Program monitoring for clinical practice. Specimen positivity across urine collection methods.

Urinalysis is a primary component of methadone programming. A clinic-based study was conducted to determine whether unsupervised urine collection is as reliable as other methods for detecting unauthorized drug use among methadone treatment clients. Drug positivity rates compared over a 30-week period revealed no significant differences as a function of collection method. Results confirm the efficacy of unsupervised urine collection using a heat sensitive strip or temperature indicator. Study findings also offer evidence to support clinical practice designed to ensure client privacy and dignity while maintaining standards for effective program monitoring.