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What is Methamphetamine?

12:49 pm in Employee Drug Testing Information by admin

http://www.origindiagnostics.com

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger effects on the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. “Meth” is made of highly volatile, toxic substances (based on such chemical “precursors” as methylamine and amyl amine) that are melded in differing combinations, forming what some have described as a “mix of laundry detergent and lighter fluid.”

Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant.
The drug works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interfering with normal neurotransmission. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances naturally produced within nerve cells used to communicate with each other and send messages to influence and regulate our thinking and all other systems throughout the body.

The main neurotransmitter affected by methamphetamine is dopamine. Dopamine is involved with our natural reward system. For example, feeling good about a job well done, getting pleasure from our family or social interactions, feeling content and that our lives are meaningful and count for something, all rely on dopamine transmission.

Ice is the translucent crystal, smokable form of methamphetamine. It is also commonly called glass or crystal and, like other stimulants, is highly addictive. (In terms of molecular structure, ice and methamphetamine are the same)The use of ice results in a longer, more intense high and an enhanced and more rapid onset of the negative effects of other forms of methamphetamine.

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What is Heroin?

3:41 pm in Employee Drug Testing Information by admin

http://www.origindiagnostics.com

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive, opiate drug. Its abuse is more widespread than any other opiate. Heroin is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder, or as the black sticky substance known on the streets as “black tar heroin.” Although purer heroin is becoming more common, most street heroin is “cut” with other drugs or with substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine.

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opiate derived from morphine or codeine and is the most potent of the opiates. It is typically found in white to brown powdered form and is injected, sniffed, or smoked. In the past, powders sold as illicit heroin typically contained only 1% to 10% of the drug.

Slang terms: “smack”, “junk”, “horse”, “skag”, “H”, “China white”

Indicated for:

Relief of extreme pain
Recreational uses:

Euphoria
Relaxation
Other uses:

Pain relief
Cough suppressant
Anti-diarrhea

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What is Cocaine?

1:18 pm in Employee Drug Testing Information by admin

http://www.origindiagnostics.com

Cocaine, the most potent stimulant of natural origin, is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca), which is indigenous to the Andean highlands of South America. It is a potent brain stimulant and one of the most powerfully addictive drugs. Cocaine is produced as a white chunky powder. It is sold most often in aluminum foil, plastic or paper packets, or small vials. Cocaine is usually chopped into a fine powder with a razor blade on a small mirror or some other hard surface, arranged into small rows called “lines,” then quickly inhaled (or “snorted”) through the nose with a short straw or rolled up paper money. It can also be injected into the blood stream.

Cocaine is a potent, naturally occurring central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, found primarily in various regions of South America.

There are four primary methods of ingesting cocaine. These are:

1. “Snorting” – absorbing cocaine through the mucous membranes of the nose.
2. Injecting – users mix cocaine powder with water and use a syringe to inject the solution intravenously.
3. Freebasing – Cocaine hydrochloride is converted to a “freebase” which can then be smoked.
4. Crack Cocaine – Cocaine hydrochloride is mixed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and other ingredients, causing it to solidify into pellets or “rocks”. The crack is then smoked in glass pipes.

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Advantages of Multi Panel Drug Test

1:06 pm in Employee Drug Testing Information by admin

http://www.origindiagnostics.com

The drug abuse among people, employees, and especially among teenagers is a cause of concern and several drug testing methods are used to check drug abuse. Multi panel drug testing kits can be easily used for employee drug testing, home drug testing, performance drug testing, pre-employment and random employee drug testing etc. The multi panel drug testing proves to be beneficial as they test for number of drugs, are easy to perform, and provides reliable and accurate results. The multi panel drug testing kits use urine or saliva to detect drugs.

Checks for Multiple Drug Tests
The primary objective of multi panel drug testing kits is to test for several drugs in a single sample at one time. Since number of drugs can be tested through one kit, there is no need to conduct separate test for each drug and thus it saves time. The multi panel drug testing kits can detect number of drugs present in any combination in urine or saliva samples. Multi-panel urine drug screen test also increases the efficiency of the drug test as it can find multiple drugs presence in single specimen at first attempt. They are available in different formats like multi panel drug test cups and multi panel drug test cards. The multi panel drug tests can detect commonly abused drugs like Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Marijuana (THC), Phencyclidine, Opiates, Methadone, Barbiturate, Benzodiazepine, and Ecstasy in urine and saliva samples.

Cost-Effective
The multi panel drug tests saves considerable amount of money as it tests for several drugs in single sample in first attempt. They are also suitable for random drug testing which requires quick results. The multi panel drug tests are also easy to conduct, provide accurate, quick, and reliable results. Multi panel drug tests are also available in different drug combinations according to the needs. Thus, it provides for a cost-effective way that gives good returns and value for the money.

Simple and Easy To Use
Multi panel drug tests are available in test cards and test cups which are designed for easy handling and easy to use. They can be easily performed at onsite locations and provides results in just 5 mins. It provides an easy step by step procedure to conduct the test without the need of any additional instruments. It also gives same accuracy levels for preliminary tests when conducted in laboratories.

Helpful At Workplace
Multi panel drug tests are suitable for random drug testing performed at workplaces, colleges, schools, sports events etc. When used in random test for employee drug testing at workplaces, it tests for 10-12 drugs which makes it difficult for employees to clear the test. Many multi panel drug test cups are available with attached temperature strip which makes it difficult to tamper and maintains integrity of sample.

Multi panel drug tests are set to SAMHSA cut-off levels for drug concentration. Various multi panel drug tests for oral fluids are non-invasive, provide quick results, and useful for onsite testing. However, the multi panel drug tests provide only preliminary analytical results and for confirmatory purposes the samples should be send for Gas Chromatography\Mass Spectrometry (GC\MS) test.

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How long do drugs remain in your system?

1:35 pm in Employee Drug Testing Information by admin

http://www.origindiagnostics.com

There is no simple answer as to how long drugs will remain in your system, since the answer is influenced by the specific drug half-life, intensity of the usage, method of usage, length of usage, tolerance, fluid intake, body size, body fat, metabolism, andthe specific range which the drug testing lab uses to signify a positive for drug use. But the following table provides some general guidelines for the amount of time a drug can be detected by most standard drug tests:

Drug Detection Time
Alcohol 6–24 hours
Amphetamines 2–3 days
Barbituates 1 day to 3 weeks
Benzodiazepines 3–7 days
Cocaine 2–5 days
Codeine 3–5 days
Euphorics (MDMA, Ecstasy) 1–3 days
LSD 1-4 days
Marijuana (THC) 7–30 days
Methadone 3–5 days
Methaqualone 14 days
Opiates 1-4 days
Phencyclidine (PCP) 2–4 days
Steroids (anabolic) 14–30 days