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What are the commonly known names or street names for amphetamine,
methamphetamine, cocaine, opiates and cannabinoids? |
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Common known names or street names for these drugs are: |
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Amphetamine |
Speed, amp, bennies, black beauties, chalk, uppers, hi, speed balls, beans,
hiballs, beenie babies, eve, uppers, dexies |
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Methamphetamine |
Crystal, meth, ice, glass, speed, icebergs, bergs, ecstasy, MDEA, X, xtc,
MDMA, adam, crank, go, love drug, tik |
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Cocaine |
Coke, crank, snow, flake, crack, blow, rock, line, snuff, sugar, snort,
stones, powder, toot, nose candy |
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THC |
Pot, weed, herb, bud, MJ, doobie, reefer, joint, blunts, grass, rope, hemp,
roach, 420, chronic, hashish, smoke, dope, dagga,
cannabis, zol, marijuana |
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Opiates (morphine) |
Horsesmack, hairy hombre, H, scag, jones, fix, heroine, methadone, pinks,
downers, codeine, opium |
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How do the drugs of abuse rapid diagnostic screening test detect the drug used? |
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The U-Test 5 Multi Drugs of Abuse test is based on the principle of a
competitive binding immunoassay, in which a drug conjugate competes with the
drug that may be present in the urine, for limited antibody binding sites. |
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The formation of a visible colour line in the test region shows a negative
result of the urine tested. The absence of a colour band on one of the test
regions indicates a positive result. |
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A faint line in the test region indicates that the drug in the urine sample
tested is near the cut-off level for the test. These samples should be re-tested
and confirmed with a more specific method e.g. gas chromatography. |
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In general, what are the drug detection periods for the most abused drugs and
how long after use can drug tests detect drug presence or use? |
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The following chart gives approximate detection periods for each substance in
urine. The detection period depends on the amount and frequency of use,
metabolic rate, body weight, body fat index, age, overall health, drug tolerance
and urine pH. |
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Substance |
Urine detection period |
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Alcohol |
12-24 hours |
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Amphetamine |
1-4 days |
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Cannabis (single use) |
2-3 days |
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Cannabis (habitual use) |
Up to 12 weeks |
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Cocaine |
4-5 days |
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Morphine |
2-4 days |
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Heroin |
2-4 days |
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Metamphetamine |
3-5 days |
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If a drug test is positive, can you determine how long ago the drug was taken
and over what period of time? |
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No. Drug of abuse testing by blood, urine, or saliva can only detect whether or
not a specific drug or drug metabolite is present at the time the test is
performed. While there are very broad estimates as to how long a particular drug
may have been in the system, no fluid based drug test, regardless of method, is
intended to include a time variable. Many factors unique to the individual being
tested determine the actual half-life of the particular drug including such
variables as age, weight, sex, metabolic rate, overall health, amount of drug
consumed over what period of time, etc. Therefore, no conclusions can be drawn
as to when a particular drug was taken or how much was consumed with any of drug
of abuse test. A forensic hair core analysis for drugs can be utilized to
determine historical drug use for up to 90 days. |
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What are the effects of sample dilution or adulteration? |
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The most common method of sample manipulation to avoid a positive drug screen is
dilution. Other forms of sample adulteration are the in vitro addition of
adulterants or additives into the specimen sample that destroy the chemical
reaction properties of drug tests. |
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What is the likelihood that the test device is defective? |
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In 98% of the time, test result errors or failure to obtain test results is the
result of user error. Failure to follow instructions, inadequate sampling, and
device contamination, failure to use a timer or other user related factors.
Follow the tests instructions completely and carefully. Unfortunately people
often ignore the test instructions or cautions expecting the test device to be
accurate regardless of how it is used. |
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What are the limitations of urine drugs of abuse rapid diagnostic screening
tests? |
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- The test is a qualitative, competitive screening test. It is not designated to
determine the quantitative concentration of a drug or levels of intoxication.
- As this is a screening test, all positive results should be confirmed with a
more specific method e.g. gas chromatography or gas spectrometry.
- Adulterated urine samples may produce erroneous results. Strong oxidizing agents
such as bleach can oxidize drug analytes. Dilution of the urine sample may
result in concentrations falling below the test detection limits.
- Test results can be affected by abstaining from use for a period of time before
the test.
- Urine pH impacts on the detection time.
- It should be clearly understood that urine drug tests are not intended to
determine when drugs were used, only whether the drug screened for is present at
the time the test is performed. If it is desirable to screen for historical drug
use, a forensic laboratory hair analysis test is available that will screen for
illicit drug use for up to 90 days, dependant on hair sample length.
