SAMHSA cut-off concentration. GC/MS Testing quantifies the concentration of drugs in the sample. Given the purposes of most drugs testing at schools or at home which is to detect the presence of drug use and not to determine the amounts ingested, all our rapid tests satisfy this need.

What if I want The GC/MS method of testing?

The GC/MS method is highly sophisticated and very expensive equipment that normally only hospitals have. AngelScope is able to offer you the GC/MS method of testing at a very low cost to you. For more information on this contact us.

What does GC/MS stand for?

GC/MS Stands for Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.

Will the results hold up in court?

If you opt for the GC/MS confirmation testing, then yes this will be admissible in a court of law, but you must follow certain procedures which we help you with.

What are the screening cut-off concentration levels?

The screening cut-off levels of our tests are consistent with those of SAMHSA. Those cut-off levels are as follows:

• Amphetamines - 1000ng/ml
• Barbiturates - 300ng/ml
• Benzodiazepine - 300ng/ml
• Buprenorphine - 10 ng/ml
• THC/Cannabis - 50ng/ml
• Cocaine/Crack -300ng/ml
• Methamphetamine - 1000ng/ml
• Methadone - 300ng/ml
• Opiates/Heroin - 300ng/ml
• PPX/Propoxyphene - 300ng/ml
• PCP/Phencyclidine - 25ng/ml
• TCA/Tricyclic Antidepressants - 1000ng/ml

How long do drugs stay in the system?

This table is shown as a guide only; days can vary depending on how much drug has been taken, body weight etc.

• Amphetamines - 1 to 4 days
• Barbiturates - 3 to 8 days (Phenobarbital 14 days+)
• Benzodiazepine - 3 to 6 weeks
• Buprenorphine - 3 to 6 days
• THC/Cannabis - 7 to 30 days
• Cocaine/Crack - 2 to 5 days
• Methamphetamine - 1 to 4 days
• Methadone - 1 to 7 days
• Opiates/Heroin - 1 to 4 days
• PXP/Propoxyphene - 1 to 4 days
• PCP/Phencyclidine - 3 to 8 days
• TCA/Tricyclic Antidepressants - 1 to 9 days

Can I test at any time of the day?

Yes, you can test anytime day or night.

How do I know which test to choose the oral fluid saliva tests or urine tests?

If you snort cocaine, the drug enters your bloodstream and affects your brain within seven seconds, Minutes later; it’s in your oral fluid which would detect impairment. In a matter of hours it’s in your urine, which will detect the drug in withdrawal and will not detect impairment. So it really depends of how soon after you suspect someone of taking drugs that you need to test, whether you feel they are suffering from impairment or simply want to find out if they are taking drugs of abuse. Or sometimes it’s a matter of preference, not everyone likes to handle urine samples even though some of our tests come completely sealed in integrated cups. They are all highly accurate and it really is a matter of choice.

Why say oral fluid test rather than saliva?

Firstly, we need to get the name sorted out. Oral fluid and saliva is not the same thing. Saliva comes from numerous glands lining the mouth, and is only important in some health tests such as saliva HIV tests that rely on a rich supply of antibodies. Oral fluid, on the other hand, consists of saliva plus many other fluids such as sputum from the lungs and throat, and nasal drainage etc. Now, drugs will permeate the body, irrespective of whether they are ingested, snorted or swallowed. So any oral fluid can be used for drug testing, not just saliva. Oral fluid is very close to blood serum, so if it’s in the oral fluid it’s in the blood. And of course if it’s in the blood it’s in the brain too, and so the person is impaired by the drug. This view is becoming more widely acknowledged as a test for impairment by drugs, just as it is with alcohol detection. That’s why many companies and schools are turning to oral testing in stead of urine testing especially in for cause cases. As yet though, there are not legal drinking limits for driving under the influence of drugs. Laboratory GC/MS testing is available on this product.

What are the benefits of choosing Urine Tests?

