SAN ANTONIO, TX and ACTON, MA, March 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Psychemedics Corporation (NASDAQ:PMD), the world leader in detecting drugs of abuse using hair analysis, today at the National
Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) Conference introduced the industry’s first confirmation process to accurately
measure hydroxycocaines.
While the company’s patented hair test is already the most accurate and sensitive, the detection of
hydroxycocaines, unique cocaine markers, now allows the company to apply additional metabolic criteria to confirm cocaine use. The
new offering once again builds on Psychemedics’ unmatched technology to advance drug detection science and equips client companies
with results to lower risks associated with cocaine in the workplace.
Rising levels of cocaine usage in the U.S. create an urgent need for companies to have all tools at their
disposal to detect and deter usage. Employing FDA-cleared immunoassays, metabolite criteria, patented technology and the company’s
unique FBI-validated extensive wash process, Psychemedics achieves detection rates unrivaled in the industry. With this
announcement, the company once again advances the science of detection and reinforces its reputation as the leading innovator since
it pioneered drug testing with hair in 1986.
The science
When m-, p- and o-hydroxy derivatives of cocaine are found in certain ratios in extensively washed hair, they
are indicative of cocaine ingestion. In light of metabolic variability among cocaine users, the ability to accurately measure the
very low levels of these three additional cocaine metabolites can be a key to demonstrating usage of the drug.
The latest innovation in a sustained track record of industry firsts
Since pioneering the hair testing industry in 1986, Psychemedics has consistently been first with innovations
that advance the science of detecting drugs of abuse using hair, including:
- First company to patent a process that releases virtually 100% of ingested drugs from inside the hair.
- First company to develop and market hair tests for ecstasy (MDMA), synthetic opioids, Adderall, synthetic cannabinoids, and
EtG (alcohol).
- First and only company to have its hair test for benzodiazepines cleared by the FDA.
- First and only company to develop and utilize an FBI-validated extended wash process proven to eliminate external
contamination as a contributor to a positive test result.
This announcement marks another milestone for the company consistently being first to market with technologies
and processes that give Psychemedics’ clients the edge in a dynamic drug abuse landscape.
Culmination of lengthy research and testing
Ten years of research underpinning this extended confirmation test were published by Psychemedics in 2016
following a 2014 peer-reviewed study by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In the FBI study the Psychemedics extended wash
process is deemed a critical step in the proposed process as it proved to eliminate risks of external contamination. This existing
wash process coupled with a method to positively identify and quantify the hydroxycocaines in hair comprises the extended
confirmation process.
The emergence of New Cocaine brings increased urgency
Test results tracked by Psychemedics are consistent with data collected by federal agencies showing that cocaine
has emerged as the drug-of-choice for an increasing number of users. But because today’s cocaine is being cut with Fentanyl it
poses much higher threats of addiction, overdose and death. Businesses face intensified risks associated with employee impairment
or addiction-related costs that accompany this newer, more virulent cocaine.
Availability of the enhanced process
The enhanced confirmation process for Cocaine is available now. Psychemedics clients may contact their account
representatives for additional information. More information about the process, the research that is its foundation and the FBI
peer-reviewed study may be found at https://www.psychemedics.com/detecting-more-cocaine/
CORPORATE PROFILE
Psychemedics is the pioneer and global leader of testing for drugs of abuse using hair analysis. With over 30
years of continuous innovation, Psychemedics is the only company to develop and patent a process that releases virtually 100% of
ingested drugs from the inside of the hair. We believe Psychemedics’ superior science delivers the most sensitive FDA 510 K cleared
tests in the world resulting in unmatched detection rates.
Psychemedics’ results, science, and people are trusted by the world’s most safety sensitive industries, the
largest law enforcement agencies as well as by schools and elite institutions around the globe. The most recognized companies in
the Fortune 500 rely on Psychemedics to ensure they are building drug free, safe, and productive workforces. We make businesses,
our nation’s highways, and campuses safer.
Psychemedics quite literally invented the science that re-invented an industry. We are the standard against
which all others measure themselves for sensitivity, quality, and innovation to stay ahead of the ever-changing illicit drug
landscape.
The Psychemedics web site is www.psychemedics.com.
Contact Information:
Charles Doucot
Executive Vice President
(978) 206-8220
Charlesd@psychemedics.com
