From the Research
An MRO (Medical Review Officer) should report adulterated glutaraldehyde in a drug test as a "Refusal to Test" due to specimen adulteration. When glutaraldehyde is detected in a urine specimen, the MRO should first contact the donor to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for its presence. If no valid explanation exists, the MRO should document the finding and report it as a specimen adulteration to the employer or requesting agency. The report should include the specific adulterant (glutaraldehyde) detected, the laboratory findings, and the conclusion that this represents a deliberate attempt to interfere with the testing process. Glutaraldehyde is not naturally found in human urine and is commonly used as a specimen adulterant to mask the presence of drugs by interfering with immunoassay testing methods, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology 1. The presence of glutaraldehyde indicates an intentional attempt to subvert the drug testing process, which is treated with the same severity as a positive drug test result in most workplace drug testing programs and federal testing guidelines.
Key Considerations
- Glutaraldehyde is a high-efficiency disinfectant that can cause sensory irritant effects, skin and respiratory organ sensitization, and other symptoms, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health 2.
- The use of glutaraldehyde as a specimen adulterant can lead to false-negative screening results, as demonstrated in a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology 1.
- The MRO should follow established protocols for reporting specimen adulteration, including documenting the finding and reporting it to the employer or requesting agency.
- The presence of glutaraldehyde in a urine specimen is a serious issue that requires prompt attention and action, as it indicates an intentional attempt to subvert the drug testing process.
Relevant Evidence
- A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that glutaraldehyde is of moderate acute peroral toxicity and can cause sensory irritant effects, skin and respiratory organ sensitization, and other symptoms 3.
- A study published in the Annals of Work Exposures and Health found that workers exposed to glutaraldehyde in a hospital setting were at risk of overexposure, highlighting the need for controls to reduce exposure 4.
- A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that glutaraldehyde exposure is associated with adverse health effects, including sensory irritant effects, skin and respiratory organ sensitization, and other symptoms 2.