outdoors or fans/air conditioners indoors, can interfere with the sample to be analysed. If the operator is well trained, conducting a valid passive test is generally as simple as shielding the test from excesses wind, etc. by turning your back to the wind, ensuring the subject is close to and blowing or talking directly to the instrument inlet.

How accurate are Passive breathalysers?2018-10-22T22:23:19+00:00

Passive breathalysers only deliver what is called “qualitative” result. They provide a written qualification as to whether alcohol is present of not. They do not measure accuracy. For an accurate result, you need a “quantitative” breathalyser (operating in Standard mode using a mouthpiece). A breathalyser operating in “Standard mode” with a mouthpiece analyses the subject’s deep lung air sample, and quantifies the result as a numeric blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading.

Why is a breathalyser the best test to use to detect alcohol?2018-10-11T14:35:25+00:00

Just like drugs, consuming alcohol in the workplace can be a dangerous situation. Using an Australian Standards device, like the Alcolizer KY-8300, ensures that the test is accurate. The only other method to determine blood alcohol level is through drawing a persons blood and having a laboratory test it. This is quite invasive and complicated scenario. Instead, using a portable breathalyser will give you a reliable test with ease.

Can you beat a breathalyser?2018-10-11T13:49:18+00:00

There are many things on the internet that mislead people into thinking that tests can be beaten, but in reality, if the device is to Australian Standards then fooling the device is almost impossible.

What are the Australian Standards2018-10-10T06:27:52+00:00

Australian Standards are published documents setting out specifications and procedures designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform the way they are intended to. They establish a minimum set of requirements which define quality and safety criteria.
What happens if I refuse to supply a specimen for the purposes of testing?2018-10-11T13:55:57+00:00

Refusal is often treated as a failure. Employers take a very dim view of any employee refusing to supply a specimen. Although you can not be forced to provide a specimen you need to check your what consequences you will face with your current employment. If you have any lawful or medical reason to not supply a specimen, you are best to discuss this with your employer prior to the test so alternative arrangments can be made if necessary.

Can I use any drug testing device?2018-10-10T06:15:08+00:00

It is always best to use an Australian Standards device such as the ProScreen Urine Test Cup and the First Sign Saliva Drug Test. When not using an Australian Standard device you run the risk of producing false positive results. A false positive can damage the employee’s reputation as they have “failed” a drug test. You may have to stand them down whilst their results are being analysed by an authorised laboratory (depending on your company policy), they may be treated “differently” in the workplace, and they have to endure the stress of not knowing what will happen to their job if the test comes back positive. As an employer, you may be exposing yourself to civil proceedings by performing a drug test with a device that is not compliant to Australian Standards.

Can I order just one First Sign Saliva Test?2018-10-09T12:59:29+00:00

Yes, we sell the testing devices either 1 at a time or they come in boxes of 25. We also have the books available in duplicate for you to use. They come in 25 duplicate pages so they match when you buy a box of 25 testing devices.

Are there any safety concerns using this test?2018-10-11T14:13:08+00:00

There are no safety concerns for the donor or the collector. The ProScreen Cup (the urine drug test) is easy to do and cause no discomfort at all. Specimen cups are handed out by the collector who wears gloves. Those being tested must provide the designated amount of urine, which is less than a typical trip to the bathroom. The donor returns the sample to the collector for evaluation.

For the First Sign Saliva Drug Test, there are no safety concerns. The collector hands the donor a swap to gently chew to provide their specimen. The collector wears gloves to protect the integrity of the swap.

Each time the Alcolizer Breatherlyser is used for the purpose of a test a new disposable mouthpiece is used.

Are my employee’s privacy rights being violated?2018-10-11T15:07:48+00:00

Privacy is something that we take very seriously and everyone involved can be assured that their privacy will be protected. If an employee fails a test, this information will only be provided to the employee and the employer.

Will I lose my job if my test is positive?2018-10-11T13:55:04+00:00

This is up to the employer and they will refer back to their own policies. Each company may have their own policies in relation to workplace drug and alcohol usage and you should ensure that you are familiar with these policies. At the end of the day, we do not dictate what happens to your employment and this is an issue you will have to address employer.

What happens if the test is Non Negative (positive)?2018-10-11T15:04:19+00:00

If a test is positive (non negative) this is an indication that one or more of the illicit drugs were detected in the specimen. The donor is informed that they have failed the drug test. If the test has been requested by the employer, they too are notified of the failed drug test. It is at this time that the specimen is sent to an accredited laboratory for confirmation of the failed test if the employer wishes to do so.

With regards to a positive test for alcohol, under the Australian Standards when the first test is conducted you must wait 15 minutes and then conduct another test. Most think this is to see if the level has gone up or down but waiting 15 minutes is actually to allow the breathalyser to reset itself ready for the next test. Please note that all results should be recorded and we can supply the correct paperwork for this to be done.

What is the cost of delivery?2018-10-11T13:57:08+00:00

Delivery Method

We can deliver your products to you or you can collect them from our office for free.

Delivery Costs

Our local deliveries are free to the Mackay and Hinterland region. For non-local deliveries, freight is free for purchases of two boxes or more or for orders over $1,000.

Estimated Delivery Times

As we carry stock we can accommodate rush orders on local deliveries. Freighted orders may take 1-3 days.

Express Delivery

Available upon request.

Can we bulk purchase?2018-10-10T06:10:45+00:00

Yes. All purchases can be dispatched to our customers in a timely manner as stock is normally held on site. We do local deliveries or we can organise freight delivery for those that ordered two or more boxes.

Can I order just one ProScreen Cup?2018-10-10T11:57:25+00:00

Although the Proscreen Cups come in a box of 25 we often sell them to people who just need one or a few. If you intend to use them on a regular basis, we recommend you purchasing a larger quality to take advantage of our free delivery.

