Thursday, June 26th, 2008
I wanted to take a moment to share with everyone the fantastic feedback we’ve received from customers on the new Narcotics Identification Test Kits. We have fielded numerous phone calls and emails from individuals with nothing but Positive reviews. Bill Worden from Virginia states, “These tests made a difficult decision somewhat easier for me especially after my neighbor and close friend, who happens to be a police officer, told me that these are the same tests he uses at work.” Jim Grey from Lansing, MI writes, “I thought it would cost an arm and a leg- it didn’t, I thought it would be very hard to perform- it wasn’t. Thanks UriTox.” Sue from California writes, “You can’t believe how these tests have changed our lives and done what we thought was the impossible by getting my husband to seek the help he desperately wanted after seeing his addiction change a shade of blue on a test before his eyes. Thank you so much, UriTox Medical!” These are just a few of the many kind words that we have received since launching the kits. We hope to continue this trend such that those in need will be able to arm themselves with the latest in technology.
Friday, June 13th, 2008
Summertime is a great time for families to come together whether it be extended family vacations or just short family outings. UriTox Medical would like to remind you that during this family time, you have an excellent opportunity to discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse with your children. Some of you may have kids who will be moving on to Junior High or High School where the risks of them coming into contact with drugs and alcohol will greatly increase. An opportunity can arise while waiting in line at an amusement park, eating out at a new restaurant, driving to your destination or even while floating around the pool. Summer is also a good time to start drug testing in the home as older children will begin to venture out to graduation parties and other gatherings. It is a cheap price to pay for peace of mind during a dangerous season for drunk drivers. Incidents typically increase during the warmer months and offering an out to peer pressure can literally be a “life saver.” Be safe and have fun!
Friday, May 9th, 2008
What are Narcotic Identification Kits? Well, without sounding too unprofessional, these are the kits that you often see on television cop shows. The pouches that they put a small amount of a substance believed to be illegal drugs into and it changes color to prove them right. The QuickCheck Narcotic Identification Kits are now being offered by UriTox Medical in order to help everyday citizens prove their own suspicions. Of course, they are also being offered to police and municipalities as they are the same kits typically used by law enforcement. The kits come in 5 variations: Marijuana, Methamphetamine/Ecstasy, Heroin/Morphine, Cocaine/Crack and Marquis. You choose the kit that you suspect will most likely detect the substance you posses. For instance, you find a white powder-like substance on a mirror in your home. You would benefit most by testing for Cocaine first. Place a small amount of the substance into the pouch with the provided tool, squeeze the vial in the pouch as instructed, and observe whether or not a blue color appears within the pouch. It’s that simple. The other devices work similar, however, they vary in color produced depending on the drug and each come with their own specific instructions. In the case of an unidentified pill that you suspect to be Ecstasy, an Opiate, or Methamphetamine, you could start with the Marquis kit to narrow down your search. UriTox Medical has long offered drug tests for testing of individuals who are suspected of abusing drugs, but now you have the power to also test any substances you may discover and believe to be drugs. Think of these kits as substance drug tests.
Tuesday, April 15th, 2008
I thought that I would discuss alcohol testing today in light of the controversy and rising number of DUI stories in the media. The latest celebrity charged with DUI is that of Carmelo Anthony, a star basketball player for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets. An Associated Press article notes that he was pulled over for weaving and not dimming his lights while traveling down Interstate 25. Aside from the list of celebrities who have indulged over their limits, it seems as though there is a case of an innocent passenger, family or other bystander who is extremely hurt or killed by a drunk driver in the news everyday. In fact, the latest data from the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis shows that there were 42,642 fatalities due to Alcohol -Impaired Crashes in 2006, the latest year to have data completed. This is down 868 fatalities from 2005, but I guess that my statement that someone is killed everyday is vastly incorrect; the figure is more like 116+. In reflecting on this data, I am hopeful that the numbers have yet again decreased and that in some way, we are helping. The use of a personal Breathalyzer was matched with scrutiny in there debut a number of years ago, stating that they were inaccurate and not needed for responsible adults. The drug and alcohol testing industry has evolved and now yields a number of improved units. UriTox Medical offers the AlcoHawk line of breathalyzers that feature 1-button operation and a sensor accuracy of +/- 0.01%. There are units that are perfect for both employers and individuals. These units are a far cry from the $1500 sensors of old, moderately priced between $70-$150. As time passes, I hope that technology and added awareness will allow for units to be priced even more affordable and offered by more competent vendors. These units are no longer toys or novelty items to be attached to key chains or offered as party favors. They are life-saving devices just as seat-belts and airbags are. For now, they should be sold by companies who have knowledge of there use and effectiveness such that it can be passed on to the consumer. The cost of a single alcohol test can save you thousands of dollars defending a DUI charge or even more, it could save your life or the life of your loved one.
