CANTON, Mass., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avitar, Inc. (Amex: AVR - News), the company that developed the world's first on-site, oral test for drugs-of-abuse, today announced dramatic reductions in jobsite accidents and significant savings on medical and workers compensation premiums among the construction companies implementing its ORALscreen products. Gould Construction and CLP Resources are among the companies in the construction industry that have used Avitar's diagnostic tools and have realized the benefits of rapid, on-site, oral-fluid drug tests. "The number one reason why employers in the construction industry drug test employees and job applicants is to promote the safety of their workers and customers. Construction firms also recognize that drug testing contributes positively to a corporation's image and that oral-based testing in particular is a superior deterrent to workplace drug abuse," Peter Phildius, chairman and CEO of Avitar said. "Unlike traditional urine drug testing services, our ORALscreen disposable device delivers on-site rapid results, ease-of-use, security against sample adulteration, and the ability to detect current drug use."

Glenwood Springs, CO-based Gould Construction has used Avitar's ORALscreen products for three years and has seen a drop in reportable accidents from 19 prior to using ORALscreen to zero for the current year. "This is a risky job even when people are not impaired by the use of drugs," said Carl Metcalf, Director of Human Resources and Safety for Gould. "It's my duty to ensure a safe and productive work environment for our employees. And with ORALscreen, I can do that in a way that is cost-effective and saves the Company a significant amount of money on insurance premiums and workers compensation claims. As a result of the drop in reportable accidents on our job sites, our workers compensation rating dropped, delivering significant savings in our insurance costs."

CLP Resources, one of the nation's largest suppliers of skilled tradespeople uses Avitar's ORALScreen products as part of its pre-employment drug testing program. "When evaluating drug testing products, we had very specific criteria in mind. We wanted a cost effective solution that would accurately test for the range of drugs-of-abuse. And we needed a product that would be simple for our 45 branch managers to administer," said Bob Van Gorder, CLP's Director of Safety. "Avitar's ORALscreen was the only product that met those criteria."

Additional Information

ORALscreen enables on-site drug testing without the need for medical personnel, special facilities, or the embarrassment of supervised urine collection

Avitar's ORALscreen products, the most accurate oral fluid tests for drugs-of-abuse on the market, detect 99% of the drugs people abuse in the workplace, including: THC (Marijuana), Cocaine, Opiates (including Oxycotin ® / Oxycodone), and Methamphetamines (including Ecstasy). Avitar's construction customers use the products for pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident and return-to-duty drug testing applications. The products deliver results in 5 - 15 minutes.

Research has shown that an average of 10% of employees in any U.S. company are involved in drug abuse and in the construction industry, the figures are known to be even higher. This creates a serious problem in an industry where on-the-job accidents and injuries are especially critical issues. Studies have also shown:

• 65% of on-the-job accidents are linked to drug abuse;
• 38-50% of all workers' compensation claims are tied to substance abuse;
• Substance abusers file 3 to 5 times as many workers' compensation claims, and
• Drug related accidents, diminished worker productivity (due to absenteeism and increased turnover) and product shrinkage, cost the U.S. economy more than $110 billion each year.
• (Sources for statistical / market data include; SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), and NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

About Avitar

Avitar, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets innovative and proprietary products for the oral fluid diagnostic market as well as medical grade polyurethane foam. Oral fluid diagnostics includes the estimated $1.5 billion drugs-of-abuse testing market. Avitar's products include ORALscreen® the world's first non-invasive, rapid, on-site oral fluid test for drugs-of-abuse. Additionally, Avitar manufactures and markets HYDRASORB® an absorbent topical dressing for the wound care. For more information, see Avitar's website at https://avitarinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement. This release contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties including the development and marketing of new applications and other risks that are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In view of such risks and uncertainties, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward looking statements.

Peter Cholakis VP of Marketing Avitar Technologies, Inc.

Monica Pandolfi SHIFT Communications, Inc.