Urine testing has been the main technology for many years, so there is a wide range of products, from several manufacturers, and tests are cheaper than oral fluid tests. Urine is actually a good medium to use for drug detection provided the test is not being carried out to detect impairment. By the time the drug is in the urine, impairment has mostly ceased. However, the donor may still be in withdrawal or in a depressed condition, so urine tests could still be used ‘for cause’ to identify those in withdrawal. There are just two disadvantages to urine. One is the embarrassment factor associated with urine collection, and other is a proliferation of products on the internet to fool a drug test — but most of them don’t work. We’ve made collection easy with the integrated cup — simply give the cup to the donor, and they will then produce a sample and the lid back on the cup. The sample is now sealed. When you’re ready to conduct the test, use the key to depress the plunger. That lets in just the right amount of urine into the test region, which is then soaked up by the test panel. The remaining urine is isolated within the cup so if the test is positive you simply post off the cup to the laboratory for confirmation.

Are there any legal medications that can trigger positive results?

Yes, the most common problem is the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold medications, which can cause a positive result for methamphetamine. A GC/MS confirmation as well as a MRO review is necessary to determine the source of the positive result. Some forms of the drugs we test for may be available legally under prescription as well. Always ask the person you are testing what or any medication they are currently taking before you administer the test. Make a note, and if the suspect is found to be positive, call us and we will do our best to advice you on whether the medications the suspect has taken could have possibly resulted in a positive test.

I don’t like putting my credit card details on the Internet, is it safe?

Yes, on our web site we use PayPal to collect your money for us. This is a very secure payment system, and all cards are checked for security so that no fraudulent activity can be taken with your credit or charge card, none of your details will go to anyone other than your order and address and that will come to us so that we can process your order.

When my package comes will it say drug testing kits all over them?

No, we take great care and attention in maintaining your privacy in this matter. All our packets and envelopes are in plain brown packaging with no visible signs on the out side of what’s inside the package.

Are the drug tests easy to use?

All our drug tests have been chosen with parents and children in mind, we have found the most up to date tests that meet all requirements but also easy to use and read results. We always send full and easy to read instructions with illustrations. Once you have taken a test once, you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a tiny bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. If you haven't heard of Chlamydia, you're in good company - a substantial proportion of the UK population hasn't heard of it either. Most people who are at risk of this infection don’t really know what it is, or understands it, even if they have heard about it. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. (STDs). If untreated it can become painful and cause serious health problems such as infertility.

What Causes Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria, which are found in semen and vaginal fluid and are easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. It is particularly common in younger people but anyone who is sexually active can get it. Both men and women can have, and pass on, chlamydia. Often there are no symptoms or they may be so mild you don not know you have it.

How is Chlamydia passed on?

Chlamydia can be passed from one person to another during sex. The bacteria can live inside the cells of the cervix (entrance to the womb), the urethra (tube where urine comes out), the rectum (back passage) and sometimes the throat and eyes. The infection can spread if you have virginal, anal or oral sex or share sex toys. Using a condom correctly will reduce our chance of getting or passing on Chlamydia. It is also possible to transfer the infection from the genital area to the eyes and for a pregnant woman to pass the infection to her baby. It is not fully understood at the moment how possible or easy it is to spread the infection by transferring semen or vagina fluid to another person’s genitals on the fingers or through rubbing vulvas together. You cannot catch chlamydia from kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, from swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery.

How can it be prevented?

Use condoms and before you stop using them, make sure you and your partner get checked out for STDs by your local GUM clinic or GP. If you have concerns, act on them and get yourself checked out. Make sure your friends have heard about the infection and its consequences. Encourage them to get a check up if they think they may be at risk. If you are not happy with the condoms you are using now, why not try a different band or type? They come in variety of shapes and size.
Avoid sharing sex toys – if they are shared wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them. For oral sex, cover the penis with a condom or the female genitals with a latex square (dental dam). These measures can also protect you from some other STDs such as HIV and gonorrhoea. If you have Chlamydia without knowing it they will also help prevent you from passing it on.

How accurate are your home tests?

Our Home Tests are over 98% accurate and you receive your results in 10 minutes. Please bear in mind these tests are just for preliminary testing and should never replace clinical and Professional testing and advice. If you suspect that you have Chlamydia then you should seek professional medical help immediately. If you get a positive result with our tests go immediately to your GP or nearest clinic for treatment and further testing.

What are the symptoms?

At least half of all infected men and women will not have any symptoms at all. Symptoms can show up 1-3 weeks after coming into contact with chlamydia, many months later or not until the infection spreads to other parts of your body. If you do not get symptoms you might not notice.
Some women may have symptoms such as cystitis, change in vaginal discharge or mild lower abdominal pain. Bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods (including women who are using hormonal contraception), and pain when passing urine. These are very 'non-specific’ symptoms and can be caused by other infections and diseases. If you go to a GP or family planning doctor with these symptoms, make sure you have a Chlamydia test taken. You are perfectly entitled to ask for it if the test isn’t offered spontaneously.

