Introduction
The on-site screening for drugs in urine samples provides fast, reliable results which can eliminate those samples which do not contain drugs. Positive indications for the presence of a drug usually prompt further investigation (laboratory based confirmation testing).
The 'Monitect' system can detect drugs in urine samples. It consists of a plastic device (about the size of a credit card) onto which several drops of urine are pipetted. Results are obtained within a few minutes. The system is based on the principle of immunoassay and is 'group' specific - ie. it can give a positive result for any member of a group of drugs. For example, both diazepam and temazepam will give a positive result with the benzodiazepine assay. Because of this, a suspected positive result should be confirmed by specific laboratory testing - and the exact identity of the drug can be established.
Service
NIVHA uses the Monitect system in those circumstances for which an instant indication for the presence of drugs in urine is required. We can provide advice and guidance on the most appropriate detection method to use.
For companies which retain their own in-house occupational health staff we can provide 'Monitect' testing kits, training services and procedure advice.