Is there a better way to conduct urinalyses?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:28:04 -0400

Just went through another one, and got to wondering if there is a different way to conduct these tests. Blood tests? Report twice a year to the hospital for testing? Make them part of the PHA? No argument that we need the test, but wonder if there is a less intrusive way to conduct them. Thoughts, anyone?

Invite others to respond by typing @name

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Apr 28 at 2015 9:55 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:55:32 -0400

LTC Austin

Normally I would be all for the military being less intrusive on off duty life. This is one time I can not make that statement.

I have personal experience where Drug testing has caught one of my people before they could do maintenance on a aircraft endangering lives.

Through my Career, while sometimes inconvenient, I've been called at home, Called when I was dead asleep, and such, I always had no problem doing it.

As for a more convenient way? Having had the privilege (touch of sarcasm there) of being a NCO that helped perform a Squadron wide urinalyses watcher duty on over 300 people. I can honestly say that a more convenient way would have been appreciated.

But until them I am with you. It is definitely needed.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Apr 28 at 2015 10:12 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:12:09 -0400

I was told a long time ago that the cost difference between UA and a blood draw is $.99 (per test) in actual testing cost but does require a skilled technician to collect the samples. How true that dollar figure is, I don't know. The joke was "how much does dignity cost? 99 cents."

Given the choice between UA and a blood draw, I would choose blood draw 10 out of 10. No waiting around to have to go (I always seem to get called right AFTER I go), no peeing gallons the rest of the day, no waiting for an observer when you REALLY have to go. In, poke, done.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 28 at 2015 10:48 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:48:32 -0400

My experiences in the USMC were so wildly different between locations.

At Quantico, I think I did UA twice, maybe? In the Fleet, at Camp Pendleton, monthly, if not more. Since I was a member of the S2/Scout Snipers/SACO, I had the "privilege" of being a "piss custodian" where I got to ask "Is this your urine," "Has it been in your possession the entire time" like some sort of George Carlin sketch. We never had anyone pop on a scheduled UA. Self-reported (after leave), yes, scheduled no.

We "attempted" to make it as painless as possible, but when you are doing it monthly... it's just another event, like motor stables of going to the Armory to clean your weapons.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 9:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 21:25:56 -0400

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, I just had this conversation with some colleagues, ma'am. We conducted urinalysis today, and I was confronted by something for the first time today. The UPL told us that we were not allowed to have anything to drink except the water provided by the unit, so we had to put all of our coffee, etc. away until donations were complete. I looked it up, and it is in the reg...sort of. After ten years, still learning...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 1:14 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 01:14:59 -0400

LTC Private RallyPoint Member , I understand the want to make these less intrusive, but with states legalizing marijuana while there is still federal ban there is going to be a need for a quick and easy drug test.
I personally try to make the observer feel as awkward as possible. I go in and go toddler style, shorts all the way to the floor and go so that their regs are being met.