Drug testing is an extremely technical field both in regards to its legality and the chemistry and biological science that makes it possible. With this in mind, here is a brief guide to some of the common phrases used in the field:

Point of care testing (POCT)

This term refers to whenever drug testing is carried out directly beside or near the individual being tested, generally immediately after they have provided a sample for detection. This is often used in time sensitive situations, as the results arrive in minutes rather than days or weeks. Situations where this approach is commonly used include law enforcement drug testing, drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, or in military medical screening.

Point of care testing can be used on oral fluid or urine samples for drugs consumed fairly recently. The term also covers the breathalyser test used by police forces throughout the world. Additionally, they are used for Drug Solids Testing.

Drug Solids

“Drug solids” is simply the technical term used for drugs themselves. Despite the name, it refers to liquids as well as powders, tablets, resins and the residues left behind when individuals use them. This type of testing is used most prevalently by police and customs/border control agencies but it’s also used by private enterprises concerned about drug dealing on their premises. Drug solids testing is vital support in establishing that a suspicious substance is in fact an illicit drug, as simple visual confirmation is far from reliable.

Metabolite

This is a technical term referring to the by-product of the chemical reactions that take place within the body when a drug is introduced to someone’s system. Often drugs tests, particularly those which detect substance abuse over extended periods, will detect the metabolites created by drug abuse as well as or even instead of the presence of the parent drug itself. This is because the body quickly processes such chemicals yet their waste materials can be absorbed into ‘waste’ cellular material.

Cannabinoid

These are the ‘active principles’ – the elements which are processed by the body – in Cannabis Sativa, possibly the most commonly detected and tested illicit drug. This term includes the well known THC as well as other substances.

Cut Off Concentration

Many drug metabolites naturally occur within the body or can be generated by other substances that are not controlled or restricted. However substance abuse generally results in a much higher concentration of these substances than would otherwise be possible; to differentiate between the two, a specific concentration of the metabolite or drug is chosen to determine a positive result from a negative result. Samples that fall below the cut off concentration level are considered negative, whilst those above are considered positive.

False Negative Test Result

This is a test result that shows that no drug or metabolite is present in the body when in fact, the tested drug or metabolite is present in a sample is actually larger than the cut off concentration.

False positive test result

This is the inverse situation; when a test shows that a drug or metabolite is present in higher concentrations than it actually is. Because analyses conducted by accredited laboratories comprise rigoruous quality checks before and after tests are completed, such occurrences in these centres of excellence are extremely rare.

About the Author:  Adam Jullivan is a druggist and a freelance writer. He writes many Article on various topic. He recommends you to visit http://www.concateno.com/ for drug testing.



A new study has shown that counterfeit drugs can be contaminated with other ingredients, may contain overdoses of prescription-only medications or may contain no medication whatsoever,

Scientists from South Korea have conducted a study into erectile dysfunction medications sold over the internet to see what men are really taking when they buy their medications from unreliable sources.

They compared 19 different erectile dysfunction medications sold by unauthorised sources to genuine Viagra and Cialis obtained from the manufacturers, Pfizer and Eli Lilley.

The team discovered that many of the counterfeit pills were visibly different from the real medications. 42% were a different colour while over a third were a different size to the branded versions.

More worryingly, 58% of the fake pills contained too much of the active ingredient that makes either Viagra or Cialis effective. Viagra’s main ingredient is sidalafil, Cialis’ tadalafil. Both drugs are prescription-only, as when prescribed in the wrong doses or to people who are contra-indicated for them they can be dangerous.

The researchers said that some of the counterfeit tablets even contained potential toxins, including mercury and lead. Others included compounds intended to treat impotence which have not been approved by the regulatory authorities as being safe and effective.

Only one of the pills contained what the team described as ‘proper active ingredients’.

Since Viagra was first approved for sale in the ‘90s, more and more men have sought treatment for erectile dysfunction. While much of the stigma attached to the condition has disappeared, many are however embarrassed to visit their doctor and like the anonymity of buying erectile drugs like Viagra online.

Despite campaigns to raise awareness about buying counterfeit medications over the internet, however, the trade online in illegal medications has mushroomed. Men either believe that they are buying genuine Viagra from an authorised pharmacy licensed to sell Viagra online or are unaware of the dangers of taking counterfeit medication.

There are also fears that those purchasing from unlicensed companies are putting their health at risk by not getting checked out by a doctor. Erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator for heart problems.

Dr. John Morley of Saint Louis University has greeted the study, due to be presented at the annual society of the American Urological Association in San Francisco, positively.

