[MCOH-EH] Discrepancy screening

[RADKE, LAURA]

I think your best test depends on the circumstances of the testing.  We use saliva/oral fluid testing for reasonable suspicion/suspected diversion/return to work.  Urine is used for most other circumstances.  Hair testing is best for looking at long-term use of controlled substances.  Its detection window is weeks to months.  Hair would be useful for longer term followup – last chance agreement with complete sobriety required for return to work or a similar situation, perhaps.

Laura L Radke, MD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine
Senior Medical Director, F&MCW Occupational Health Services
Phone: 262-253-8197 | Fax: 262-253-5152 Cell Phone: 414-530-0723
E-mail: laura.radke at froedtert.com<mailto:laura.radke at froedtert.com>
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Workforce Health / North Hills Health Center
Building B First Floor
W129 N7055 Northfield Dr.
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net> On Behalf Of Darlene Sims
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 11:24 PM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Discrepancy screening

Recently, one of our pharmacist made the request and pushing for our system to change to hair screening vs UDS. I was just curious if anyone uses the hair method for discrepancies, particularly in situations where there are an employee’s narcotic usage is higher than compared to others in the same department. We have not had an issue with our current process; however, he feels there may be missed cases.


Thank you,

Darlene Sims, FNP
Director, Infirmary Employee Health
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