How accurate are your Methamphetamine Test Results?
Methamphetamine use is fairly widespread in Northland, with some reports stating 42% of properties tested positive for meth contamination in the last quarter of 2016.
So why wouldn’t you protect your asset and have a meth screen before going unconditional on your property?
The financial impact of purchasing a meth contaminated property can be huge, never mind the stress and anxiety associated with trying to navigate around the decontamination process.
More companies are offering methamphetamine testing, but do you really know what you are paying for?
It’s easy to think that all meth tests are the same, but this far from the truth. The sensitivities of each test can vary considerably but the overall view is lab based testing will always be more accurate than any infield or self-testing kit.
Each methamphetamine sampling technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, there is no perfect approach but it’s a fine balance between the cost and overall accuracy.
Screening is usually done in one of two ways;
Lab based testing-which is pretty much as it says, samples are sent to the lab and analysed for methamphetamine and other precursor drugs. Always check that your agent uses a lab that is independently accredited and assessed to guarantee quality of service. We can ensure you that at Asset we use an IANZ accredited lab that test samples according to NIOSH 9111.
Infield/self-testing kits-these are similar to the ‘pregnancy type kits ‘that are processed on site. The results are available immediately BUT these types of kits have been proven to be unreliable orn not as accurate as lab based testing therefore at Asset we choose not to use this type of testing as there is a high possibility of inaccurate results.
Even with lab based testing there are various options of screening technique but initially all that is required is a ‘yes or no’ to methamphetamine contamination in your property…. or even car/boat/caravan.
Lab based testing will detect methamphetamine to super low levels of 0.02 micrograms per 100 cm2, current guidelines from the Ministry of Health recommend levels below 0.5micrograms per 100cm2 so if you get a negative, no methamphetamine detected you can be assured that there is no methamphetamine contamination. Total peace of mind.
We are more than happy to discuss your requirements when booking a meth test as ‘one size doesn’t fit all ‘therefore we can ensure that you have the best screening package for the property being tested-and your pocket!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us in whichever way suits you best and we will happily answer any questions you may have.
We are always here to help.
This is not a definitive guide to meth testing but just an overview so you are better informed.