Organisations are looking for easy, cost-effective methods to perform on-site testing in batches or on demand. Regular fluid testing can be problematic with samples being tampered with, or getting results to the lab within a time limit can be difficult. This is why many businesses are turning to oral fluid testing for quick and easy solutions.
Oral testing has been around for over a decade. Still, it has only been in the last several years that significant advancements have made this the obvious solution for on-site testing. Because most testing within the workplace is usually a procedure or precaution, businesses are looking for a test they could keep on-site that is easy to use. According to the Quest Diagnostic Annual Drug Test Index, up to 97% of candidates yield a negative drug result, and no further testing is required.
How are they Performed?
An oral fluid test is almost impossible to tamper with once the cotton has been swabbed. In addition, it is one of the least invasive methods of performing a drug test as no needles or urine samples are required.
The cotton swab or collection stick is brushed gently against the inside of a patient’s cheek. That sample is then analysed for substances. Most test results can be determined on-site within a few minutes, but the more complicated ones get done at the lab.
What can it detect?
The substances a saliva drug test can detect depends on the test being used. They can be used to test for any one of these substances individually or in combination when using a multi-panel drug test.
Here are some of the most common substances checked for during a mouth swab drug test and how soon they can be detected in your saliva:
Benzodiazepines: Also known as “Benzos”, commonly used as a form of tranquilliser. Household names include Valium and Xanax.
Marijuana.
Opiates: A common type of opiate is heroin.
MDMA: Commonly known as ecstasy or molly.
Methamphetamine: Commonly known as crystal meth.
Each drug has its specific window and results time.
Benefits of Using a Saliva Drug Test
Saliva drug tests can be accurate up to 98% of the time. But there can be some issues when testing falls out of the specific detection window or on the abilities of the person performing the test. Usually, urine and blood tests are more accurate.
The advantages of doing a saliva drug test, rather than alternatives, are:
It is more cost-effective than a urine or blood sample
Less chance of the sample being tampered with
It can detect substances early
The results are usually fast
The test is easy to administer
Conclusion
Salvia drug tests must be administered within a small window frame as drugs generally do not stay in the saliva for long periods. But the cost-effectiveness, user-friendly aspect and accuracy typically make it an ideal testing device within the workplace.
If you are considering drug tests in the workplace, contact one of our consultants at Dr. Adams Laboratories for advice on what products would suit your needs.
Did you know that 35% of workers said that they have noticed their colleagues under the influence of either alcohol or drugs whilst on the job?
No workplace is immune to the problems associated with drug abuse. Employers have a duty of care to their employees to deal with drug misuse and its consequences. Using drugs in the workplace can lead to health and safety hazards, as well as reduce morale and productivity among employees. Drug testing plays a key role in discouraging and identifying drug use amongst employees to create a safe environment.
What is a One Step Multi-Drug Rapid Test Panel?
A One-Step Multi-Drug Rapid Test Panel is a urine-based screen test designed for the qualitative determination of drug substances. These tests are simple, fast, reliable, accurate and highly cost-effective. The ease of using our drug tests makes them suitable for all uses of drug testing, whether it’s a private or public drug testing site.
Where can drug tests be introduced?
Many industries are introducing drug testing to employees and contractors to avoid the potential for danger or disruption caused by human errors or accidents. In 2018, the UKAT (UK Addiction Treatment) revealed updated statistics; 40% of industrial accidents are linked to substance abuse and the cost has escalated to a combined value of £36bn.
UK sectors where drug testing in the workplace is common include:
Professional sports
In sports, testing policies are based on the UK Anti-Doping requirements.
Professional drivers
HGV and bus drivers may require regular drug testing as part of their annual medical examination.
Aviation
Legislation sets clear cut-offs for testing, but airline operators can determine their own testing methods and substance lists.
Construction
Testing is not mandatory in construction, but it is on the rise, due to high fatality rates and non-fatal injuries.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, the Construction industry is one of the top sectors for fatalities and non-fatal injuries in the UK. In such a heavy accident and dangerous environment, it’s vital that workers can do their job safely, without being intoxicated. Drug abuse can impair the judgement and reaction times of employees, making it more likely for an accident to occur. It has been found that 59% of construction workers feel that there is an issue associated with drugs and that clear action must be taken to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing across construction sites and companies in the UK is intact.
Considerate Constructors are encouraging drug testing within the industry, to help create a firm reminder to the workforce of the consequences of not taking the issue of drugs seriously.
What are drug tests used for?
The One-Step Multi-Drug Rapid Test Panel can detect several drugs present in a single sample of urine during the first attempt, meaning you don’t need to conduct separate drug tests for each drug. This not only saves your company time but money. Even if one known drug may be present in the metabolism, the One-Step Multi-Drug Rapid Test Panel will automatically detect other hidden drug substances that may be present in the body at the same time.