Friday, April 4th, 2008
Uritox Medical and the new SteroidConfirm steroid test were named in the news yet again; this time on popular sports website SPORTSbyBROOKS. The new home steroid test kit offered by UriTox Medical is exciting news for sports organizations, schools and parents who have questioned steroid use by an individual and sought after a method of confirming those questions. The article can be read in full here: http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/rick-reillys-dream-easy-urine-steroid-test-kit-16967
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Hello Everyone! Just 1 week ago, I told you about the unveiling of the new SteroidConfirm Home Steroid Test offered by UriTox Medical. Yesterday it was featured in an article on CNBC.com written by popular sports writer Darren Rovell. He notes the fact that you can test in the privacy of your home and either confirm or put to rest any suspicions that you may have about an individuals possible use of performance enhancing drugs. The test is now available for pre-order and will hopefully be in full swing by next week. Stay tuned for further updates.
Friday, March 28th, 2008
Let’s start with what DOT stands for, that is , the Department of Transportation. They are the government agency residing over truck drivers, pilots, heavy equipment operators and other individuals who are deemed to be performing “safety-sensitive” duties. The Department of Transportation is currently the only Federally Regulated entity in terms of drug testing. The DOT requires that 5 specific drugs be included in a DOT test. They are: Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamine, Opiates and PCP, often labeled DOT 5-Panel. They also require that strict guidelines be followed in terms of the collection process. Aside from the DOT 5-Panel, we identify another test as the NON-DOT 5-Panel because it is often chosen by facilities who are not mandated to perform DOT testing but want to “mirror” the DOT protocol while including a more heavily abused drug besides PCP. PCP has been on the decline for many years while Methamphetamine use has skyrocketed. This panel tests for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamine, Opiates and Methamphetamine. Typically referred to as the NON-DOT 5-Panel. I hope this sheds some light on the difference between the two.
Wednesday, March 26th, 2008
Great News Everyone! The new SteroidConfirm test kit is now available to pre-order with a ship date of 4/01-4/07. This test is for use in homes, schools and in the workplace. It is simple to collect with no additional fees. Even the shipping cost to the lab is included! The SteroidConfirm test is perfectly timed with the onslaught of awareness and attention illicit steroid use has gotten in media in recent weeks. It is the perfect tool for parents, employers, educators and coaches to finally rule out or confirm any suspicions they may have had about an individual in order to get them the much needed help they deserve. I have included the information from our website and encourage you to read it over even if you don’t think that you need it now, as a time may arise when someone you know will.
SteroidConfirm™, the accurate and affordable diagnostic anabolic steroids test for convenient use in the home, workplace or school, utilizes the most sophisticated, sensitive and technology available. Traditionally, the abuse of anabolic steroids has been linked to athletes who want to improve their athletic performance. While this still remains to be the case, steroid abuse has become prevalent among individuals, both men and more increasingly women, to increase muscle size and reduce body fat. Individuals of various ages abuse steroids, but it is the abuse among high school students which is a particular problem.
