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Archive for the ‘Drug test’ Category
Modern Health welcomes Lillian’s Law
Thursday, December 22nd, 2011Alcohol urine screen
Monday, November 21st, 2011The new alcohol urine screen is a ‘dip and read’ alcohol test for detecting the presence of alcohol in urine.
This CE Marked alcohol screen gives a rapid read out for the presence of alcohol in the urine sample.
The alcohol screen shows the presence of alcohol at levels greater than 0,2% in a sample.
Ideal for workplace testing where drug and alcohol screening programmes are already in operation.
Used by drug and alcohol clinics for testing clients in an accurate and cost effective format.
Alcohol test simple to use.
Simply dip the test strip into the sample and observe the colour change.
Once there is a reaction the sample could be sent off to a laboratory for further analysis and measurement of the exact alcohol levels detected. A certificate of analysis can then be provided.
This simple alcohol urine test is an exteremply cost effective method of screening clients in clinics and rehabilitation services.
Easy to follow instructions together with sample cups are included from
Drug Test requests USA
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011Drug Test requests from the USA are a valued and important part of our service.
Over the years MHS has developed strong links with parent companies in the USA who require drug testing services for employees in the UK. Often there is a requirement to provide pre-employment or scheduled drug testing to meet the company requirements.
We have supplied drug testing technology to leading US companies including Amazon.
MHS provides a bespoke drug testing service for screening prospect employees for evidence of substance misuse. This can be either through traditional urine screens or oral fluid or hair tests.
We recognise how important drug testing procedures are to US companies and we offer a wide range of solutions to meet those needs.
US Enqs welcome
Call us now for further information: 01274 591792
Call 01274 591792
TB Rapid Tests
Thursday, September 15th, 2011TB Tests
MHS has recently announced the launch of a TB POC Test images
The TB test can provide a positive /negative point of care reading from a small drop of blood or serum on a cassette.
The rapid TB test has been developed in response to the growing need for a fast and effective TB screening service.
HIV/TB Cross Infections
People living with HIV/AIDS are up to 50 times more likely to develop active TB. Roughly a third of the 33m people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide are infected with latent TB.
There are about 8,000 cases of TB are reported each year in the UK and this number is rising slowly
It is estimated that over (two billion people) are infected with the tuberculosis bacterium world wide.
Fewer than one in 10 of these infected people will go on to develop the full disease.
The vast majority of cases of TB occur in developing countries in Africa and South East Asia. .
What is TB
TB or tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The condition affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin and other organs.
TB is usually contracted person to person by coughs and sneezes through the droplets carried in the air. The anti-bodies in the immune system usually destroy the germs once they are inhaled.
However on occasions when the immune system fails to destroy the bacteria, latent TB becomes active sometimes years later.
Symptoms of TB
Depending on how the body fights the infection TB infections can show:
- no symptoms at all
- minor symptoms, which then go as you fight the infection off
- symptoms that develop in the months following infection
- symptoms that develop years after you were infected
Other symptoms of tuberculosis infection may include:
- a persistent cough – there may also be lots of phlegm, sometimes containing blood
- fever
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- night sweats
- chest pain when you breathe in, caused by inflammation of the membranes lining the
- lungs (pleurisy)
If TB has infected other parts of the body, other symptoms may arise including swollen glands in the neck, pain in your joints or a headache.
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
The diagnoses of active TB infection are usually undertaken by at least three separate samples of phlegm for testing. These are examined in a laboratory followed by a chest X-ray that can also be used to diagnose active TB.
To diagnose latent TB patients undergo a skin test called a Mantoux test. This test involves injecting the tuberculin protein just under your skin, usually on the inside of your forearm. Over the next two to three days a reaction to the injection will develop. This reaction is then graded.
The greater the reaction the more likely it is that you have TB infection. If this is the case your doctor may ask you to have further tests.
If you are diagnosed with TB those people who have been in close contact with you, such as family members or work colleagues, may also be tested for the infection.
The Consolidated TB Action Plan to prevent and combat multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in the WHO European Region 2011–2015
The World Health Organisation is launching a Consolidated Action Plan to tackle drug resistant TB and other infectious diseases.
TB Screening Tests
MHS is making available a range of point of care tests, including its TB Test to enable the rapid screening of significant numbers of donors participating in the scheme.
The TB rapid tests can detect a range of markers through the TB Combo test
For further information contact our national help line:
Friendly expert advice: 01274 591792
Drug testing laboratory
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011The drug testing laboratory services we offer to our clients for sample analysis and confirmation are of the highest levels.
With 8 laboratories across the UK servicing the police, the armed forces and the private sector we can provide a high quality reliable laboratory service.
“These laboratories have and continue to provided a first class service for UK Police forces and for private drug testing needs. We have also used them for forensic investigations into serious crimes. Probably the best laboratories in the UK.”
