> Date:          Fri, 17 May 2002 11:33:57 +0100
> Reply-to:      Jeffrey Davies <[log in to unmask]>
> From:          Jeffrey Davies <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject:       Re: School place drug testing
> To:            [log in to unmask]

> It would be interesting to know if this proposal is the result of a local, state or national initiative; whether the school's motivation is protective or punitive, and if they have an existing substa> Your GP appears to be seeking forensic and ethical advice in addition to an analytical service. If neither he nor the school have thought of the very relevant points you have already raised, do you r> Other issues to consider include sample integrity, chain of custody, initial and confirmatory testing met> Oral fluid/salivary samples may be preferable to urine, particularly if random sampling is proposed in this group.
> If you are not involved in this work already, consider whether the likely return of financial and professional interest justifies the time and expense involved.
> Otherwise, a helpful referral to a specialist laboratory, as has already been suggested, may be best.
> Regards,
> Jeff Davies
>
As a school governor I have been involved in the exclusioin of a
pupil on account of various drug offences (in the UK). We would not
consider for one moment any suggestion of screening pupils, or
initiating an individual investigation.

In the case in question the boy's parents volunteered in evidence to
the school against the exclusion they had the boy tested on the day
in question after the allegation had been made, and the GPs opinion
was that the boy 'had not been exposed to drugs in the last
48 hours'.

In view of the fact that the parents had volunteered this evidence it
was suggested they might present the laboratory report at the appeal
hearing with the Local Authority (not the school)  against the
exclusion. At that point the appeal was dropped and we heard no
more about it.

It is however a very ticklish legal minefield.



David Cook
Dept. of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Tel: 0191 222 6935 or 222 7865

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