Urine drugs of abuse
Press Releases
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| "Bath Salt" Drug Test Panel Expanded to Detect Seven New Compounds | ||
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| "Synthetic Marijuana" Oral Fluid Drug Test Now Includes Four Next-Generation Drugs to Address Changing Abuse Patterns | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Expands Testing for Synthetic Cannabinoids to Cover New "Legal" Highs | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Aligns "Bath Salt" Drug Testing with DEA's Proposed Ban | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Introduces Designer Stimulant Testing for New "Legal High" Concerns from "Bath Salts" and MDMA Substitute | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Oral Fluid Test for Synthetic Cannabinoids: JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-250 | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Urine Test for Marijuana Mimics: Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073 Metabolites | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Introduces Comprehensive Test Panel; Tests 66 Drugs, Covering 600+ Prescription Brand Names | ||
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| Inverness Medical Innovations to Acquire Redwood Toxicology Laboratory | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Expands Service Line; Announces New Lab Test For GHB "Date Rape Drug" & Fentanyl | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Re-brand of drugs of abuse product line; now operates under one corporate name | ||
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Steroid Testing; Hires International Expert |
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| Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces EtG Testing | ||
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"Bath Salt" Drug Test Panel Expanded to Detect Seven New Compounds
SANTA ROSA, California, June 11, 24, 2012 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL) now offers an expanded urine drug test for 21 designer stimulants, commonly referred to as "bath salts." The panel, which originally covered 14 chemicals, now detects seven newer-generation compounds: buphredrone, flephedrone, pentedrone, pentylone, eutylone, α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), and 4-methylethcathinone.
Health and regulatory agencies face numerous challenges with these ever-changing designer drugs. Although the federal government enacted an emergency ban on three designer stimulants in late 2011, newer active ingredients continue to surface. According to the National Conference on State Legislatures, 12 states have already banned one or more of these next-generation drugs, and a federal ban is likely to follow.
Abuse of designer stimulants, marketed as bath salt products, remains pervasive, as they are easy to obtain, often produced with legal ingredients, and go undetected by standard urine testing. These drugs reportedly possess the worst characteristics of LSD, PCP, MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and often require users to seek immediate medical help. In 2011 alone, the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) received an alarming 6,138 calls related to designer stimulant ingestion.
A pioneer in establishing testing for designer drugs, RTL understands that the analysis of synthetic stimulants is a moving target, principally because nefarious "drug chemists" continue to develop new substances that circumvent federal regulation. By analyzing thousands of urine specimens and monitoring changes in drug positivity rates, RTL can verify the extensive manufacture and use of newer synthetic cathinone chemicals. This research, in fact, led to the addition of the seven new substances on RTL's P80 designer stimulant panel.
According to RTL's Technical Director, Sumandeep Rana, the ban on so-called bath salts is effective, but manufacturers immediately respond by altering the active ingredients. "Before the 2011 federal ban of three designer stimulants, RTL had a 10% positivity rate for these drugs. After the ban, the positivity rate dropped to less than 2%," said Rana. "Prior to the ban, MDPV comprised more than 70% of all positives in this class. Subsequent to the federal ban, MDPV virtually disappeared from our samples." Of the newer drugs added to RTL's panel, the most prevalent are pentadrone and α-PVP, which were identified in 92% and 41% of the respective positive samples.
Clearly, testing for designer drugs is critical, whether they are banned now or in the near future. RTL remains a vigilant leader in this space. With the expansion of the company's designer stimulant panel to include 21 compounds, positivity rates will be restored, and clients will be able to place greater confidence in monitoring designer drug use.
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL) is the government services division of Alere Toxicology and one of the nation's largest drug and alcohol testing laboratories. RTL is dedicated to providing reliable, innovative, and accessible substance abuse screening products and lab test options to help criminal justice and treatment professionals promote wellness, relieve addiction suffering, and restore health. For more information about RTL, please visit www.redwoodtoxicology.com
About Alere
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Alere enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life at home. Alere's global leading products and services, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on cardiology, infectious disease, toxicology, diabetes, oncology and women's health. Alere is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information regarding Alere, please visit www.alere.com
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"Synthetic marijuana" oral fluid drug test now includes four next-generation drugs to address changing abuse patterns
SANTA ROSA, California, April 24, 2012 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL) expanded its Synthetic Cannabinoid Oral Fluid Drug Test to include four newer-generation, uncontrolled designer drugs. The additions of AM-2201, JWH-210, JWH-081, and RCS-4 address changing drug abuse patterns that resulted from the DEA's ban of five synthetic cannabinoids.
