A study ordered in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of 15 quick tests shows several of the tests can have accuracy rates as low as 60 percent. Makers of the onsite tests say the study sample was too limited and argue their tests perform adequately when used properly. Toxicologists agree the sample size was small, but say the results reflect what other studies have found. Furthermore, they say, lab technology is more accurate. But Roche officials, who say their tests correctly identify the presence of drugs in more than 96 percent of urine samples, also say the big labs are concerned that the popular test kits are squeezing their profits.
Police think the tests are accurate enough.
The 10 cities in the pilot program will be announced in January, said Kevin Campbell, executive director of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police in Salem. The group, along with Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Sheriff's Association, plans to finance the program initially, asking cities to seek local money thereafter, Campbell said. Questions about the accuracy of the quick tests surfaced last summer after police groups announced plans to adopt the Molalla program. Chief Rob Elkins says officers in Molalla, a community of 5,400 in southern Clackamas County, take no action against children who test positive, and that test results are kept confidential. National police groups have said they are unaware of any other free drug testing in the nation conducted by police.