“All these drugs have side effects and that’s probably the big reason why patients should be getting them through a physician,” he said. “While these things may be cheaper, they potentially have much greater side effects.”

Top Guide Of  Weight Loss Drugs

There are many factors that can contribute to obesity. Still others find it difficult to make time for proper diet and exercise in an already busy life. Although you may have seen dozens or even hundreds of ads that promote weight loss miracle drug, people who truly effective can not be purchased from the magazine.
The real heavy hitters in the world of weight loss drug is a prescription pill. To get the recipes you need to first meet with and evaluated by a trained doctor who will determine the best course of action and decide whether weight loss drugs right for you.
This prevents people from taking the drugs indiscriminately and cause long term damage to their bodies. This also ensures that each patient get the drug most effective weight loss target of their condition (s). One example of a weight-loss drug that was wrong was the fen-phen. After some diets by using a weight-loss drug died of heart complications, the FDA is taking action against drug use.
The good news is that there are several weight loss drugs safe and effective out there. Talk to your doctor about existing conditions to determine the risks associated with each drug.  Improving diet and exercising more can only help you and your body, but for people who face serious obstacles when trying to lose weight, weight loss drugs may be valuable alternatives.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab Treatment: Critical Decisions

By David Westbrook

Choosing the right alcohol or drug rehab center can make all the difference when it comes to entering long-term recovery from an addiction. The task of finding the “right” drug rehab center is complicated by the fact that there are over 13,000 drug rehab facilities around the country. Each of these treatment centers is unique, but being unique does not necessarily mean that they are all equally good. It does, however, mean that you have many drug rehab centers to choose from and if you do not find the right one immediately you should continue searching as there are many high quality centers.

Here are ten questions to help you in your search for the right drug or alcohol rehab facility.

1. How does the treatment center define success and what is their success rate?

Many drug treatment facilities will have had independent reviews of their success. However, success can be measured in many ways. One treatment center may say they have a 74% success rate, but only be considering clients who remain sober for 6 months; another center may claim a 68% rate based on the results of clients after one year. Whatever their claimed success rate you will want to know how they measured it and what they consider success.

2. Are they accredited as a drug rehab center? And if so by whom?

There are a handful of national accreditation organizations including Joint Commission On Accreditation Of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), among others. Organizations accredited by these bodies frequently have undergone site reviews and have measured up to national standards.

3. What are the credentials of their staff?

Most states have a system for credentialing drug and alcohol counselors. These individuals may be Certified Addictions Counselors (CAC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC). These are minimum certifications, lead counselors should hold be MSW or LCSW level or higher.

4. Do they provide medically supervised withdrawal?

With some drugs proper withdrawal supervision can be a matter of life or death. If the treatment center does not have a detox center can they recommend one for attendance prior to treatment.

5. What does a typical week in their drug rehab facility look like?

There should be a balance of group and individual therapy. Education sessions, opportunities for reflection and support groups along with other components.

6. Can the provide testimonials?

True, no treatment center would put on display their failures, but they should be able to tell you about their successes.

7. How do they assist in setting up aftercare?

Aftercare has been found to be crucial to the success of long-term recovery. A good treatment center should either offer aftercare of be able to assist you in locating aftercare in your community.

8. Do they have a diverse group of counselors, and how will you be matched up?

One of the primary determinants of treatment success is a good client-counselor relationship. Therefore, a match between counselor and client should be worked towards.

9. What is their treatment modality or philosophy?

Find out if they are 12-step oriented, use motivational, cognitive or behavioral therapies, and then ask them to explain any terms you might not understand.

10. Do they work with your insurance company or can they set-up a payment plan?

Make sure you ask if they can work with your insurance company, or if your insurance does not pay for treatment work out how payment is to be handled.

Use a systematic program for identifying treatment centers which may be right for you. You may wish to print these questions out and keep a separate worksheet for each center’s answers. Remember, the right drug rehab center is waiting for you to call today.

Related Kindle Store :

• The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure: A Holistic Approach to Total Recovery

• The Little Red Book

• 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery

• Overcoming Crystal Meth Addiction: An Essential Guide to Getting Clean

• Thinking Simply About Addiction

• Overcoming Your Alcohol or Drug Problem: Effective Recovery Strategies Workbook

• Eating for Recovery

• Sober Siblings: How to Help Your Alcoholic Brother or Sister-and Not Lose Yourself

• Helping the Addict You Love: The New Effective Program for Getting the Addict Into Treatment

• How to Quit Drugs for Good: A Complete Self-Help Guide