Point of Collection (POC) testing devices are a rapid and reliable means of testing for drugs of abuse in a variety of circumstances. POC devices, such as the iCup, provide quick screening results that identify presumptive positive results.
Presumptive positive results should be confirmed by an alternative scientific method, e.g. gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In our laboratory we offer GC/MS confirmation of presumptive positive urine results. Confirmations are done on urine samples tested by POC devices and laboratory based testing. The results are essentially the same – the majority of specimens confirm positive. Opiates, cocaine, and marijuana, all confirm and show good agreement between the iCup POC devices and GC/MS. Amphetamines do not always confirm positive because of the many sympathomimetic-like compounds in the marketplace. The issue of cross reactivity is a problem whether the screening test is a POC device or laboratory based.
Ammon Analytical Laboratory’s extensive experience with the iCup POC device and GC/MS confirmation demonstrates that the reliability is the same as laboratory based testing.
Post Written by: Jerry Meenan
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