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What are the standard drug test sensitivity cut-off levels established by the
NIDA, WHO and SAMHSA for the different drugs of abuse? |
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The table below indicates the standardized threshold concentration levels
established by the international regulating authorities. These levels are
reviewed and updated periodically to conform to new data on drug development,
technology and testing statistics. Concentration is expressed in nanograms per
millilitre solution. |
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SYMBOL |
TARGET DRUG/METABOLITE |
CONCENTRATION |
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AMP |
amphetamine |
1000 ng/ml |
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BAR |
barbiturates |
300 ng/ml |
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BZO |
benzodiazepines |
300 ng/ml |
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COC |
cocaine/benzoylecgonine |
300 ng/ml |
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MDMA |
ecstasy |
500 ng/ml |
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MET |
methamphetamine |
1000 ng/ml |
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MTD |
methadone |
300 ng/ml |
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OPI |
opiates/morphine |
2000 ng/ml |
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PCP |
phencyclidine |
25 ng/ml |
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PPX |
propoxyphene |
300 ng/ml |
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TCA |
tricyclic antidepressants |
30 ng/ml |
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THC |
marijuana/cannabis |
50 ng/ml |
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How long can the urine specimen be stored before testing? |
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Specimens can be stored in a refrigerator at 2 to 8° C for up to two (2) days
(48 hours) or frozen, before testing. However, it is strongly recommend that the
sample is tested as soon as possible after collection. |
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What is an opiate and what are the effects of this drug on the human body? |
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MOP or Opiates are any of the addictive narcotic drugs derived
from the resin of the poppy plant. Opiates are analgesics (pain relievers) which
work by depressing the central nervous system. They can also depress the
respiratory system. Doctors often prescribe them for severe or chronic pain.
Opiates are very addictive, both physically and psychologically. Use for only a
short time normally results in addiction. Some commonly used opiates are:
Codeine, Heroin, Methadone, Morphine and Opium. Opiates are commonly
referred to as "downers". Opiates can appear in many forms: white powder or
crystals; small white, yellow or orange pills; large colourful capsules; clear
liquid and dark brown, sticky bars or balls. Heroin accounts for the majority of
illicit opiate abuse. Some physical indications of opiate use include: extreme
loss of appetite and weight, needle tracks or punctures, black and blue marks
from "skin popping", scars along veins, cramps, nausea, vomiting, excessive
scratching and complaint of itching, excessive sweating, constipation, raw, red
nostrils from snorting, runny nose, pin-point pupils and watery eyes, reduced
vision, drowsiness, euphoria, trance-like states, excessive thirst, tremors,
twitching, unkempt appearance, strong body odour, irritability, chills; slight
hallucinations and lethargy. Opiates reduce attention span, sensory and motor
abilities, produce irrational behaviour, depression, paranoia, and other
psychological abnormalities. Morphine is excreted in the urine primarily as
morphine-3-glucuronide while smaller amounts are excreted as unchanged free
morphine and other metabolites. It is also the major metabolic product of
codeine and heroin. Morphine is detectable in the urine after 2 hours for 2-3
days after an opiate dose. |
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Common known names or street names for these drugs are: |
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Horsesmack, hairy hombre, H, scag, jones, fix, heroine, methadone, pinks,
downers, codeine, opium. |
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What is the difference between heroin and morphine? |
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Heroin, morphine and codeine are opiates derived from the resin of the opium
poppy. Heroin is quickly metabolized to morphine. The body also changes codeine
(used in some cold medicines) to morphine. Therefore, the presence of morphine
in the urine indicates heroin, morphine, and/or codeine use. |
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Can a positive test for opiates be obtained from consuming food products that
contain poppy seed? |
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If the sensitivity cut-off level of the test is the revised standard of 2000
ng/ml OPI, this is not possible. Sensitivity standards were raised in the year
2000 from 300 ng/ml to 2000 ng/ml OPI to eliminate the possibility of false
positive results that were possible from consumption of large quantities of
poppy seeds or poppy seed paste at the lower sensitivity level. |
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What is amphetamine and what are the effects of this drug on the human body? |
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AMP is a class of potent sympathomimetic agents with therapeutic
applications. These drugs are chemically related to the human body's natural
catecholamine, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. Amphetamines are central
nervous stimulants whose effects include alertness, wakefulness, increased
energy, reduced hunger and an overall feeling of well being. Large doses and
long term usage can result in higher tolerance levels and dependence. More acute
responses produce anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and psychotic behaviour.
The effects of amphetamines generally last 2-4 hours following use and are
detectable after 2-7 hours in the urine and for 2-4 days after use. About 30% of
amphetamines are excreted in the urine in unchanged form, with the remainder
excreted as hydroxylated and deaminated derivatives. The most common source for
amphetamine is the prescription diet pills. |
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Common known names or street names for these drugs are: |
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Speed, amp, bennies, black beauties, chalk, uppers, hi, speed balls, beans,
hiballs, beenie babies, eve, uppers, dexies. |
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What is a methamphetamine and what are the effects of this drug on the human
body? |
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MET is a potent sympathomimetic agent with therapeutic applications.
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug which is quickly metabolized to
amphetamine. It is used in pill or in powdered form by snorting or injecting.
