With innovative onsite screening kits and laboratory-based tests, our in-house laboratory Matrix Diagnostics is an industry leader in accurately detecting the presence of NPS in samples. These compounds, often referred to as ‘Legal Highs’ and ‘Designer Drugs’, were designed to replicate the effects of other illegal drugs. Those descriptions tended to make NPS seem more acceptable and gave the impression they were less dangerous than ‘hard’ drugs. This is not the case.
Previously freely available in so-called ‘head shops’ and online, producing and supplying NPS was made a criminal offense under the Psychoactive Substances Act of 2016.
The most common form of NPS is the synthetic cannabinoids. They are similar to cannabis in their chemical makeup, but they often have hallucinogenic compounds added that make them far more potent than cannabis itself. The best known, called Spice, contains synthetic cannabinoids and herbs.
Because NPS are cheaper and more readily available than other drugs, they have become popular in certain areas. However, the effects of these drugs can be very unpredictable and have resulted in hospital admissions and fatalities due to users experiencing sudden and violent physical reactions to the substance, causing collapse, breathing difficulties and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
For more information about hair testing please complete the form below
The Latest from our Blog…
Check out our blog for all of the latest news, events and updates from Medigold Health.
-
World AIDS Day: Let’s talk about HIV testing
HIV and AIDS may not be topics that often come up in workplace conversations, but they should be. There are currently an estimated 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK, with around 5000 living with the conditions undiagnosed. Thanks to remarkable advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, we’ve come[...]
Read More -
Men’s health matters: Conversations with our team
Men’s health often takes a backseat to work, responsibilities, and life’s pressures. But looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is key to a balanced, fulfilling life! In recognition of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we’ve taken the opportunity to sit down with members of our team to explore what health means to[...]
Read More -
Men’s Health Awareness Day: Let’s talk about it
November marks Men’s Health Awareness Month: a vital opportunity to highlight men’s health challenges and share insights and advice on how we can best support the valuable men in our lives! Did you know that one in eight men faces mental health challenges, and tragically, men are three times more likely[...]
Read More
