FAQ's DrugWipe

What is a DrugWipe? DrugWipe is a small, disposable device that can safely and quickly detect invisible traces of drugs from surfaces, substances, liquids, solids, powders, skin, saliva, needles, wraps, burnt foil and ash. The list is endless.

What drugs does DrugWipe test for?
DrugWipe can be used in singles, doubles or multiple drugs as follows;
Cannabis
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Opiates, ie Heroin, Morphine etc but not Methadone or Buprenorphine
Amphetamine, ie Amphet & Methamphet (Speed, Ecstasy & Crystal Meth)
Methamphetamine, only the Methamphetamines (eg Ecstasy and Ice)
Methadone, but not including Opiates or Buprenorphine
Benzodiazepines

Does DrugWipe just test pure drugs or can it detect drugs consumed?
DrugWipe detects the pure form of the drug and also the body’s processed form of the drug, known as a metabolites. So by selecting the testing method we can detect if someone been in contact with or has actually taken the drug.

How long does it take to use DrugWipe?
DrugWipe can be used straight from room temperature storage, with the packet opened and the sample taken in 10 seconds. Then with the addition of tap water or breaking an integral liquid vial, the reaction takes from one minute for fast reacting drugs through to five minutes for some slower drugs.

What are the benefits of DrugWipe over other systems?
DrugWipe is quick and easy to operate as testified by being the device used at the vehicle for road side drug driver policing in Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Iceland, Finland, Czech Republic and more in the process.

Do I need an expensive cumbersome electronic reader and printer?
DrugWipe does not require an electronic reader as it clearly indicates one line for no and two lines for yes. So no large carry case, no electronic interference, no perpetual recalibration nor great purchase cost.

Could I get a reader if I needed one?
DrugRead is available in the rare situations that it is actually needed.

How do I know DrugWipe has worked correctly?
DrugWipe has a Quality Control line which turns from light blue to red and any drug present in the sample will cause a second red line to appear. One line negative, two lines positive, how simple is that?

Can I use DrugWipe as the sample for the laboratory?
Yes, you can either “bag” the used DrugWipe for LCMSMS analysis, or you can call SoCO and take more swab samples for confirmation.

What will DrugWipe tell me?
The answer to this is very simple but also very complex. On the one hand DrugWipe can tell you the drug is present. On the other hand, you have to decide who, what, where and when you test. The subsequent positive or negative results will then give you many different answers!

Is an area clean before opening and examine a suspect sample?
If DrugWipe shows only the one QC line and no result line, therefore a negative to that drug, then yes it is clean of that drug at that level.

Is this sample actually a drug so that I should incur the time delay and extra expense of sending it to the laboratory for confirmation?
If a Positive result, that is two lines, then yes, proceed with sending the sample to the laboratory.

Have drugs been used in these premises?
Use several DrugWipe5 in different selected areas and the multiple line results will tell you which drugs are present. Proceed with Closure Order on the premises or a review of conditions with the Licensee.

Has Crack Cocaine been “manufactured” here?
Test the inside of the microwave for Cocaine and if two lines positive, then proceed with charges for “production”.

Has this vehicle driver taken drugs recently, ie the last couple of hours? Ask the driver to place the tip of the tongue into the base of both cheeks then take a simple 5 second wipe on the tip of the tongue with the DrugWipe5, and a subsequent positive will indicate consumption in the last couple of hours. The driver is very likely impaired at this point. See DrugWipe Dual .

Has this person taken drugs lately, ie the last few days?
Screen with a 5 second DrugWipe swab across the skin, on the forehead, around the base of the hair line at the back of the neck, or anywhere the body will perspire. A subsequent positive indicates that this person has taken drugs in the last few days. This may make them unsuitable for employment in safety critical roles, for instance with the Police Forces, and they should not be driving, diving or using fire arms. See DrugWipe Dual .
Note: The organisation should have in place before testing commences, a Drugs and Alcohol Policy, employee Terms & Conditions and detail of all subsequent Disciplinary Procedures.
Note: Health and Safety at Work Act allows for the screening of staff either with suspicion or post incident without the above policies and procedures in place.