FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does having IANZ accreditation mean?

IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand) is the international process for assessing and recognising the technical competence and the effective quality processes of a professional service and its staff.

Accreditation is granted only after exacting IANZ assessment against international standards including NZS/ISO 15189:2007 Particular requirements for Quality and Competence.

Confirmation of the following 5 points is essential:

1. Competence and experience of staff.

2. Integrity and traceability of equipment and materials.

3. Technical validity of methods.

4. Validity and suitability of results.

5. Compliance with ISO management systems.

Such rigorous criteria mean that whenever you deal with an organisation that has been IANZ accredited, you can be confident that its technical competence is of the very best standard.

Why screen for substance abuse at all?

Drug use is very much like alcohol consumption. There are casual users and there are alcoholics. Alcohol is an accepted part of everyday life, provided casual use doesn't affect others or put people at risk.But when the desire for alcohol becomes a craving, which is a different matter. Supply of illicit drug s is a more successful business than the best company you can think of, including your own. And it's all cash-no invoices, no accountants, and no tax to pay. That's why 95% of all bank notes in the United Kingdom are contaminated with cocaine. And there is strong evidence that most crime is related to drugs. Apart from the health risks, even casual users feel awful for days afterwards, and don't perform well at work. They also have more accidents and are more likely to have your company investigated and become accountable. If you don't have a policy then you should. And if you do, then you'll have to conduct some testing, if you don't it's like having a speed limit that isn't enforced - there will always be a few drivers who don't take notice of the signs. If they can do it, so will others and the 'speed' culture takes over? We know of several companies, who had a speed culture too, which nearly crippled their business, Drug awareness and testing saved them. Workplace drug and alcohol testing is a very contentious issue so you will need to tread carefully, all drug and alcohol screening must be done on the basis of health, safety and welfare, to have all the workforce behind you.

How accurate are NZDDA's drug tests?

Better than 99% (close to cut off levels) and 100% (at higher levels), compared with Syva emit Machines.
Every batch rigorously tested in manufacture, and as part of our internal quality controls we conduct blind testing in the field.
Tests are quick and easy to use, and there is no risk of machine or technician error.
Every batch is consistent so you get the same results wherever you conduct a test.

What are the economics of using rapid tests?

Use rapid tests and you know exactly what you are spending.
No equipment maintenance, no expensive buffers, controls and diluting fluids to buy for your equipment, and no equipment calibrations,servicing or breakdowns to consider.
No need to hold back samples until its worth while turning on the machine.
Using our multipanel you get pinpoint accurate results in 5 minutes.
That's why our rapid tests are replacing laboratory screening.

How do I read the lines?

A line on the test area is NEGATIVE
No line on the test area is POSITIVE
Any line, no matter how faint , on the TEST area is a negative result
A line on the CONTROL should always appear as proof the tests works and the sample is suitable for testing.
It is normal for lines to develop at different rates, and have different intensities.
A negative result can appear in under a minute.
To read a positive result you have to wait the full 5 minutes development time

What are the cut off levels?

All NZDDA's test have a cut off level - the point below which there is not enough substance to be detected. Levels are internationally agreed by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) or in New Zealand the cut off levels are determined by The Australian New Zealand Standards - (want to know what the AS/NZS4308:2008 standard cut off levels are click here) Concentrations above the cut off level are positive and concentrations below the level are negative. The cut off level ensures there is no risk of a false positive from accidental contamination or exposure to drugs. Different drugs have different cut off levels.

How can I prevent urine adulteration?

Make sure the donor washes their hands thoroughly before providing the sample. Wear gloves when you carry out testing.
Discolour toilet water by using a product like blue loo or similar.
Use a temperature strip on the cup to check the urine is fresh.
Remove chemicals and tape up water sources in the toilet area.
If in doubt use NZDDA's integrated cup with built in adulteration test.

How does the technology work?

Drug or dye binds to a special protein called an antibody. The technology is called 'competitive immunoassay' and is very accurate.For more details ask for a diagram of how a test works. At the same time, another antibody is used to react in the same way to produce the CONTROL line The antibodies are 'monoclonal' which ensures they are always identical from one batch to another, and have pin point accuracy. False results are highly unlikely, Call us for a full list of drugs and substances against which the tests have been trialed.

How long do drugs stay in the system?

This varies from one person to another and depends on dose, but here are some guidelines for each of NZDDA's urine tests:

Amphetamines 2 -6 days
Benzodiazepines 2 - 14 days
Cannabis 2 - 30 days*
Cocaine 2 - 5 days
Ecstasy 2 -6 days
Methadone 2 - 8 days
Methamphetamine 2 - 6 days
Opiates 2 -5 days

Your body weight, any other medication, and lots of environmental factors can also affect retention times so the above list is only a guide.

*Cannabis is a drug that can build up in the body and stay detectable for longer. This extended time frame only applies to regular or heavy users of cannabis.

What about interactions with other drugs?

NZDDA's tests have been tested with thousands of other drugs and compounds to make sure these don't interfere. Ask us for a full list to rule out effects from someone's medication NZDDA's tests will react with similar compounds - for example there are over 40 different benzodiazepines including Diazepam, Flunitrazepam etc. The benzo test will detect them all. Don't confuse NZDDA's tests with inferior products from other drug testing companies or suppliers. All this supporting information only applies to NZDDA's tests. If you have any technical queries at all we would be delighted to help you. Just email your query to us at enquiries@nzdda.co.nz

Some general comments regarding laboratory tests

A positive or disputed test can always be submitted to a laboratory for confirmation testing.
The preferred confirmatory analysis method is GC/MS
NZDDA provide a confirmatory analysis by way of GC/MS for positive or disputed results
NZDDA ensure a quick and efficient turn around time for confirmation results.