Our drug tests can test for the following drugs:
Amphetamines (Speed)
Benzodiazepines (Roofies)
Cocaine (Coke, Crack)
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Methadone (Meth)
Opiates (Heroin, Smack)
Cannabis (Marijuana)
How does it work?
The One-Step Multi-Drug Rapid Test Panel works by testing the specific immunochemical reaction between antibodies and antigens to analyse compounds in a human urine specimen. This kit uses a specific antigen-antibody reaction, combining Gold Immunochromatography Assay experiment, a highly specific and sensitive competition method to detect drugs in the urine sample.
The urine sample must be collected in a plastic urine cup which is clean, dry, and without preservatives. The ease of the test means fresh urine does not require any special handling or pre-treatment and can be collected at any time of the day.
When testing, urine moves forward under the action of chromatography. If the concentration of the drug in the urine is higher than 1000 ng/mL, the drug will combine all the colloidal gold antibodies, and no colloidal gold antibodies will combine with the drug conjugated on the film, so no red line will appear in the test area.
The results
The results of the drug test are easy and fast to receive, meaning you can get on with your busy schedule. It’s simple:
POSITIVE: One coloured line appears in the control region and no apparent red or pink line appears in the test region.
NEGATIVE: Two distinct coloured lines appear. One line should be in the control region and the other line should be in the test region. The negative result does not indicate the absence of a drug in the sample, it only indicates the level of the tested drug in the sample is less than the cut-off level.
Why choose Dr Adams?
At Dr Adams, we are passionate about constantly working on fresh ideas and new products. Our team is dedicated to conducting market research into the latest product releases to bring our customers not only the best products but always at a competitive price. Setting us apart from our competitors, we pride ourselves on providing a seamless and efficient service, whilst being ISO 9001 and 13485 compliant. Due to our extensive experience in logistics and excellent relationships with manufacturers, we can offer you large-volume orders, rapid production times and flexibility to accommodate next-day and international shipping, to ensure your stocks are never low.
Drug testing with Dr. Adams
At Dr Adams Laboratories we have achieved our goals in development even quicker than planned, allowing us to establish ourselves further in the medical industry. We are so excited to be able to launch ourselves into a compelling broader market, to bring our customers the latest and most innovative products.
Make sure your workers aren’t in that 35% of being under the influence at work. Give our friendly team a call and we can help you.
The Covid pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis, and despite exceptional vaccine rollouts, the virus persists. Covid cases are creating strain on manufacturing operations and consequently hugely impacting supply chains. Rising absence rates due to individual cases and mass outbreaks are leading to a shortage of staff, reduced output, and in some circumstances disappointed customers. In manufacturing, it’s imperative that effective lateral flow testing measures are in place to not only keep operations moving but for the health and safety of your workers.
Coronavirus will have long-lasting and possibly permanent effects on the manufacturing industry. Infection rates need to be suppressed to avoid sudden peaks in cases. This means manufacturers will need to restructure their protocols to protect their workers. Implementing effective lateral flow testing within your organisation will help enforce a more productive, safer, and resilient operation.
Implementing Covid testing procedures
Although current and prospective vaccines prove to be highly effective, the need for continuous testing for Covid in manufacturing should continue. Keeping employees healthy and safe from the spread of Covid in their working environment is crucial to keeping operations effective and running seamlessly every day. At Dr Adams Laboratories, we believe prevention is key, and here are some of our reasons why:
Diagnosis
Positive Covid cases are still rife. In the past seven days, 63,296 cases have been reported, according to Government coronavirus data. The data highlights the importance of continuing to leverage and implement testing protocols, to quickly diagnose patients who are presenting symptoms. Testing in this scenario will help you act fast in the event of an outbreak and provide reassurance for any other employees.
Safety screening
In many industries, testing will remain part of a broader strategy to monitor the spread and prevalence of Covid. This will help to protect larger groups during surges as well as to detect asymptomatic cases. Company requirements will differ depending on the extent to which employees are at risk of exposure, for example, those companies that work in closer contact will require testing more.
Widespread testing and timely diagnosis are critical in the workplace to minimise outbreaks.
Protecting your workforce
You may be asking how you can implement effective testing in your workforce. Luckily, we have the answer!
At Dr. Adams Laboratories, we are here to help. We can provide you with a stable and consistent supply of high-quality lateral flow tests, to give your facility peace of mind. All our tests are fully government-approved and CE-marked. They come in pack sizes of 5’s, 20’s, 25’s or wrapped individually, meaning you can give your employees enough tests to last your chosen testing cycle, whether it is weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
Sustainability is at the forefront
The manufacturing industry has set policies and pathways to reach net zero by 2050, in line with the COP26 targets. We have invested time and money, working alongside one of our brands LYHER, to develop sustainably focused lateral flow packaging that is not only lighter and smaller but consists of less plastic. Our new packaging reaps sustainable benefits, by reducing the carbon footprint through logistics and usage.