Mr Les Vasey former Chief Superintendent WY Police
The laboratory maintain the following standards:-
- Formal, third party assessed and internationally approved quality systems including ISO 17025, ISO 9001, GLP, ISO 43 and ISO 34.
- Regular internal ISO 35 audits to ensure that the highest standards of quality are maintained.
- Management of, and participation in, proficiency testing schemes.
- Production, use and sale of certified reference standards for calibration and control.
Accredited laboratory
For more information on laboratory drug testing or sample collection call us now:01274 591792
Drugalyser roadside drug test
Monday, August 8th, 2011Drugalyser® roadside drug test
Drugalyser® is exclusive to Modern Health Systems Ltd and is a registered trade mark.
The Railway and Transport Safety Act 2003 provides the police with powers to use screening tests for drugs, and provides for a preliminary drug test to be given at the roadside, or at a police station.
Such a drug is undertaken by obtaining a specimen of sweat or saliva for analysis.
Driving under the influence of drugs carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and six months in jail.
Former Chief Superintendent Les Vasey the MD for MHS said ’We are very proud to be associated with the unique development of roadside drug testing technology. We have developed and advanced the drugalyser® methods to meet the challenge.
We believe the rising levels of drug related accidents requires a robust and urgent response.
I anticipate it will save many lives on the UK roads’
‘I was very impressed with the drugalyser® oral fluid drug test recently launched by MHS. The very sensitive cut off levels for cannabis and ease of use make it the clear UK market leader. I have no hesitation in recommending MHS drug tests and services to all our clients.’
Richard Crosse MD UKASS
Police in action.
Legal Notice:
To clarify the legal position : No other individual or company is entitled to use the registered trade mark Drugalyser® in any form of publication or promotion without specific consent in writing.
Use of Drugalyser® and derivations of this registered trade mark is strictly prohibited.
Call – 01274 591792 for more information
Draeger calibration service
Monday, August 8th, 2011Draeger calibration service for all Draeger alco test breathalysers.
The Draeger range of alcohol testing devices are the most reliable in the world and apporved by the Home Office and Department of Transport for reliability.
Home Office approved.
Draeger breathalysers are legally defensible and used extensively in the rail industry along with Ports and utility companies across the UK.
The alcohol testing equipment also comes with a portable printer to enable results to be quickly recorded on site as part of the chain of custody procedures.
Draeger 6810 Pro and printer
MHS is an approved supplier of Draeger technology and also provides an on-line calibration service through its on-line store.
Trained engineers will calibrate the equipment and return it back to you fully certified, usually within 48 hours.
Drug testing at work.
Friday, July 8th, 2011Drug testing at work and employee screening became acceptable in the USA during the 1970s and 1980s, as the dangers of substance abuse was recognised as having a detrimental affect on business efficiency and profitability.
Various companies introduced drug testing at work as a method of eliminating substance misuse amongst employees.
Initially it was confined to large safety critical companies who led the way.
By the 90s UK companies in the private and public sector were undertaking drug testing at work and employee screening and it was recognised as an acceptable method of strengthening health and safety policies and supported by the Health and Safety Executive as best practice. It became well established in the rail industry and in other safety critical industries including petro chemicals, transport and energy companies.
Workplace drug testing (Urine)
Employee drug screening was initially supplied by laboratories testing urine samples.
Back to the lab urine samples is still undertaken by many UK industries.
This outdated, expensive and time consuming workplace drug testing process is gradually being replaced by point of care drug screening.
Workplace drug testing (Urine)Point of care
Point of care (POC) drug testing at work and employee screening are the terms that refers to testing the sample on-site in the presence of the donor. Over 90% of tests provided are negative and the remainder are forwarded for laboratory confirmation.
Urine drug testing at work is still invasive, time consuming and embarrassing. Urine provides a very wide time frame of drug use and provides evidence of historical use which may not be related to use at work.
Back to the lab workplace drug testing (Oral fluid)
Oral fluid drug testing at work was introduced into the UK by Altrix Healthcare during the early 2000 with the introduction of the Intercept collection swab.
The oral fluid collected was sent to the lab for analysis.
However this became expensive and time consuming.
Point of care drug testing at work (Oral fluid)
Point of care employee drug screening offers the best of all worlds, providing non-invasive sample collection with a rapid on-site reliable result in a print-out.
The development of the DT 5000 the drugalyser employee drug test became available to companies and law enforcement world wide to provide the reliability and sensitivity levels that is not only fit for purpose for roadside drug testing but also ideal for drug testing at work.
Leading edge drug testing technology
Drug tests at work and employee screening has recently been boosted by the launch of the ground breaking Drugalyser, the DT 5000.
Draeger Safety and MHS have developed the most accurate and sensitive oral fluid drug test in the world. It is an ideal tool for drug testing at work and employee screening.