What workplace industry can use this test?2018-10-11T13:50:05+00:00

At the moment Drug and Alcohol Testing is being pushed into many wide and varied industries. Traditionally, it used to be with those employees that work in an industrial area or around heavy machinery. But now, the industries we are performing Drug and Alcohol Tests are broadening to include delivery drivers, employees that deal with the public, use tools and appliances (such as air compressors and deep fryers) or even in areas with sharp tools and equipment (such as automatic cutting devices). In short, any workplace industry can request an employee to submit to a drug test to ensure the safety of the public and your staff.

Why is important to use a device that has Australian Standards approval?2018-10-11T13:46:41+00:00

Australian Standards ensure that the device is of high quality and performs in a manner that the manufacturer claims. Ultimately, this means that you are using a device that is highly accurate which will avoid any issues such as providing false positives.

Can you beat a drug test?2018-10-10T07:36:34+00:00

There are many things on the internet that mislead people into thinking that tests can be beaten, but in reality, if the device is to Australian Standards then fooling the device is almost impossible.

The ProScreen Urine Testing Cup comes with built-in validity features to ensure that the specimen provided is, in fact, a valid specimen. One of these features includes temperature. When urine is eliminated from the body it is usually at the same temperature as the body. The average adult body temperature is between 36.1°C to 37.2°C. There is a temperature strip bar on the device to measure the specimen sample. If the specimen is not within this range (or in close proximity) then the specimen is fake.

Likewise, the other built-in specimen-validity tests to defeat specimen adulteration include pH, creatinine, Nitrite, bleach, and specific gravity test. These elements, if are incorrect, will also indicate if the sample provided is a valid specimen. If the sample provided passes these tests then you can be confident that you have a valid specimen.

The First Sign Saliva Test would be quite difficult to supply a fake specimen as they perform the test in front of a Nationally Accredited collector.

Why is this the best test to use?2018-10-10T13:21:43+00:00

Urine drug tests are considered more accurate over salvia drug tests for a number of reasons. Urines drug tests have well studied and documented for 30 years whereas the saliva drug test is relatively new and thus less studied and documented. Whilst saliva testing definitely has its advantages, such as ease of collection, it’s reliability, accuracy, and drug testing variety are limited.

Avoiding detection with a saliva drug test can be as simple as brushing your teeth or using a mouthwash prior to testing can produce a false positive. So too by consuming food that can alter the pH levels can produce a false positive. There are few accredited laboratories that are authorised to perform a confirmatory test on oral fluids. The target drugs are present in oral fluids only by accident and in very low concentration levels compared to the concentration levels of the target drugs in urine as the body expels the drugs as waste.

How do you know the sample is in fact urine?2018-10-10T11:52:16+00:00

There are several indicators on the device that we use to check the validity of the specimen.

The ProScreen Urine Testing Cup comes with built-in validity features to ensure that the specimen provided is, in fact, a valid specimen. One of these features includes temperature. When urine is eliminated from the body it is usually at the same temperature as the body. The average adult body temperature is between 36.1°C to 37.2°C. There is a temperature strip bar on the device to measure the specimen sample. If the specimen is not within this range (or in close proximity) then the specimen is fake.

Likewise, the other built-in specimen-validity tests to defeat specimen adulteration include pH, creatinine, Nitrite, bleach, and specific gravity test. These elements, if are incorrect, will also indicate if the sample provided is a valid specimen. If the sample provided passes these tests then you can be confident that you have a valid specimen.

What accreditation is required to administer a drug or alcohol test?2018-10-11T14:44:10+00:00

Any person administering a drug or alcohol test must be nationally accredited. You must successfully complete the Course in Workplace Drug Testing (breath alcohol) (oral fluid – saliva) (urine) 10275NAT. This is a Nationally Accredited specialist drug test training course developed by the Drug and Alcohol Testing Institute designed to train prospective drug and alcohol testing collectors. Your collector should have a copy of their accreditation for you to view.

Can we have someone, in house, to administer the test?2018-10-11T13:51:13+00:00

The simple answer is yes as long as that person holds National Accreditation. We are here to support you in your testing needs. When you are testing a large group it may be beneficial to bring in an extra set of hands. We can also supply the devices to you and organise delivery.

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Testimonials

Marius – Bcerta

“Bcerta Australia has developed a great partnership with Mackay Drug Testing Services over the last 3 years. In this time they have provided a reliable service to Bcerta and the Mackay GP Superclinic Group, dedicated to being on time with our requests and orders of drug testing products. Bill is always contactable and approachable, making the whole process easy. Bill has NO excuses, he JUST delivers a great service.”

Maree – Coppabella

“I have known and worked with Bill Cleary from Mackay Drug Testing Services now for over a 5 year period in that time I have found Bill to be the most knowledgeable person on Drug and Alcohol Testing I have met. I buy all my products from Bill and I never have any problems and everything works as it supposed to, Bill is always available to help and off assistance whenever I need it.
I used to deal with a southern company and could never get any help when I needed it and no one seemed to have a great knowledge of Drug and Alcohol Testing do yourself a favour and buy your equipment from Mackay Drug Testing Services you will get a great price with excellent backup and service.”

Peter – Bunzl Safety Mackay

“Bill Cleary from Mackay Drug Testing Services has been conducting Drug and Alcohol Testing at our premises over the past 2 years or more. Bill supplies a service once a month to conduct random Urine testing. We also use Bill for pre-employment D&A testing and his knowledge and professionalism is the best. If you have any questions he is, always able to answer them and the staff appreciate his knowledge in this field. His pricing is very competitive and customer service is impeccable. I would highly recommend any company to use Bill’s services if they require Drug and Alcohol testing done.”

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