While the DEA ban may have curtailed the manufacture and use of some synthesized substances, "drug chemists" are quick to change the active ingredients of so-called "legal high" products to circumvent federal regulation. In fact, unrelenting calls to poison control centers around the nation indicate that synthetic cannabinoids continue to pose a significant public health risk.
Analyzing thousands of specimens each day, RTL has the ability to monitor synthetic drug usage across a broad population and can verify the widespread emergence of many newer, unregulated designer-drug chemicals. For instance, prior to the DEA's emergency ban, 15% of the tested population was positive for synthetic cannabinoids; however, average positivity rates rapidly dropped to 5% after the ban was instituted. Once RTL expanded its test to include newer compounds like AM-2201 and JWH-210, positivity rates were restored to 15%.
Commenting on this trend, RTL's Technical Director Sumandeep Rana said, "Data from hundreds of specimens indicate that JWH-018 is no longer the most frequently detected drug. Manufacturers have altered their active ingredients, and AM-2201 appears to be gaining prevalence. A recent study detected AM-2201 in 100% of the positive specimens, either alone (33%) or in combination with other drugs (67%). JWH-210 was the next most detected drug, appearing in 47% of the positive samples. Respectively, JWH-018 and JWH-250 were detected in 45% and 10% of the positives."
In addition to testing for these emerging substances, RTL will now report quantitative results at a lower cutoff level of 0.25ng/mL. These modifications will ensure highly accurate detection of seven synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluid: JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-250, JWH-210, JWH-081, AM-2201, and RCS-4. Moreover, these enhancements will restore positivity rates and enable clients to place greater confidence in designer drug detection, while benefiting from the convenience of oral fluid testing. Clients will incur no additional charges for these enhancements and can request a standalone test or a combined panel that covers a variety of illicit drug and prescription medications.
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory is the government services division of Alere Toxicology and one of the nation's largest drug and alcohol testing laboratories. RTL is dedicated to providing reliable, innovative, and accessible substance abuse screening products and lab test options to help criminal justice and treatment professionals promote wellness, relieve addiction suffering, and restore health. For more information about RTL, please visit redwoodtoxicology.com
About Alere
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Alere enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life at home. Alere's global leading products and services, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, toxicology and women's health. Alere is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information regarding Alere, please visit alere.com
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Expands Testing for Synthetic Cannabinoids to cover new "legal" highs
SANTA ROSA, California, November 22, 2011 - Continuing to pioneer new research in designer drug testing, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL), part of Alere Inc., has confirmed the presence of four new active compounds in synthetic marijuana. In response to these findings, RTL has enhanced its existing synthetic cannabinoid urine test for JWH-018 and JWH-073 with the addition of four new compounds, AM-2201, RCS-4, JWH-081, and JWH-250.
RTL was the first laboratory to offer testing for JWH-018 and JWH-073, which are two of the five synthetic cannabinoids banned by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). While RTL continues to observe these substances during analysis, persistent designer drug chemists have attempted to circumvent the DEA's bans by developing new substances that contain compounds with similar chemical structures.
RTL's research indicates that four chemicals are gaining prevalence as active ingredients in newer-generation synthetic marijuana products: AM-2201, RCS-4, JWH-081, and JWH-250. Alone or in combination, they can be found in such products as Syn, K3 Legal, Haze, Cloud Nine, Mr. Miyagi Zero, Tyranny Green, and Warped. Because these chemicals are not yet federally regulated, they appeal to clandestine drug chemists, who may include them in their herbal blends for "legal" highs.
"To identify the ever-changing compounds and their metabolites, substance abuse testing laboratories must be determined to research and develop new test methods," said Sumandeep Rana, RTL's Scientific Director. "At RTL, we are extremely dedicated to examining substance abuse trends and synthetic drug production. Our goal is to continually empower our clients by providing advanced testing solutions that drive better detection, diagnosis, and healthcare."
Escalating synthetic drug production and distribution has become a concern for emergency rooms and poison control centers around the nation. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the first 10 months of this year have shown a 97% increase from 2010 in the number of human-exposure calls related to synthetic cannabinoids.
RTL has and remains committed to monitoring new synthetic cannabinoids and providing reliable, innovative, and accessible substance abuse test options.
