PUTTING PARENTAL SUSPICIONS TO REST

Oceanside parents concerned their kids are using drugs can now put their
suspicions to the test - a urine test.

A multiple substance testing kit called KnowNow was recently unleashed into
Pharmasaves across Canada, and claims it can get the results you need to
know now.

"It's made for the purpose if parents want to do a more private test," said
Pharmasave National Office representative Allan Rajesky.

"This allows them to purchase something they can do at home."

The directions are simple.

Through the willing participation of the test subject, the urine sample is
obtained, and one of the provided strips are dipped into the cup.

It can test for traces of marijuana, PCP, heroin, methamphetamine,
amphetamine and cocaine, and claims an accuracy rate of 98 per cent.

However, not everyone is sold on the significance of the results.

Constable Gregg Calibaba of the Parksville RCMP, who is in the
certification phase of becoming a drug recognition expert, said it is up to
the parents, not a urine test, to know what their kids are up to.

"If it walks like a duck and it talks like a duck, it is a duck," he said.
According to him, all the test will do is verify what they suspect, "but
then you're still left with the parenting issue."

There are alternatives to asking a child to take the test, he said. "If
parents are suspicious of drug use they should bring it on head to head,"
he said. "Or they can stick their head in the sand."

Parksville probation officer Rick Foster agrees the test should not take
over a parent's responsibility, and he is concerned at how easy they are to
beat.

Diuretics, certain cold medications and even poppy seeds will all show up
with positive traces in the test, and an individual could easily blame
their results on these factors.

"If the test comes out negative it could reinforce their behaviour," he
said. "And if it comes out positive if could aggravate the problem."

He said these situations will only make the problem worse.

"To create a major conflict could create major problems."

Chuck Blanaru, a lawyer with Heath and Company in Nanaimo, said there is
also a concern about using the test in the workplace.

However, according to labour laws, employers generally can't go around
handing out drug tests.

"They have to show that it's an occupational requirement," he said. "And it
also depends on the situation."

Normally, there has to be written consent agreeing to the test. BC Human
Rights commission officer Wilma Clarke said that in order for the test to
be administered, the employer has to be able to show that their work
performance is being impaired.

"They have to be able to show why it's a requirement and they also have to
know it can be challenged," she said. "It has to be relative to their job."
The over the counter drug kit is available at the Qualicum Beach Pharmasave
for $54.99.

It is part of a series of in-home self-testing kits including: ovulation
test, pregnancy test, cholesterol test, menopause test, ulcer bacteria
test, prostate health screening test, colon health screening test, and a
blood pressure meter.