TDDA adds tramadol and fentanyl testing amid rising workplace detections 

New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider is launching new drug testing capabilities for New Zealand workplaces.

From March, The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) will make it easier for New Zealand workplaces to screen for tramadol and fentanyl, two high-risk opioids that pose significant safety concerns in workplaces worldwide. This is the first time in New Zealand that these tests will be incorporated into enhanced oral fluid and urine screening devices instead of needing independent testing strips or other costly devices.

This industry-leading innovation expands TDDA’s screening panel from seven to nine drug types without any additional cost. The updated devices, independently verified by an AS/NZS 4760:2019 & AS/NZS 4308:2008 accredited laboratory, will help businesses proactively mitigate risks associated with these potent, and widely abused, substances.

A rise in opioid detections

Globally, the use of opioids like tramadol and fentanyl poses a serious safety risk and New Zealand is now seeing an uptick in workplace detections. The 2024 New Zealand Drugs Trends Survey found that 27 per cent of respondents reported non-medical use of pharmaceuticals in the previous six months.

While the opioid issue affects all regions, the survey found that non-medical use of prescription opioids was highest in Southland and West Coast, signalling that employers may need to take action.

Additionally, TDDA’s latest Imperans Report highlighted that during October – December 2024, opioid use in workplaces in New Zealand accounted for 12.1 per cent of positive workplace drug tests, up from 11.9 per cent in the same quarter of 2023.

“Any increase in detection rates represents a significant workplace threat, regardless of opioids being used while legally prescribed or in a non-medical setting. The emerging trend of abusing pharmaceuticals like tramadol and fentanyl is what keeps me up at night,” says Glenn Dobson, TDDA Chief Executive Officer.

“Until now, New Zealand largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, but there are indicators now saying otherwise. Any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more ways than one.”

TDDA’s 9-panel testing device rollout

TDDA is reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety with the addition of tramadol and fentanyl to its screening capabilities. These newly introduced screening strips are part of TDDA’s ongoing innovation, ensuring businesses have access to the most advanced substance detection tools available. TDDA is helping workplaces mitigate health and safety risks by incorporating these substances into standard testing, and in doing so, helping businesses achieve workplace health and safety compliance.

“TDDA follows and acts on global drug trends to provide cutting-edge solutions for workplace safety. As New Zealand faces evolving drug trends, including the rising threat of opioids, no industry or region is immune. We have been carefully tracking the issues that both tramadol and fentanyl have created globally and have developed these new screening devices to help our clients manage business risks,” says Mr Dobson.

“By integrating tramadol and fentanyl into our screening devices, we’re helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and protect their people. These will now become our standard devices, ensuring companies can take decisive action to protect their workforce.”

To provide flexibility, TDDA has implemented an opt-in/opt-out process, allowing businesses to determine whether these new drug tests align with their workplace policies and risk assessments.

TDDA recommends that businesses take a proactive approach to workplace safety by implementing comprehensive drug testing programmes, including pre-employment, reasonable cause, and random drug and alcohol testing. Every worker has a right to a safe environment, and business owners, managers, and supervisors have a legal duty to ensure they’ve created a drug and alcohol-free culture of safety.

Failing to act not only risks legal consequences but can also erode workplace culture. As a leader in workplace drug detection, TDDA is committed to helping businesses stay ahead of these challenges, fostering safer and more productive workplaces.

Recently released Q4 2024 workplace drug and alcohol findings, called the Imperans Report, provides New Zealand employers with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends.

This quarter, 3.99 per cent of the screens conducted by TDDA indicated the presence of drugs. THC (cannabis) continues to be the most prevalent substance detected in workplace drug tests, accounting for 59.1 per cent of cases.

Recent data also indicates a sharp increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids compared to the same quarter last year. This suggests shifting patterns in substance use that require greater employer awareness and policy reinforcement, especially around non-medical use of pharmaceuticals.

Below are the most prevalent substances detected nationally in TDDA testing:

• THC (cannabis): 59.1 per cent (down from 63.8 per cent in Q4 2023)
• Amphetamine-type substances (including methamphetamine): 24.4 per cent (up from 18.8 per cent in Q4 2023)
• Opioids (including oxycodone): 12.1 per cent (up from 11.9 per cent in Q4 2023)
• Benzodiazepines: 3.5 per cent
• Cocaine: 1.1 per cent

“New Zealand workplaces must remain vigilant in addressing substance use. Working under the influence of amphetamines is also a major workplace hazard,” says Mr Dobson.

“These substances impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect coordination, increasing the risk of serious accidents. In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident.”

“The increase in amphetamine detections is a real issue, but opioid detections are what concerns me more. Until now, New Zealand has largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, so any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more ways than one.”

With shifting patterns in substance use, Kiwi employers can benefit from reviewing their testing protocols and support systems to ensure both compliance and workforce well-being. As members of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association and the California Narcotic Officers Association, TDDA closely follows and acts on global drug trends.

TDDA recommends that companies update drug and alcohol policies to include stronger measures addressing opioids and amphetamines, train managers to recognise impairment, particularly the subtle signs of opioid use, and ensure regular and random drug testing to deter misuse and protect workplace safety.

“Employers need to stay ahead of these trends, enforce policies consistently, and provide education to their workforce to prevent harm. With the right measures in place, businesses can protect their employees and maintain a safe, productive environment.”

In Q4 2024, tests from 27 sterile clinic locations and over 60 mobile clinics throughout New Zealand were used. All tests were taken between 1 October 2024 and 31 December.  Data is anonymised and aggregated using TDDA’s Imperans system, a bespoke IT platform for testing services, data recording, and reporting.