The company's expanded 6-compound panel utilizes a combination of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to confirm the presence of parent compounds and their metabolites in urine. With this new panel, criminal justice and drug rehabilitation clients will benefit from the confidence of improved detection and can promote wellness and relieve addiction suffering more effectively.
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL) is the government services division of Alere Toxicology and one of the nation's largest drug and alcohol testing laboratories. RTL is dedicated to providing reliable, innovative, and accessible substance abuse screening products and lab test options to help criminal justice and treatment professionals promote wellness, relieve addiction suffering, and restore health. For more information about RTL, please visit www.redwoodtoxicology.com
About Alere
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Alere enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life at home. Alere's global leading products and services, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, toxicology and women's health. Alere is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information regarding Alere, please visit www.alere.com
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Aligns "Bath Salt" Drug Testing with DEA's Proposed Ban
SANTA ROSA, California, October 11, 2011 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL), part of Alere Inc., is on the leading edge of developing technologies that detect designer stimulants. These dangerous substances produce effects that are similar to illicit recreational drugs, but, unlike illegal drugs, they can be easily obtained over the internet or at "head shops," convenience stores, and gas stations. Many people mistakenly believe that these drugs are safe because they are legal. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), however, recently addressed the danger of this assumption and announced plans to control these substances. RTL currently offers a drug test panel that aligns with the proposal to ban these stimulants.
Due to their dangerous effects and widespread usage, the DEA has invoked its emergency scheduling authority to temporarily control three of these substances (Mephedrone, 3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and Methylone), which are the most commonly found chemicals in designer stimulants marketed as "bath salts" or "plant food." A recent statistical analysis performed at RTL supports the DEA's grounds for this ruling. One of the first laboratories to perform this type of testing, the company found that designer stimulants were present in 9% of the 5,818 urine specimens they tested. Of the positive specimens, 88% contained MDPV either alone or in combination with another designer stimulant. Methylone was the second most common at 29%, and Mephedrone was third at 4%.
"Our data demonstrates that the DEA's recent decision addresses the most prevalent and dangerous designer stimulants," said Sumandeep Rana, RTL's Scientific Director. "Removing the ability to manufacture, distribute, and sell these substances will go a long way in protecting the public's health and welfare." Rana added, "RTL will continue to monitor trends and share information with the DEA, including data that indicates a slight increase in Butylone positivity rates at 3.5%."
Due to the significant health risks these substances pose, RTL remains committed to empowering the public with information about and ways of detecting drug abuse. The company currently offers two types of test panels that detect designer stimulants. The first is a 3-drug panel that aligns with the DEA's guidance and tests for the most commonly abused synthetic stimulants. The second is an expanded panel that detects 11 additional chemicals.
Using science to improve public health, RTL remains on the forefront of this testing and proactive in developing new methodologies as abused substances present themselves. "The widespread internet availability of these designer stimulants requires laboratories to aggressively perform ongoing research," said Wayne Ross, RTL's Chief Toxicologist. "We will continue to develop and validate reliable analytical methods that detect these harmful and toxic compounds."
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL) is the government services division of Alere Toxicology and one of the nation's largest drug and alcohol testing laboratories. RTL is dedicated to providing reliable, innovative, and accessible substance abuse screening products and lab test options to help criminal justice and treatment professionals promote wellness, relieve addiction suffering, and restore health. For more information about RTL, please visit www.redwoodtoxicology.com
About Alere
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Alere enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life at home. Alere's global leading products and services, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, toxicology and women's health. Alere is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information regarding Alere, please visit www.alere.com
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Introduces Designer Stimulant Testing for New "Legal High" Concerns from "Bath Salts" and MDMA Substitute
SANTA ROSA, California, January 18, 2011 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. (RTL) announced today a new laboratory-based urine test for the detection of 14 potentially dangerous, designer stimulant drugs. RTL remains committed to developing tests that address concerns with new and emerging trends in designer drugs that often offer a "legal high" this time providing a test for drugs that simulate the effects of amphetamines and cocaine. Redwood was first to offer "synthetic cannabinoid" (K2 and Spice) tests in urine and oral fluids. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the intent to ban certain synthetic cannabinoids in December 2010, but some new, more potent "legal high" substances remain on shelves and are readily available online.
Young adults in the United States and other countries have reportedly died from using these products. While synthetic stimulants appear to affect users in ways similar to amphetamines and cocaine, reports concerning aggression, tachycardia, paranoia and suicide suggest that they may be more acutely toxic. There are no known medical uses for synthetic stimulants, and long-term effects are unknown, although experts have stated that cardiovascular effects can last for days after ingestion.