SteroidConfirm™ is comparable to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) panels, detecting a full list of prescription androgenic anabolic steroids, prohormones, designer anabolic steroids, essential masking agents, anti-estrogen agents and diuretics. Tests For 11 Anabolic Agents as well as five of their metabolites and one ß2 adrenergic agonist that are commonly abused:
- Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG)
- Boldenone (Equipoise)
- Hydroxyboldenone (Metabolite)
- Clostebol (Steranobol)
- Clenbuterol
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Testosterone
- Epitestosterone
- Oxymesterone (Oranabol)
- Oxandrolone (Anavar)
- Methyloxandrolone (Metabolite)
- Stanozolol (Winstrol)
- Hydroxystanozolol (Metabolite)
- Flouxymesterone (Halotestin)
- 6B-Hydroxyflouxymesterone (Metabolite)
- Androsterone
- 19-Norandrosterone (Metabolite)
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
SteroidConfirm™ enables sports trainers, employers and parents to test individuals who they suspect may be abusing steroids. Simply take a urine specimen at home, in the workplace or at school and mail to our laboratory using the pre-paid shipping pak. You have the option to perform a confidential test (no personal information is required) or a test with a Chain of Custody.
MOST ACCURATE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE
Using Liquid Chromatograph Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), the most sophisticated and sensitive technology available for the steroid testing community, SteroidConfirm™ can accurately quantify substances well below the cut-off levels. Each specimen is tested directly with this instrument - there is no screening process. The added benefit of Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) is the unsuppressed selectivity achieved by incorporating a collision cell. The LC/MS/MS system not only measures each compound directly, but it also breaks apart the compounds in the collision cell to give a second parameter of identification for each compound. This methodology provides highly accurate results.
SteroidConfirm™ can detect a wide variety of illegal substances from the urine samples and makes cheating impossible for the participant. The innovative design of the sample collection device makes it easy to collect as well as allowing you to send the samples through the mail without damage or spilling of the sample ensuring the accuracy of the tests. The huge range of substances that it can detect and the high clarity and readability of the result reports differentiate this test from the multitude of cheaper steroid tests swarming the market today.
OUR CERTIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
- AAB - American Association of Bioanalysists
- CLIA - Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
- Heavy Metals Institute
- SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (pending)
- DEA Licensed - To ensure all State and Federal standards for USP NF (797) Pain Drug (CSP) are followed.
Our CLIA Accredited Laboratory uses state-of-the-art Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Mass Spectrometry X2 (LC/MS/MS) technology to determine the amount of hormone present.DETECTION TIME FRAME:
The window of detection for steroids varies drastically. At the low end of the spectrum the window is only 2-3 days. On the high end, a couple of months. Steroids, similar to THC, are not water soluble. With testosterone, because it occurs naturally you will almost always detect the hormone. It is necessary to test for testosterone because the body adjusts natural production of the hormone when it is introduced to synthetic steroids, i.e. the levels of testosterone are usually off kilter.
WARNING - COLLECTION INFORMATION:
It is important that the collector get the specimen to the lab as soon as possible. Degradation is possible. The specimen must be shipped within 5 days of collection (sooner than that is even better). If it is difficult to ship right after the collection process is complete, the specimen needs to be refrigerated rather than stored at room temperature. The MRO Report is only available with Chain of Custody tests.
Tuesday, March 18th, 2008
One of our Customer Service Representatives was posed this question today and thought it would make an informative blog entry: What is the difference between MOR and OPI in drug testing? MOR and OPI are both testing for Opiates in urine drug tests. OPI is typically the term used for Opiate tests with a cutoff level of 2000 ng/ml, while MOR is typically used for a cutoff for Opiates of 300 ng/ml. Different industries, such as the Department of Transportation require a lower cutoff of 300 ng/ml.
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008
I find the article below by The Associated Press to be very informative. It discusses Salvia, a new drug that is on the rise and legal to possess, use and be impaired by. It is a plant much like Marijuana grown in Mexico with hallucinogenic properties resembling LSD or PCP with effects for roughly an hour. States are already taking steps to outlaw the drug, but websites everywhere are telling users to stock up immediately. Please read on:
Is Salvia the Next Marijuana?