Customer service
We understand that the manufacturing industry is fast-paced and can be hectic at times. That’s exactly why we always strive to provide unparalleled customer service to all our clients. We will endeavor to fulfill your supply needs as quickly as possible, with a consistent point of call.
Quick turnarounds and competitively priced
The complexities of creating a successful supply chain can be challenging, especially when crucial members of staff are absent due to Covid. Our strong relationships and direct contacts with suppliers set us apart from our competitors, allowing us to always provide lateral flow tests at low costs. We can fulfil high volume order requests within a rapid turnaround. Due to our longstanding relationship with LYHER, we can provide the fastest production time of lateral flow tests in 1-2 days from order and a general turnaround of a week. To add to this, we also have on-the-ground stock availability, that is ready for instant distribution.
When Covid exposures go unnoticed, they can spread quickly amongst teams, and sometimes lead to entire units being out of operation. It’s imperative to implement effective testing procedures to keep operations running. Get in touch with one of our experts today to find out how we can help you.
Healthcare workers battled to keep patients safe as hospitals overflowed during the midst of the pandemic. Now, just over two years on, the UK Government chose to end free access to lateral flow tests on the 1st of April 2022. In the following weeks, supply chain concerns swept across the country due to a shortage of lateral flow tests, with some pharmacies reporting they had simply run out of stock.
Paid lateral flow tests have shaken the commercial market with pharmacies expected to stock high volumes of tests for those who are in need of ordering LFTs.
Demand of LFTs
But, although free access has ended, has the demand for lateral flow tests halted as well? Continued demand for lateral flow tests is remaining steady within the UK, as infection rates continue to rise during May. Since the 1st of April, the commercial market that supplies lateral flow tests has boomed. Figures show that there is a continuous process of testing from the public and the importance for pharmacies and resellers to stock lateral flow tests for those that cannot access them for free is clear.
The pandemic is far from over. According to Government data, 26,280 new cases confirmed a positive test result for Covid on the 9th of May 2022. Compared to the last seven days there has been an increase of 41,835 positive cases reported.
Importance of continued testing
Although Government guidance states there is no longer any need to test and isolate, many members of the public are choosing to continue. Keeping others safe is everyone’s main priority, especially those deemed as vulnerable. Testing is crucial not only within our personal lives but within a busy workforce, it is vital to keep an outbreak to the minimum by continued testing, to reduce the interference to the supply chain or business operations. The only way for the public to gain peace of mind is to test, especially if symptoms are present.
People that aren’t testing due to work or symptoms are testing due to travel. As soon as we were able to travel abroad, holiday bookings surged. You only need to turn on the news to see the chaos in airports and passport office queues. Many countries still have restrictions in place, requiring either a vaccinated status or a negative covid test result to enter their country. Holidaymakers are heading down to their local pharmacy, where they know they can get hold of an approved covid test, to deem them fit to travel.
Pharmacies stocking LFTs
A recent YouGov study found that one in four Britons say they would still test after having to pay for a lateral flow test if they had symptoms and the majority would still stay at home if they had symptoms. If you are showing symptoms of Covid the first place you would think and trust to buy a lateral flow test is from a pharmacy. Pharmacies are a convenient and local option for the public to collect test kits from. The need for pharmacies to stock lateral flow tests is crucial, to not only provide for customers’ needs but create extra revenue through a less resource-intensive route.
Our LFT offering
We understand there are numerous brands of lateral flow tests out there, which can make it daunting when choosing the right brand to sell in your store. At Dr. Adams Laboratories, we stock several brands including FlowFlex, Healgen, and LYHER which are all used by Public Health England, fully government approved, and are:
· Fast
· Accurate
· Easy to use
· Supplied reliably
· CE marked
· CTDA listed
Government-set targets are encouraging sectors to reduce their environmental impacts. In light of this we have worked alongside one of our brands LYHER, to create more sustainable packaging, that is lighter, smaller, and uses less plastic than competitors. By repackaging its product, it has dramatically reduced the space that had been previously used in transport by freight. The environmental element of the new packaging reduces the carbon footprint and logistical costs of the tests, creating a sustainable and cost-effective supply chain.
LYHER has the fastest lead time with production times of 1-2 days from order and a general turnaround (including delivery) within a week. Meaning those who require a consistent supply of tests in variable volume orders have their stock virtually instantaneously without paying over the odds.
The benefits of LYHER lateral flow tests are endless. The test can detect the nucleocapsid protein, as well as having a two-year shelf life, with a 99.6% specificity.
Promote test availability in-store
Our services don’t just stop there! Our branding service enables us to create branded brochures and POS to promote test availability in your pharmacy; to create wider customer awareness.
Although lateral flow tests aren’t being provided for free anymore, the demand is continuing. It is crucial for pharmacies to keep up with the ongoing demand. If you require multiple runs or bulk orders, we will work with you to achieve the correct solution. Speak to one of our experts today.