In December 2010, the National Drug Intelligence Center and the American Association of Poison Control Centers issued alerts about synthetic stimulants marketed as "bath salts," particularly noting the ease of access concerns and the number of nationwide emergency room visits related to these drugs. At the same time, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced that 84 individuals were admitted to Louisiana hospitals in the prior three months after ingesting so-called bath salts, prompting the Louisiana governor to ban these substances on January 6, 2011.
Similar to K2 or Spice, designer stimulants are produced in clandestine laboratories and are commonly sold at smoke shops or online. They are typically promoted as "bath salts," "research chemicals," or "plant food," and product labeling attempts to circumvent regulation by suggesting these stimulants are not for human consumption. Most users snort the products while some inject it. Additionally, some forms of designer stimulants may be sold as "legal" MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy) or sold and veiled as MDMA tablets.
Numerous U.S. reports indicate that "bath salts" sold as recreational drugs producing euphoric and stimulating effects contain mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Laboratory analysis conducted at RTL confirmed the presence of MDPV in two different brands of bath salts, "Ivory Wave" and "Bliss."
"These currently legal substances are attractive to adolescents and young adults, particularly those seeking to avoid a positive urine drug screen, as well as those who are curious and would like to experiment," said Wayne Ross, Chief Toxicologist, RTL. "Youths may mistakenly believe that because the drug is not illegal, then it must be safe, a dangerously erroneous and potentially fatal assumption."
RTL Scientific Director Sumandeep Rana said, "It's critical that we provide our customers with drug test solutions to address current abuse trends. Last year we offered urine and oral fluid tests for Spice/K2 and saw alarming positivity rates of 25-30%. Now we have developed a test for designer stimulants that will cover both amphetamine-derived and piperazine-derived designer drugs. Our goal is to provide important state-of-the art tests that completely meet and even anticipate the needs of our customers."
RTL's new Designer Stimulant Drug Test utilizes GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) for screening and confirmation of designer amphetamines (MDA, MDMA, MDEA, MBDB), cathinones (Methylone, Ethylone, Butylone, Cathinone, Methcathinone, MDPV, Mephedrone) and designer piperazines (BZP, TFMPP and mCPP). Two test panel variations will be available: an expanded panel covering all aforementioned drugs, and one targeting MDPV and Mephedrone. Designer Stimulant Testing can be added to existing panels to ensure a wide-range of drugs will be detected.
"We'll continually monitor new designer stimulants that surface. We already have plans to expand testing to include 4-methoxymethcathinone, 4-Fluoromethcathinone and 3-Fluoromethcathinone in response to the Louisiana legislative ban," added Rana.
Drug testing for synthetic stimulants can assist probation officers, drug counselors and mental health clinics by identifying the cause of severe behavioral changes despite negative routine drug screens, thus assisting with treatment and control. It will also effectively help limit teen drug abuse and alleviate workplace liability.
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc., a subsidiary of Alere Inc., is a federally certified drug-testing laboratory. RTL offers comprehensive, low-cost drug testing and delivers the certainty of science, the dependability of proven processes and the assurance of legally defensible results. Along with the Reditest® substance abuse screening devices, RTL offers complete drug screening solutions. For more information contact: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369. www.redwoodtoxicology.com
About Alere
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Alere enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life at home. Alere's global leading products and services, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, drugs of abuse and women's health. Alere is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information regarding Alere please visit www.alere.com
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Oral Fluid Test for Synthetic Cannabinoids: JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-250
SANTA ROSA, California, November 15, 2010 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. (RTL) announced today it now offers one of the first lab-based tests for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-250 in oral fluid/saliva.
Synthetic cannabinoids are compounds functionally similar to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principle active ingredient of cannabis, and are widely abused throughout the U.S. These chemicals are sprayed on herbal material and sold as "synthetic marijuana" under a variety of brand names.
RTL currently tests for synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites in urine, and very high positive rates (30 – 35%) have been found in court-ordered juvenile probation departments throughout the U.S. RTL's percent positive information and epidemiological data should prove useful to policymakers trying to pass legislation to control and ban the distribution, sale and use of synthetic cannabinoids.
