New psychoactive substances are proliferating at an unprecedented rate
Cocaine use appears to be increasing in the two largest markets, North America and Europe. The prevalence of use of cocaine among the general population and testing in the workforce suggest an increase in cocaine use in the United States. However, opioids, including heroin, remain the most harmful drug type in terms of health. The use of opioids is associated with the risk of fatal and non-fatal overdoses; the risk of acquiring infectious diseases.
Whilst recent reports have highlighted that both cocaine and opioids are increasing, the NPS market continues to be very dynamic and new psychoactive substances are emerging incessantly. Across 106 countries and territories, 739 different NPS drugs where reported to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) between 2009 and 2016, according to the World Drug Report 2017.
As new psychoactive substances are proliferating at an unprecedented rate the rapid evolution of adequate equipment remains vital. Randox Toxicology provides trusted solutions for the screening for drugs of abuse. With significant reinvestment in Research and Development, we persistently stay ahead of this ever-challenging market. Over two panels we have been the first to develop new psychoactive substances tests such as fentanyl, bath salts and flakka allowing us to maintain our position as a global leader.
Additionally, Randox Toxicology provide highly sensitive ELISA kits that are compatible with all microplate processing instruments. They are optimised for the measurement of drug residues in various matrices including whole blood, urine and oral fluid.
Our ELISA kits offer excellent cross-reactivity and unrivalled limits of detection over a range of routine and novel assays including Cocaine Metabolite (Benzoylecgonine). Intra and inter assay precision typically <10% gives excellent correlation with confirmatory methods.
To find out more information regarding our extensive drugs of abuse test menu, visit us at the International Association for Chemical Testing, 29th April – 2nd May in Indianapolis or email info@randoxtoxicology.com