Male symptoms?

In men, Chlamydia is the most common cause of urethral discharge from the penis. Sometimes Chlamydia can cause mild irritation at the end of the penis, which disappears after two or three days, a white/cloudy and watery discharge from the tip of the penis, pain when passing urine and painful swelling of the testicles. . Many men suffering some discomfort will just wait to see if it goes away. Unfortunately, the discomfort may disappear but the infection can still be present. They can, therefore, transmit it to a sexual partner and also risk the complication of inflamed and swollen testicles. Chlamydial infection can affect sperm function and fertility in men.

Chlamydia has too often been publicised as a problem that only affects women. Nothing could be further from the truth.

If I don’t get symptoms how will I know if I have the infection?

You won’t know unless you have a Chlamydia test. If you or your partner thinks you might have symptoms of an infection, you should both have a test. Even if you don’t have symptoms you may wish to be tested particularly if:

• You have had unprotected sex with a new partner recently.
• You or your partner has had unprotected sex with other partners.
• During a vaginal examination your doctor or nurse says that the cells of the cervix are inflamed or there is a discharge.
• A sexual partner tells you they have Chlamydia.

How do I know if I should be tested?

Chlamydia is almost always transmitted through sexual intercourse - the likelihood of having the infection depends on your sexual behaviour. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to be exposed to infection. However, you only need to have unprotected sex with one person who happens to have the infection and you can catch it. You don't have to be promiscuous to get chlamydia.

• Women - the infection is most common and most likely to cause serious complications in younger women. If you are under 25 and sexually active, you have a 1 in 10 chance of having chlamydia, so it may be worth getting checked out. Your risk is even higher if you are under 20 and have had unprotected sex. If you are over 25 and have had two partners within a year, or recently changed partner, your risk is also increased.
• Men - not so much is known about risk of infection in men, in whom the highest risk group are aged between 20 and 30 years. As with females, chlamydia can be present, but give no symptoms in males. In a recent survey of young male army recruits, almost 10 per cent proved positive on chlamydia urine tests. However, 88 per cent had no symptoms whatsoever.

What if tests show I have Chlamydia?

If you are infected, make sure your sexual partner gets treatment. Otherwise, the untreated partner just becomes re-infected. Repeated infection can cause far worse fertility problems in women. If possible, encourage your ex-partners to take a test and get tested, because this infection can stay unrecognised for months, if not years.

Why should I know about it?

Chlamydia is the most common treatable STD. It often presents no symptoms in men or women unless it leads to complications - when treatment can sometimes be too late to stop permanent damage. In some women, infection can damage the Fallopian tubes, which conduct eggs from the ovaries to the womb. This can stop the tubes working properly and they can become completely blocked. Chlamydia is the most common preventable cause of infertility in women. When the fallopian tubes are blocked, no pregnancy is possible naturally. One option is IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), but availability on the NHS is still patchy and has variable success rates: usually no more than 20 per cent of women end up with a baby.

• Women with damaged tubes do occasionally fall pregnant, but there is an increased risk of the pregnancy developing in the tubes rather than the womb. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. The tube can split apart causing serious pain and bleeding. This is an emergency, because the bleeding can be life threatening. Infection sometimes leads to pain in the lower abdomen that is often mistaken for some other problem rather than pelvic infection.
• Men can also run into trouble. Chlamydia is the most common cause of inflammation in the testicles and sperm-conducting tubes (epididymo-orchitis) in men under 35. This causes marked pain, swelling and redness in the scrotum on the affected side, or on both sides. Chlamydia infection can also trigger joint inflammation in some men.

How soon after sex can I have a test?

Chlamydia will show up on the tests a few days after you have been in contact with it, often before you have any symptoms.

What is the treatment for Chlamydia?

Early treatment of Chlamydia is simple and involves taking a course of antibiotic tablets.

• Limit your number of sex partners.
• Use a male or female condom.
• Carefully wash genitals after sexual relations.
• If you think you are infected, avoid sexual contact and visit your local STD clinic or your GP.
• Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain examination and treatment.