The manufacturers of these products are constantly changing the psychoactive ingredient(s) to get around existing laws, and synthetic cannabinoids like JWH-250, JWH-019, JWH-081 and CP47 497-C8 are now found in various preparations. However, RTL's high positivity rate on JWH-018 and JWH-073 indicate they are still the main psychoactive chemicals used.
RTL's new synthetic cannabinoid oral fluid test will utilize the most sophisticated, sensitive and specific equipment and technology available, LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry) to provide parent drug confirmation of JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-250.
"The high positivity rates that we are finding in urine really emphasize the need to offer more laboratory analytical solutions to detect the predominant synthetic cannabinoids in biological fluids," said Sumandeep Rana, Scientific Director, RTL. "That's why we developed and validated an analytical method to detect JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-250 in saliva."
Added Rana: "A wide array of parent synthetic cannabinoids can be detected in saliva, and we are working on adding more compounds to the saliva test. Saliva is easier, more convenient and less invasive to collect than blood and urine. It's difficult to adulterate or dilute and ideal for recent-use detection. Plus, the use of saliva allows us to stay current with the ever-changing array and combinations of synthetic cannabinoids being manufactured and distributed by designer drug 'chemists'."
Wayne Ross, Chief Toxicologist for RTL said, "Our lab is at the forefront of researching and identifying synthetic cannabinoids. In an effort to monitor and deter use and abuse of these compounds, RTL is continually testing products distributed on the Internet and in outlets such as gas stations and 'head shops'."
In addition, for the first time RTL will publish a comprehensive list containing key information on the composition and concentration of these products. The list will be posted on our website at: redwoodtoxicology.com. It will be updated periodically as we find more synthetic cannabinoids in these ever changing products.
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc., a subsidiary of Alere Inc., is a federally certified drug-testing laboratory. RTL offers comprehensive, low-cost drug testing and delivers the certainty of science, the dependability of proven processes and the assurance of legally defensible results. Along with the Reditest® substance abuse screening devices, RTL offers complete drug screening solutions. For more information contact: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369. www.redwoodtoxicology.com
About Alere
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Alere enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life at home. Alere's global leading products and services, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, drugs of abuse and women's health. Alere is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information regarding Alere please visit www.alere.com
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Urine Test for Marijuana Mimics: Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-018 and JWH-073 Metabolites
SANTA ROSA, California, July 12, 2010 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. (RTL) announced today it now offers lab-based testing for the detection of JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites in urine. JWH-018 and JWH-073 are the primary synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists responsible for the euphoric and psychoactive affects that imitate marijuana and are among the numerous compounds found in "herbal" incense or smoke blends.
RTL laboratory analysis confirmed JWH-018 and JWH-073 as the active ingredients in 27 herbal mixtures, and established test methods to identify the presence of their metabolites.
JWH-compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and were initially developed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of pain. However, these psychoactive research chemicals are now being sprayed on herbal material and sold as "fake weed" or "synthetic marijuana." Users looking for a "legal high" often turn to popular herbal smoking products marketed under brand names such as K2, K3, Spice, Genie, Smoke, Pot-pourri, Buzz, Pulse, Hush, Mystery, Earthquake, Ocean Blue, Stinger, Serenity and many others.
Today, herbal blends containing the JWH-compounds are banned in several states and by the U.S. armed forces. Legal restrictions on these compounds are likely to be imposed nationwide. Nevertheless, they are still readily available via the Internet and in many "head-shops" around the country. There have been many reports about the adverse effects of these chemicals including agitation, rapid heart rate, confusion, dizziness and nausea. In fact, the American Association of Poison Control Centers issued a warning about the dangers of synthetic marijuana products in March 2010.
"We have received numerous requests from our clients for a K2 and Spice drug test," said Albert Berger, General Manager, RTL. "We are pleased that our laboratory research team was able to quickly develop an accurate test that met our clients needs and concerns. To our knowledge, RTL may be the only laboratory in the world to offer the metabolite test for these compounds."
RTL's test will utilize the most sophisticated, sensitive and specific equipment and technology available, LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry) to confirm JWH-018 and JWH-073 metabolites. This test methodology provides the most definitive synthetic cannabinoid biomarker test results.
"Developing a urine test for JWH-018 and JWH-073 was very challenging," said Sumandeep Rana, Scientific Director, RTL. "Since parent compounds are not usually found in urine, we had to identify the metabolites, and the detection method relies on monitoring multiple metabolites for each of these compounds. If you only look for the parent drug in urine, you will have a lot of false negatives. The accuracy of this test could have a real impact on the drug testing industry."
