Analysis of Alcohol and Drugs in Oral Fluid From Truck Drivers in Norway

Abstract

The proportion of oral fluid samples containing psychoactive substances was lower for truck drivers than for car or van drivers.

Detecting Alcohol and Illicit Drugs in Oral Fluid Samples Collected from Truck Drivers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

“…In a recent Norwegian study of 882 truck drivers, psychoactive substances were detected in low prevalence in oral fluid samples. Alcohol was found in only 1 case (0.1%), THC was detected in 6 cases (0.7%), amphetamines were found in 2 cases (0.2%), cocaine and benzoylecgonine were found in 7 cases (0.8%), and opiates were found in 2 cases (0.2%; Gjerde et al 2012). Our research group has also published 2 studies in this area.…”

Use of Illicit Drugs by Truck Drivers Arriving at Paranaguá Port Terminal, Brazil

“…In fact, the study indicates that the incidence of drug use in truck drivers at a terminal port in Brazil is very similar to that reported in other previously published studies (Knauth et al 2002;Nascimento et al 2007;Pechansky et al 2010;Takitane et al 2013); however, use of cannabis was not observed in our study. Gjerde et al (2012) observed in a Norwegian study that the percentage of drivers whose oral fluids tested positive for alcohol or drugs was very low (alcohol: 0.1%; amphetamine: 0.2%; cannabinoids: 0.7%; cocaine: 0.8%). This may be a result of more frequent monitoring of vehicles at checkpoints and severe punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Norway (Gjerde et al 2012).…”

“…Gjerde et al (2012) observed in a Norwegian study that the percentage of drivers whose oral fluids tested positive for alcohol or drugs was very low (alcohol: 0.1%; amphetamine: 0.2%; cannabinoids: 0.7%; cocaine: 0.8%). This may be a result of more frequent monitoring of vehicles at checkpoints and severe punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Norway (Gjerde et al 2012). In addition, drivers are not entitled to refuse random breath testing or evidential breath testing or blood sampling in cases of suspected driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.…”

Using biological samples in epidemiological research on drugs of abuse

“…In recent studies in Norway, the refusal rate was 3-6% (8,22,61). In an American study, the refusal rate was 8-11% when giving an incentive of 10 or 20 $ (9).…”