The Armed Forces Compulsory Drug Testing Programme is the largest occupational drug-testing programme in Europe and was established in January 1995. It is designed to reduce the incidence of substance misuse in the Armed Forces by detection and deterrence underpinned by education and policy. Currently between 75,000 and 140,000 samples are collected per annum. In addition to testing for drug misuse, there is also the requirement for the contractor to conduct screening for steroids and new psychoactive substances.
The programme involves the analysis of urine samples of service personnel. Samples are collected by Armed Forces collection teams and transported to the laboratory of the Authority’s urinalysis contractor.
The programme also requires research and scientific support. These areas are included in this contract, which is structured to provide maximum flexibility to cope with change during its life.