Both Berger and Rana emphasized that the new RTL test panel is well suited for a variety of settings that have prevalent access to "fake marijuana." The test will be ideal for a number of criminal situations including drug courts, probation and parole. It will also help limit teen drug abuse, workplace liability, and facilitate addiction treatment monitoring-all at a very attractive cost to administrators.
About Inverness Medical
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Inverness Medical Innovations enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life. A global leader in rapid point-of-care diagnostics, Inverness' products, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, drugs of abuse, and women's health. Inverness is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For additional information on Inverness Medical Innovations, please visit www.invernessmedical.com.
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc., a subsidiary of Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. (AMEX: IMA), is a federally certified drug-testing laboratory. RTL offers comprehensive, low-cost drug testing and delivers the certainty of science, the dependability of proven processes and the assurance of legally defensible results. Along with the Reditest® substance abuse screening devices, RTL offers complete drug screening solutions. For more information contact: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369.
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory™ and Reditest® are trademarks of the Inverness Medical group of companies.
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Introduces Comprehensive Test Panel; Tests 66 Drugs, Covering 600+ Prescription Brand Names
SANTA ROSA, California, December 1, 2008 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. (RTL), a subsidiary of Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. (AMEX: IMA), today launched a comprehensive test panel that identifies 66 drugs. This panel covers over 600 brand name prescription drugs including prescription narcotics/opiates, central nervous system depressants, antidepressants and stimulants. Commonly abused illicit drugs, alcohol (ethanol) and specimen validity are also included.
RTL's new comprehensive test panel will be ideal for a variety of industries, including healthcare professionals, pain management, addiction treatment, workplace, criminal justice, schools, colleges, forensics and third party administrators.
"Most people who take prescription medications do so responsibly," said Albert Berger, VP, Drugs of Abuse/Toxicology, RTL. "However, a significant number of people nationwide are using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. Our new test offers the most comprehensive drug panel ever offered by RTL."
"RTL's comprehensive panel is screened and confirmed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS), the industry 'gold standard' of testing methods," said Wayne Ross, Chief Toxicologist, RTL. "We are proud and excited to offer these exceptionally thorough GC/MS methodologies to screen and confirm a wide variety of prescription drugs, illicit drugs and alcohol."
Both Berger and Ross emphasized that the new comprehensive panel is well suited for a variety of environments that have prevalent access to addictive prescription drugs. The test will help limit workplace liability and employee expenses, and facilitate pain medication monitoring; all at a very attractive cost to administrators.
About Inverness Medical
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Inverness Medical Innovations enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life. A global leader in rapid point-of-care diagnostics, Inverness' products, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, drugs of abuse, and women's health. Inverness is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For additional information on Inverness Medical Innovations, please visit www.invernessmedical.com.
About Redwood
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc., a subsidiary of Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. (AMEX: IMA), is a federally certified drug-testing laboratory. RTL offers comprehensive, low-cost drug testing and delivers the certainty of science, the dependability of proven processes and the assurance of legally defensible results. Along with the Reditest® substance abuse screening devices, RTL offers complete drug screening solutions. For more information contact: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369.
Redwood Toxicology Laboratory™ and Reditest® are trademarks of the Inverness Medical group of companies.
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Inverness Medical Innovations to Acquire Redwood Toxicology Laboratory
WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 20 - Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. (Amex: IMA - News) a leading manufacturer and marketer of rapid diagnostic products for the consumer and professional markets, today announced that it will acquire all of the capital stock of Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, a privately held drugs of abuse diagnostics and testing company, for $99,000,000 in cash. Redwood, headquartered in Santa Rosa, California primarily distributes rapid drugs of abuse diagnostic products that are used in the workplace, criminal justice and other testing markets as well as operating a toxicology laboratory used for drugs of abuse testing and test confirmations. Redwood's 2007 revenues for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 were approximately $44 million and it is operating profitably. Redwood was a portfolio company of American Capital Strategies Limited (Nasdaq: ACAS - News).
Commenting on the agreement, Ron Zwanziger, CEO of Inverness said, "We are very pleased to acquire Redwood, the largest single distributor of Inverness' drugs of abuse testing products. The drugs of abuse testing market has exhibited rapid rates of growth and we believe this area continues to have strong potential. In addition, the availability of a confirmation testing service will further help in the growth of the FirstCheck home drug testing business which we acquired earlier this year".
