Federal Drug Officials Authorize Testing for Fentanyl
Both Urine and Oral Fluid Testing Could Begin in July
Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the DEA. (Rick Bowmer/Associated Press)
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Testing for use of the synthetic opioid fentanyl has been approved by U.S. drug officials, clearing the way for truck drivers and others in federally regulated occupations to be subject to testing for its use.
The Department of Health and Human Services in a Jan. 16 Federal Register post made the announcement, noting that fentanyl now accounts for a large proportion of overdose deaths in the country. The use of both urine and oral fluid drug panels to test for the drug will be authorized for federal agencies beginning in July.
Drug officials since 2015 have been weighing whether to add fentanyl to the list of tested substances for truck drivers and other federally regulated workers. Its growing use as a standalone substance as opposed to combined use with heroin and other substances compelled this move.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug. It is approved by…
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