Background on Meth Tests

 

  • There are various methods used to sample properties for methamphetamine residues
  • We use an IANZ accredited lab to extract and analyse the samples for the presence of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals
  • The lab sensitivity level is very low and detects down to 0.02 µg providing a high degree of confidence particularly when no methamphetamine is detected
  • How much meth are you happy to buy or live with?

When selecting a service provider to undertake a methamphetamine test on your behalf, consider not all methamphetamine tests are the same. There is a big difference in the sensitivity of various testing methods and the way samples are taken.

The value of our service is in the advice and ongoing support we provide and the high degree of confidence our clients have in our sampling processes and the lab analysis.

We use lab based analysis because it is accurate and reliable and if the lab reports a positive result, there is definitely methamphetamine in the sample.  In addition, lab analysis detects the precursors amphetamine, pseudoephedrine and ephedrine which are ingredients used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The method of extraction and analysis used in the lab complies with Standard NZS8510 and NIOSH.

As the lab reports the level of methamphetamine in micrograms, the results support a risk assessment and allows our clients to make informed decisions.

Some service providers use in-field instant answer test kits which provide either a positive or negative result with no level provided. These DIY style kits are low cost with high risk because methamphetamine residue can remain undetected as the sensitivity level starts at around 0.5 µg.

It is difficult to obtain efficient cover of the 100cm² template area using a cotton bud tip so the recovery rate of any methamphetamine residue is negatively impacted leading to unreliable results. Lab analysed sampling will be required where the result of the instant answer test kit is positive. (link to interpreting meth test results).

Find out more about the different approaches to testing here.

MethSolutions Services

 

  • Methamphetamine affected properties can be anywhere
  • Contamination is usually invisible
  • Lab based analysis detects as low as 0.02 µg
  • Each area in a property should be sampled because methamphetamine residue migrates through a property on air flow
  • Our Baseline Infield Composite sampling is a cost-effective method to establish if methamphetamine is present and is ideal for pre-purchase due diligence
  • A Standard Screening Assessment establishes if a property is habitable and can be tenanted and this method of sampling complies with Standard NZS8510
  • Discrete area by area individual samples establish which areas are contaminated and identifies individual levels in those areas
  • Proactive MethManagement of rental properties manages MethRisk to protect the asset and meet landlord obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to provide a habitable property

Our experience of sampling over 13,000 properties nationwide has confirmed the only way to establish if methamphetamine is present is to test the property and the most accurate and reliable method is surface sampling with lab based analysis.

How much meth are you happy to buy or live in?

For most people, the answer is none or very little. This is where our Baseline Infield Composite sampling method comes in.

MethSolutions developed this method of sampling to provide a cost-effective method for pre-purchase due diligence to establish if methamphetamine is present.

To sample an average size 3-bedroom home one test kit is used and up to 8 surface wipes taken which the lab analyses together as a one sample. This composite method of analysis reduces lab costs and makes this a cost-effective test while still establishing if methamphetamine is present.

When lab analysis reports no detectable methamphetamine, you can have a high degree of confidence in this result.

When methamphetamine residue is detected in the samples, the lab reports a level in micrograms. This result is indicative because one test tube is used to take multiple samples.  We will provide recommendations based on the level detected in the samples and further testing may be required in the form of discrete area by area individual samples.

The Baseline Infield Composite result allows purchasers to make an informed decision with a high degree of confidence in the results.

What we do for a Baseline Infield Composite test

  • Sample up to 8 areas per kit
  • We aim to sample all rooms in the house to reduce the risk of methamphetamine contamination going undetected
  • Samples are extracted and analysed at a laboratory to ensure accuracy with reliable results
  • Results are reported in micrograms to assess how significant the contamination may be
  • Result is an indicative cumulative total of the samples taken
  • Identifies methamphetamine down to very low levels
  • We call you if the result is positive to discuss results and next steps
  • Provide lab analysis report to confirm results
  • Provide a MethSolutions cover letter to provide context around the results
  • Provide ongoing support

How do other service providers stack up?


If the result of an initial screening test is positive, further testing may be required to facilitate cleaning and understand the level of contamination in individual areas.

The discrete area by area individual sampling method with lab analysis complies with Standard NZS8510 and NIOSH9111 i.e.: Insights or a Contaminated Site Inspection

The Standard NZS8510 was released in June 2017 and details acceptable post decontamination levels of methamphetamine residue in property.

The levels referenced in the standard apply to any property or buildings where people may be present including, but not limited to dwellings, sheds, garages, vehicles, boats, caravans, mobile homes, work places, hotels, motels and storage facilities.  

As with all methods of sampling, the recommended approach when taking discrete area by area samples, is to sample all areas in a property.  This reduces the likelihood of methamphetamine contamination remaining undetected in any one area.

Our Insights area by area service is used when a positive result of 3 micrograms or less has been reported following initial screening tests and provided the property has not been subject to recent redecoration or renovation.

If the initial test result is higher than 3 micrograms we undertake a Contaminated Site Inspection. This is a higher level of service than our Insights service and involves discrete individual area by area samples with the addition of a detailed report called a Remediation Action Plan [RAP] and a walk-through video. The RAP forms the framework for third parties to review when providing quotes for decontamination and supports insurance claims.   

Our technicians from our investigation unit Contaminated Property Investigations New Zealand (CPINZ) specialise in Contaminated Site Inspections.  The technicians also undertake sub-surface area by area samples in properties that have been subject to recent redecoration or renovation and have returned a positive result in the initial screening test.

Please note Insights sampling does not include a Remediation Action Plan.

The lab extracts and analyses each sample individually. We do not use the lab composite method with two stage analysis unless specifically requested to do so.

What we do for discrete area by area individual sampling

  • Use a minimum of one individual sample per room
  • Adhere to the NIOSH9111 method of sampling to comply with Standard NZS8510
  • Select sample sites and surfaces that have a high affinity to attract methamphetamine residue as per Standard NZS8510
  • Samples are extracted and analysed at a laboratory to ensure accuracy with reliable results
  • Results are reported in micrograms to assess how significant the contamination is in individual areas
  • Results can be referenced against the levels in Standard NZS8510 to confirm habitability in each area sampled
  • Can identify methamphetamine at very low levels
  • We call you to discuss the results and answer any questions you may have
  • Provide a lab analysis report to confirm the results
  • Provide a MethSolutions cover letter to provide context around the results
  • Provide ongoing support

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