Commenting on the agreement, Robert Mount, CEO of Redwood said. "Redwood has been a partner of Inverness for quite some time. Our solid relationship and shared vision for the future make this a positive step for both companies."
The transaction provides Inverness, whose Innovacon subsidiary already manufactures virtually all of the products presently sold by Redwood, with stronger distribution in the rapidly growing drugs of abuse testing market. While Inverness plans to integrate certain of its existing drugs of abuse functions with those of Redwood, it also plans to maintain its existing relationships with its other distributors in this area.
About Inverness
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Inverness Medical Innovations enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life. A global leader in rapid point-of-care diagnostics, Inverness' products, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, drugs of abuse and women's health. Inverness is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
For additional information on Inverness Medical Innovations please visit our website at www.invernessmedical.com.
About Redwood
At Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc., one of the nation's premier forensic drug testing facilities, we offer comprehensive, low-cost drug testing options. We deliver the certainty of science, the dependability of proven processes and the assurance of legally defensible results. Together with our Reditest® substance abuse screening devices, RTL offers complete drug screening solutions.
For additional information on Redwood Toxicology Laboratories please visit our website at www.redwoodtoxicology.com.
About American Capital
American Capital is the only alternative asset management company in the S&P 500. With $19 billion in capital resources under management, American Capital is the largest U.S. publicly traded private equity fund and one of the largest publicly traded alternative asset managers. American Capital, both directly and through its global asset management business, is an investor in management and employee buyouts, private equity buyouts, and early stage and mature private and public companies. American Capital provides senior debt, mezzanine debt and equity to fund growth, acquisitions, recapitalizations and securitizations. American Capital and its affiliates invest from $5 million to $800 million per company in North America and euro 5 million to euro 500 million per company in Europe.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding potential synergies and benefits of the business combination described above. These statements reflect Inverness' current views with respect to future events and are based on its management's current assumptions and information currently available. Actual results may differ materially due to numerous factors including, without limitation, risks associated with market and economic conditions; Inverness' ability to integrate this and other acquisitions and to recognize expected benefits; the ability of Inverness to continue to successfully develop and manufacture diagnostic testing products and to commercialize products; and the risks and uncertainties described in Inverness' annual report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2006, and other factors identified from time to time in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Inverness undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Expands Service Line; Announces New Lab Test For GHB "Date Rape Drug" & Fentanyl
SANTA ROSA, California, September 19, 2007 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. (RTL) now offers a new lab-based urine test for the detection of gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). GHB is typically associated with sexual assault or as a "date rape" drug due to its severe hypnotic and sedative effect at higher dosages.
RTL also offers a urine test for the detection of Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a fast-acting synthetic narcotic analgesic. RTL utilizes sensitive and specific equipment and technology, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, to confirm and quantitate GHB and Fentanyl. This methodology provides highly accurate results. As with all of RTL's testing options, full customer support is provided.
"This is an exciting year for RTL. The addition of GHB and Fentanyl to our service line provides our clients with the option to perform more robust drug testing," said Albert Berger, RTL's President. "Earlier this year we announced our steroid testing. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG), another specialty test, is also a popular option. We will continue to add new, reliable tests to meet client demand."
Other laboratory services include; drugs of abuse urine and oral fluid testing, and urine testing for ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and steroids. On-site drug testing products for professional use include; the Reditest® RediCup®, Reditest® Panel-Dip, Reditest® On-Site Oral, Reditest® Alcohol Saliva, Reditest® 6 Cassette (CLIA waived), Reditest® Alcohol Breath and Reditest® Smoke Cassette (Cotinine). RTL delivers confidence in testing. RTL's services and products will help customers "find out".
For more information on RTL, and its drug testing services and Reditest® products, please visit www.redwoodtoxicology.com.
Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory is a leading provider of drugs of abuse lab testing services and on-site screening devices for the correctional, rehabilitation and point-of-care markets. RTL is the largest single-location toxicology laboratory in the United States.
Contact Information: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Re-brand of drugs of abuse product line; now operates under one corporate name.
SANTA ROSA, California, August 14, 2007 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. (RTL) today announced the re-brand of its on-site screening devices to deliver broader consistency between its laboratory services and products. Additionally, RTL's services and products will now be provided under the Redwood Toxicology Laboratory name. The re-brand will not affect service or product availability, functionality, reliability or features.