Crystallized methamphetamine is inhaled by smoking and is a considerably more
powerful form of the drug. Some of the effects of methamphetamine use include:
increased heart rate, wakefulness, physical activity and decreased appetite.
Cardiovascular responses to MET include increased blood pressure and cardiac
arrhythmias. More acute responses include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations,
psychotic behaviour, and eventually, depression and exhaustion. The effects of
MET generally last 2-4 hours and the drug have a half-life of 9-24 hours in the
body. MET is excreted in the urine primarily as amphetamine and oxidized and
deaminated derivatives. However, 10-20% of MET is excreted unchanged. Thus, the
presence of the parent compound in the urine indicates MET use. MET is generally
detectable in the urine for 3-5 days, depending on urine pH level.
Methamphetamine use can cause irreversible damage to the brain, producing
strokes and convulsions, which can lead to death. Ecstasy and Tik, new trendy
and popular drugs among teenagers are a refined and processed form of
methamphetamine. |
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Common known names or street names for these drugs are: |
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Crystal, meth, ice, glass, speed, icebergs, bergs, ecstasy, MDEA, X, xtc, MDMA,
adam, crank, go, love drug, tik. |
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What is the difference between Methamphetamine and Amphetamine? |
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Both amphetamine and methamphetamine are potent symphathominetic agents.
Methamphetamine is the parent drug. It metabolizes (or changes) into amphetamine
in the body. Methamphetamine and/or amphetamine are excreted in the urine. A
positive result for Amphetamine can also be interpreted as a positive test for
methamphetamine. |
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What is Ecstasy? |
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Ecstasy (MDMA) is a popular recreational drug. Ecstasy is a refined processed
form of amphetamine with a chemical structure closely resembling that of
methamphetamine. Any test with a target screen for methamphetamine should detect
Ecstasy. |
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What is Cocaine and what are the effects of this drug on the human body? |
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COC, Cocaine or Coke is made from coca leaves. It is a potent central
nervous system stimulant and a local an anaesthetic. Its effects include
alertness, wakefulness, increased energy and an overall feeling of euphoria.
These psychological effects are accompanied by increased heart rate, dilation of
the pupils, fever, tremors and sweating. Cocaine may be smoked, inhaled
("snorted") or injected. Cocaine can be a very addictive drug. It is excreted in
the urine primarily as benzoylecgonine shortly after use. Benzoylecgonine has a
longer biological half-life (5-8 hours) than cocaine (0.5-1.5 hours) and can
generally be detected after 1-4 hours for 2-3 days after cocaine use or
exposure. |
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Common known names or street names for these drugs are: |
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Coke, crank, snow, flake, crack, blow, rock, line, snuff, sugar, snort, stones,
powder, toot, nose candy. |
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How long after Cocaine use can it be detected in the urine? |
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Cocaine is excreted in the urine primarily as benzoylecgonine shortly after use.
Benzoylecgonine can generally be detected for 24 to 60 hours after cocaine use
or exposure. Exact clearance rate times can't be determined as the metabolic
rate is individualized depending on weight and other factors. |
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What is Cannabinoids and what are the effects of these drugs on the human
body? |
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THC (9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary active ingredient in
Cannabinoids (Cannabis/ Dagga/ Marijuana). It is a hallucinogen, commonly
ingested by smoking, but it may also be eaten. Cannabinoids may impair short
–term memory, learning and coordination abilities. It is most commonly the drug
of choice among teenagers and young adults and the most common recreational drug
of abuse. The hallucinogenic effect of Cannabinoids can lead to irrational
behaviour, disorientation, confusion, anxiety and paranoia. The peak effect of
smoking THC occurs within 20-30 minutes and the duration is 90-120 minutes after
one cigarette. Elevated levels of urinary metabolites are found within 6-18
hours after exposure and remain detectable for 3-10 days after smoking. In
chronic use it remains detectable for up to 30 days after smoking the main
metabolite excreted in the urine is 11-nor- 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic
acid. |
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Common known names or street names for these drugs are: |
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Pot, weed, herb, bud, MJ, doobie, reefer, joint, blunts, grass, rope, hemp,
roach, 420, chronic, hashish, smoke, dope, dagga, cannabis, zol, marijuana. |
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What does THC mean? |
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THC is an abbreviation for 11-nor-delta9 Tetrahydrocannibinol-9-carboxylic acid,
the primary metabolite of Cannabis or Marijuana. Marijuana is a hallucinogenic
agent derived from the leaves, flowers or seeds of the hemp plant. In general,
the production and "curing" of the marijuana plant into its useable form closely
resembles that of tobacco. Marijuana is almost always smoked and inhaled into
the lungs where it is quickly metabolized (or changed) by the body into
11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid which is excreted in the
urine. |
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Can I test positive for THC from exposure to "second hand smoke"? |
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No. Urine concentrations of THC above the cut-off sensitivity level of the test,
or a positive result, are not possible by exposure to second hand smoke. |
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