Drugwipe test

The DrugWipe is a test used to wipe surfaces for traces of drug residue. It may also be used for sweat or saliva tests of individuals. DrugWipe was recently named a finalist in the 2011 Innovation Awards competition. The DrugWipe 6+ (saliva only) test was entered under the category of 'Traffic Enforcement'. Officers at the roadside can quickly screen (using saliva) for drivers suspected of being under the influence of an illegal drug. ^[1]

Operation

The test is accomplished by wiping a small moist wiping fleece on a surface, or on the forehead, palm, or tongue of an individual. It can detect cannabis, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroine, morphine, methadone,amphetamines, MDMA, and Benzodiazepines. Immuno assay strips containing antibodies bind to components of the different drugs.

Reliability

A study was performed by the Walsh Group of and funded by the European Union. Drugwipe was one of nine products described as "promising".^[2]

Drugwipe tests from saliva used by Finnish police have been found to be unreliable. According to statistics by the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland, of positive results for cannabis, cocaine and opioids, two-thirds were false when compared to a blood test. As positive test results have been used as sufficient grounds for a ban on driving, the Finnish Parliamentary Ombudsman issued a statement condemning the practice.^[3]

References

1. ^ http://www.officer.com/article/10440937/cygnus-law-enforcement-groups-2011-innovation-awards
2. ^ http://www.druid-project.eu/nn_107548/Druid/EN/deliverales-list/downloads/Deliverable__3__1__1,templateId=raw,property=publicationFile.pdf/Deliverable_3_1_1.pdf
3. ^ EDUSKUNNAN OIKEUSASIAMIES | Julkaisutyצkalu

External links

• DrugWipe article co-authored by product company and Lycoming County Probation Dept.
• Affiniton homepage
• National Institute of Justice (U.S. Dept. of Justice)'s Guide for Drug Detectors for Law Enforcement