Comparison of the Cozart DDS 801 on-site drug test device and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) confirmation results of cannabis and cocaine in oral fluid specimens

Abstract

Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a problem around the world. The objective of this study is to assess the reliability of the oral fluid screening device the Cozart DDS 801 by comparing the on-site results with confirmatory gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) oral fluid analysis. The study was carried out in Catalonia (Spain) with a sample of 2180 oral fluid specimens taken from subjects suspected of driving under the influence of drugs of abuse, and collected by police officers during 2009–2010. Statistical parameters of the tests were determined for cannabis and cocaine. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value, predictive negative value, likelihood positive ratio and likelihood negative ratio for cocaine were 92%, 90%, 95%, 85%, 9.44, and 0.09 respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value, predictive negative value, likelihood positive ratio and likelihood negative ratio for cannabis were 87%, 86%, 94%, 73%, 6.15 and 0.6 respectively. Accuracy was 91% for cocaine and 86% for cannabis. The Cozart DDS 801 drug test system is a simple to use screening tool for cocaine and cannabis in oral fluid, at initial screening cut-off established by the manufacturer, confirmed with a GC/MS analysis. The system has demonstrated its acceptable performance.

Keywords:

• driving under influence (DUID)
• cocaine
• cannabis
• oral fluid analysis
• on-site tests

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Mr Aizpun for writing assistance.

Conflict of interest: none