The phrase "Used by the French Armed Forces": how should it be interpreted for a screening test?

What does the UAF label mean?

The "Used by the French Armed Forces" designation allows an authorized company to indicate that the concerned solution is indeed used by the French armed forces within the scope of the authorization.

For a professional buyer, this information attests to actual institutional use. It can complement the analysis of a reference, but it should not be turned into a broader scientific or legal promise.

What the label does not replace

• the CE marking applicable to the device category;
• the intended use defined by the manufacturer;
• the instructions, thresholds, and storage conditions;
• the sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reactivity data;
• the training of the person performing the sample collection;
• toxicological confirmation when necessary.

Why verify the exact reference?

Two products from the same brand can have different panels, samples, and performances. A label obtained for one reference does not guarantee that all others benefit from it.

On a product sheet, check that the "Used by the French Armed Forces" label is explicitly associated with the proposed reference. In case of consultation or tender, request the document or proof element corresponding to the concerned product.

How to choose a screening test beyond the label?

The choice should start from the operational need.

• matrix: saliva or urine;
• substances: exact list of analytes sought;
• thresholds: values specific to each substance and reference;
• reading time: window to respect for interpreting the test;
• context: prevention, health, workplace, transport, or individual use;
• procedure: safety measure, confirmation, and possible traceability.

Toda Pharma, Drugdiag® and AMA Prévention

Toda Pharma is a French laboratory based in Strasbourg specializing in rapid tests. Some Drugdiag® references distributed by AMA Prévention carry the "Used by the French Armed Forces" label.

AMA Prévention specifies this label product by product and supports buyers in comparing panels, thresholds, formats, and usage conditions.

Questions to ask before ordering

1. Does the UAF label specifically concern this reference?
2. Which substances and thresholds are indicated in the instructions?
3. Does the test correspond to the sample and window sought?
4. What are the interpretation limits?
5. Is confirmation planned in case of a positive result?

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