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Pilot project report shows accuracy and reliability of oral fluid testing instruments
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has finished a pilot project that could lead to new screening tools for law enforcement to save lives on Minnesota roads. The department’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) submitted results to state legislators this month on two oral fluid testing instruments that can help detect drug-impaired driving.
“Sadly, the deadly seriousness of impaired driving goes beyond just alcohol,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “Driving while under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol is a threat to every person on the road. Advances in roadside technology will help law enforcement identify drug-impaired drivers and keep us all safe.”
Statewide participation in the pilot project
Fifty-seven drug recognition evaluators (DREs) from 41 law enforcement agencies participated last year in the OTS-coordinated pilot project. They covered 36 counties across Minnesota.
The DREs tested two instruments, the Abbott SoToxa™ Oral Fluid Mobile Test System and the Dräger DrugTest 5000. They evaluated the instruments for factors such as ease of use, reliability, accuracy and practicality. The devices detect recent use of six drug classes and the specific chemicals that can impair drivers:
- Amphetamines: A stimulant that includes legal prescriptions to treat conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Benzodiazepines: A depressant that includes legal prescriptions to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- Cannabinoids: Personal possession and use of certain amounts of cannabis and cannabis products are legal in Minnesota. The testing instruments detect the psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the cannabinoid that can impair driving.
- Cocaine: An illegal stimulant.
- Methamphetamines: A stimulant.
- Opiates: A drug that includes legal prescriptions to treat pain.
The oral fluid testing instruments are screening tools, similar to preliminary breath tests (PBTs) law enforcement use to detect drunk driving. The tests help law enforcement gather evidence for establishing the probable cause needed to make a driving while impaired (DWI) arrest.
The pilot project was voluntary for drivers. DREs first performed the standard roadside evaluation of drivers suspected of impairment. If the driver agreed, they were then asked to provide an oral fluid sample for testing. The results couldn’t be used in court and did not establish probable cause for a DWI arrest.
Most common drugs detected were cannabinoids, methamphetamines and amphetamines
The pilot project showed how the simultaneous use of multiple substances is contributing to impairment. During the project, the instruments:
- Detected drugs in 87.2 percent of tests overall.
- Most frequently detected cannabinoids, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
- Detected more than one drug in 62 percent of the tests.
- Found that 90 percent of drivers who tested positive for alcohol with a PBT also tested positive for one or more drugs.
Blood or urine tests validated accuracy of oral fluid testing instruments
The oral fluid testing instruments are preliminary screening tools, but just like a PBT, their results can’t be used in court.
What can be used in court to help get a DWI conviction are blood or urine tests from DPS’ Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The pilot project showed that the oral fluid instruments accurately detected the same substances the BCA found in its laboratory tests. Most match rates exceeded 82 percent. As expected, the BCA detected more substances than the oral fluid testing instruments due to factors such as its more extensive testing capabilities.
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Office of Traffic Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program and school bus stop arm camera project.