By JESSICA GRESKO,
AP
Posted: 2008-03-11 12:46:01
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - On Web sites touting the mind-blowing powers of Salvia divinorum, come-ons to buy the hallucinogenic herb are accompanied by warnings: “Time is running out!” and “stock up while you still can.”
That’s because salvia is being targeted by lawmakers concerned that the inexpensive and easy-to-obtain plant could become the next marijuana. Eight states have already placed restrictions on salvia, and 16 others, including Florida, are considering a ban or have previously.
“As soon as we make one drug illegal, kids start looking around for other drugs they can buy legally. This is just the next one,” said Florida state Rep. Mary Brandenburg, who has introduced a bill to make possession of salvia a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Some say legislators are overreacting to a minor problem, but no one disputes that the plant impairs judgment and the ability to drive.
Native to Mexico and still grown there, Salvia divinorum is generally smoked but can also be chewed or made into a tea and drunk.
Called nicknames like Sally-D, Magic Mint and Diviner’s Sage, salvia is a hallucinogen that gives users an out-of-body sense of traveling through time and space or merging with inanimate objects. Unlike hallucinogens like LSD or PCP, however, salvia’s effects last for a shorter time, generally up to an hour.
It is not the same as the ornamental garden plant known as Salvia.
No known deaths have been attributed to salvia’s use, but it was listed as a factor in one Delaware teen’s suicide two years ago.
“Parents, I would say, are pretty clueless,” said Jonathan Appel, an assistant professor of psychology and criminal justice at Tiffin University in Ohio who has studied the emergence of the substance. “It’s much more powerful than marijuana.”
Salvia’s short-lasting effects and fact that it is currently legal may make it seem more appealing to teens, lawmakers say. In the Delaware suicide, the boy’s mother told reporters that salvia made his mood darker but he justified its use by citing its legality. According to reports, the autopsy found no traces of the drug in his system, but the medical examiner listed it as a contributing cause.
Mike Strain, Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner and former legislator, helped his state in 2005 become the first to make salvia illegal, along with a number of other plants. He said the response has been largely positive.
“I got some hostile e-mails from people who sold these products,” Strain said. “You don’t make everybody happy when you outlaw drugs. You save one child and it’s worth it.”
An ounce of salvia leaves sells for around $30 on the Internet. A liquid extract from the plant, salvinorin A, is also sold in various strengths labeled “5x” through “60x.” A gram of the 5x strength, about the weight of a plastic pen cap, is about $12 while 60x strength is around $65. And in some cases the extract comes in flavors including apple, strawberry and spearmint.
Web sites such as Salviadragon.com tout the product with images like a waterfall and rainbow and include testimonials like “It might sound far fetched, but I experience immortality.”
Among those who believe the commotion over the drug is overblown is Rick Doblin of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a nonprofit group that does research on psychedelic drugs and whose goal is to develop psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medication.
“I think the move to criminalize is a misguided response to a very minimal problem,” Doblin said.
Doblin said salvia isn’t “a party drug,” “tastes terrible” and is “not going to be extremely popular.” He disputes the fact teens are its main users and says older users are more likely.
“It’s a minor drug in the world of psychedelics,” he said.
Moreover, it’s hard to say how widespread the use of salvia is. National and state surveys on drug use don’t include salvia, and because it is legal in most states, law enforcement officials don’t compile statistics, either.
San Diego State University last year surveyed more than 1,500 students and found that 4 percent of participants reported using salvia in the past year.
Brandenburg’s bill would make salvia and its extract controlled substances in the same class as marijuana and LSD.
Florida state Sen. Evelyn Lynn, whose committee planned to study the Salvia bill Tuesday, said the drug should be criminalized.
“I’d rather be at the front edge of preventing the dangers of the drug than waiting until we are the 40th or more,” she said.
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/is-salvia-the-next-marijuana/n20080311124609990004?ecid=RSS0001