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'Ur-in' the right place for drug testing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Each year the Drug Demand Reduction program completes 100 percent urinalysis, helping to ensure that more than 5,000 Airmen across the 20th Fighter Wing remain drug free.

"Every morning we come in and press a button on the computer," said Master Sgt. Michael Eads, 20th Medical Group drug testing program administrative manager. "The computer picks random names from everyone on base and gives us a testing roster. Then we send out an email to each unit's trusted agent."

After being informed of selection, an individual has two hours to arrive at the DDR facility.

"Once they get here, they don't have to immediately give the specimen," said Master Sgt. Mitchell Bowen, 20th MDG drug testing program administrative manager. "The longest someone has been here is about four hours."

After the individual takes off their blouse and reads the instructions, they select an observer.

"There are always a couple male and female NCOs who fill the observer position for one day up to a week," said Master Sgt. Christopher Young, 20th MDG drug testing program administrative manager. "The purpose of an observer is to keep the individual giving the specimen honest and to make sure the specimen doesn't get contaminated."

Once a sterile container is given and hands are rinsed with water, the specimen is collected. The observer watches the individual walk the specimen, which is held above their shoulder, to the front office to be sealed.

"We use tamper proof tape, which is really strong, to ensure the lid does not come off once sealed," said Bowen. "We can't have anybody trying to mess with it once it's given."

From there the filled containers are double checked for accuracy and packed for shipment.

"We have two days once collected to get them shipped," said Eads. "They all end up at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, where they run the tests."

If any results are positive, the DDR program is notified.

"If there aren't any records of the drug, the Office of Special Investigations is contacted," said Eads.

"At first I wasn't too sure of this job," said Eads. "Now I'm glad I got the opportunity to do this."

NCOs and above are selected by their squadrons to complete the six months of special duties.

"This is an important position to be selected for," said Capt. Lateasa Reed, 20th Medical Operations Squadron clinical social worker. "We've been really lucky to have people come in and take pride in what they do, because drug testing has an important role in instilling good order and discipline."