Reditest® is the new, trademarked name for RTL's device products. Formerly, they were sold under the Redwood Biotech name. This wide-ranging, popular product line is composed of the following: Reditest® RediCup®, Reditest® Panel-Dip, Reditest® On-Site Oral, Reditest® Alcohol Saliva, Reditest® 6 Cassette (CLIA waived), Reditest® Alcohol Breath and Reditest® Smoke Cassette (Cotinine).
"This re-brand shows RTL's commitment to providing its laboratory services and on-site screening devices under one company name," said Albert Berger, President. "By re-branding our device product line as Reditest®, our clients now have a consistent and convenient reference when contacting us."
RTL now operates under one integrated company name. With the combination of lab services and on-site drug and alcohol screening devices, RTL offers a complete drug testing program. Services include drugs of abuse urine and oral fluid testing, ethyl glucuronide (EtG) testing and steroid testing. RTL delivers confidence in testing. RTL's services and products will help customers "find out".
For more information on RTL, and its drug testing services and Reditest® products, please visit www.redwoodtoxicology.com.
Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory is a leading provider of drugs of abuse lab testing services and on-site screening devices for the correctional, rehabilitation and point-of-care markets. RTL is the largest single-location toxicology laboratory in the United States.
Contact Information: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces Steroid Testing;
Hires International Expert
SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 4, 2007 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. (RTL) now offers a comprehensive laboratory steroid test. The RTL Steroid Test detects a full list of prescription androgenic anabolic steroids, prohormones, designer anabolic steroids, essential masking and anti-estrogen agents. It is comparable to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) testing.
RTL's steroid testing is ideal for sports organizations, colleges and high schools, corrections and law enforcement, and occupational health agencies. All tests are performed on state of the art GC/MS equipment.
"We are pleased to offer our clients a high quality, wide ranging steroid panel at an economical price," said Albert Berger, RTL's President. "RTL is rapidly growing in the drugs of abuse industry. Adding steroid testing to our service line is another example of how we are proactively entering new markets to meet client demand."
To support its new steroid testing service, RTL now employs Dr. Victor Uralets, formerly Director of Sports Testing at Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Uralets is a renowned expert in the Sports Testing field. He has over 26 years of drug test laboratory experience and 11 years focused on Olympic laboratory testing.
Dr. Uralets holds a Doctorate Degree in Organic Chemistry from the Institute of Organoelement Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a BS Degree in Chemistry from the Moscow State University. With the addition of Dr. Uralets to its staff, RTL offers the same confidence in testing for steroids as it does for urine and oral fluid drug testing.
"The addition of Dr. Uralets to RTL's toxicology team offers us a strong advantage in this new market," said Berger. "We are fully staffed and equipped to offer accurate and affordable steroid testing on a national level."
For more information on RTL, and its steroid testing services, please visit www.redwoodtoxicology.com.
About Redwood Toxicology Laboratory
Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory is a leading provider of drugs of abuse lab testing services and on-site screening devices to the correctional, rehabilitation and point-of-care markets. RTL is the largest single-location toxicology laboratory in the United States.
Contact Information: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369
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Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Announces EtG Testing
SANTA ROSA, Calif., April 4, 2006 - Redwood Toxicology Laboratory (RTL) today announced it now offers urine ethyl glucuronide (EtG) testing. EtG is an alcohol metabolite that remains in the body and is detectable in urine for up to 80 hours after the elimination of alcohol. EtG is only evident when alcohol is consumed and is not produced as a result of fermentation.
EtG testing is ideal for zero tolerance and abstinence situations in the drug and alcohol treatment industry. Standard urine alcohol testing currently used by most treatment programs does not allow for the accuracy and extended detection window that EtG testing provides. By utilizing liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), the most sophisticated equipment and technology available, RTL is able to provide accurate and reliable results.
Robert Mount, RTL's Chief Executive Officer stated, "Many of our customers require a more sensitive test for the detection of alcohol use. RTL responded to customer demand by developing an affordable and reliable EtG test. We will continue to develop toxicology technologies to provide our customers with the most comprehensive drug testing programs available."
For more information on RTL or its drug testing services, please visit www.redwoodtoxicology.com.
About Redwood Toxicology Laboratory
Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory is a leading provider of drugs-of-abuse lab testing services and on-site test kits to the correctional, rehabilitation and point-of-care markets. RTL is the largest single-location toxicology laboratory in the United States.
Contact Information: Suzanne Bertolucci, 800-255-2159 ext. 4369