The Drug Detection Agency has become the first drug and alcohol testing and collection company in New Zealand to receive IANZ accreditation for oral fluid collection.

The new accreditation is in relation to Section 2 of the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4760:2019 (oral fluid), and aligns with the IANZ accreditation TDDA already holds for drugs in urine.

The IANZ accreditation means processes meet rigorous standards and critical aspects of oral fluid testing, including collection, storage, handling and dispatch. This standard is critical for the procedure of specimen collection, as well as the detection and quantification of drugs in oral fluid, providing the highest level of reliability and accuracy.

“TDDA is the largest provider of workplace drug and alcohol testing in New Zealand; we help companies do over 250,000 screenings a year,” said Glenn Dobson, chief executive officer at TDDA.

“Being the first testing and collection agency to achieve IANZ accreditation means our clients can have confidence that our testing processes are of the highest level, giving them accurate and actionable information that will withstand a legal test if it arises,” he said.

Oral fluid testing analyses samples of saliva for the presence of illegal drugs and prescription medications and has seen significant technological advancements over the years. In many settings it is a preferred method of testing, capable of detecting a wide range of drugs with acceptable accuracy and reliability.

A report by Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum suggested that poor health and safety performance and progress cost New Zealand $4.4 billion in 2022 alone. Approximately 70 people die from work-related accidents each year – higher per capita than in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“TDDA’s comprehensive substance testing solutions are tailored for all safety-sensitive industries where safety and precision are non-negotiable, including transport, manufacturing, construction, civil works, forestry and farming,” said Dobson.

“Our testing can detect a wide range of substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamines, opioids and cannabis.”

In addition to oral fluid testing, TDDA offers a comprehensive suite of drug and alcohol tests, including breathalyser technology, hair alcohol testing and multi-panel substance tests.

“In high-stake industries where heavy equipment is frequently used, businesses must be vigilant. We understand that health and safety management is a part of day-to-day business, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients can completely trust in the safety and accuracy of our service,” said Dobson.

“The IANZ accreditation provides our clients with the assurance that TDDA’s drug testing processes are both compliant and independently audited, allowing them to effectively manage drug risks and uphold their commitment to an active safety culture.”