Les Vasey MD for Modern Health Systems Ltd and former Altrix senior manager and police chief describes the technology as ‘Ground breaking’
He goes on to say, ‘This is the best drug testing technology I have ever seen. ‘The DT 5000 is the market leader in oral fluid drug testing and will set new standards in drug testing.’
‘I was very impressed with the drugalyser(R) oral fluid drug test recently launched by Modern Health. The very sensitive cut off levels for cannabis and ease of use make it the clear UK market leader. I have no hesitation in recommending Modern health Systems drug tests and services to all our clients.’ Richard Crosse MD UKASS
Surface drug testing.
The Drug Test 5000 not only detects drugs in saliva but also detects drugs on hard surfaces using the same process of swabbing and analysing the samples in the automated analyser.Draeger SSK 5000
Drug testing at work
This leading edge technology developed for roadside drug testing is already in use by many police forces across the world. It is now being recognised by discerning employers as a high quality, easy-to-use workplace drug test for employee screening.
Employee Drug Testing
This can be undertaken in-house by the occupational health department or by our national sample collection team. We cover every part of the UK and Ireland by our high quality Sample collection service
Call us now for more information and assistance:
Friendly expert advice 01274 591792
Cocaine misuse
Thursday, June 23rd, 2011Cocaine misuse recent findings.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified abnormal brain structures in the frontal lobe of cocaine users’ brains which are linked to their compulsive cocaine-using behaviour. Their findings were published today, 21 June, in the journal Brain.
Led by Dr Karen Ersche, the Cambridge researchers scanned the brains of 120 people, half of whom had a dependence on cocaine. They found that the cocaine users had widespread loss of grey matter that was directly related to the duration of their cocaine abuse (i.e. the longer they had been using cocaine, the greater the loss of grey matter), and that this reduction in volume was associated with greater compulsivity to take cocaine.
The scientists also found that parts of the brain reward system where cocaine exerts its actions (the basal ganglia) were significantly enlarged in cocaine users; but the size of the enlargement was not related to the duration of cocaine use. The researchers believe this may suggest that alterations in the brain’s reward system predate cocaine abuse, possibly rendering these individuals more vulnerable to the effects of the drug.
Brain and cocaine
Dr Ersche, of the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (BCNI) at the University of Cambridge, said: “This research gives us important insight into why some people are more vulnerable to drug addiction. Not only is this important for the future development of more effective therapeutic interventions for people who have become dependent on drugs, it will also inform improved strategies to prevent drug addiction in the first place.”
Cocaine, one of the most addictive drugs on the illicit drug market, exerts its effects on the brain by changing the way a person thinks and feels. People addicted to cocaine feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for the drug, even in the face of aversive consequences.
Dr Ersche added: “People with cocaine dependence describe their out-of-control drug use as a ‘compulsion’ to use cocaine. Our current work has laid the foundation for a better understanding of cocaine dependence and why this compulsion occurs.”
The researchers also showed that changes in other brain structures of chronic cocaine users were linked to debilitating attention problems.
Dr Ersche added: “Our findings are important because they show a clear relationship between the brain, the duration of cocaine use and some of the common attention problems that people with cocaine dependence report. These data show that cocaine dependence is a disorder of the brain, which is very relevant information for the treatment of people who are trying to beat their addiction.”
The researchers will next explore whether there is an inherited vulnerability to develop cocaine dependence. Although cocaine is a highly addictive drug, not everyone who uses develops an addiction. They will research whether people with an enlarged brain reward system are more at risk of becoming dependent on cocaine as well as what the effects of recreational cocaine use has on the brain.
The study was funded and sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline and conducted within the GlaxoSmithKline Clinical Unit Cambridge and BCNI (which is co-funded by the MRC and the Wellcome Trust).
Source:
Genevieve Maul
University of Cambridge
Draeger SSK 5000
Monday, June 20th, 2011Draeger SSK 5000
The newly launched, revolutionary, surface drug test combines a biological drug testing system with a forensic surface detection capability.Draeger SSK 5000
The need to monitor substance misuse means that law enforcement and custom officers need to check surfaces for trace of illegal substances.
Responsible employers particularly in safety critical industries may from time to time screen working surfaces for traces of illicit substances.
The Draeger SSK 5000 kit compliments the Draeger drugalyser Drug Test 5000 by acting as a mini on-site laboratory.
The drug testing kit enables the Drug Test 5000 to analyse any traces of substances found on the swab.
Drug Test 5000 highly sensitive on site drug testing.
Draeger in partnership with MHS has combined to provide leading edge technology in drug detection.
Through innovative scientific development and exacting standards MHS can now offers the world’s leading technology in tackling substance misuse, in the workplace and in roadside drug testing.
Draeger SSK 5000