A disposable drugs test that allows parents to check if their children have been taking cannabis or cocaine by analysing a droplet of saliva has been developed by British scientists. The handheld device, which resembles a pregnancy testing kit, costs just £1.50 and produces an accurate result within five minutes.Its creators say it could be available within two years. The Vantix sensor was developed to help police carry out speedy roadside drug-driving tests, but it could just as easily be used by parents who are worried their children are taking drugs. News of the breakthrough comes just days after the conviction and jailing of singer George Michael for possessing cannabis and drug driving. Kevin Auton, of Universal Sensors, has admitted that the test would be controversial and could have 'huge implications for society'. He said: 'In America, parents are taking samples of their children's saliva and hair and sending them off to labs to see if their children are taking drugs. If there is demand for it here, it would be an interesting market. It is controversial but the test can be used in the home for worried parents to test if their children are taking drugs. (Daily Mail)Wednesday, 22 September 2010
The handheld drugs test for parents to analyse their children's saliva for cannabis or cocaine use
A disposable drugs test that allows parents to check if their children have been taking cannabis or cocaine by analysing a droplet of saliva has been developed by British scientists. The handheld device, which resembles a pregnancy testing kit, costs just £1.50 and produces an accurate result within five minutes.Its creators say it could be available within two years. The Vantix sensor was developed to help police carry out speedy roadside drug-driving tests, but it could just as easily be used by parents who are worried their children are taking drugs. News of the breakthrough comes just days after the conviction and jailing of singer George Michael for possessing cannabis and drug driving. Kevin Auton, of Universal Sensors, has admitted that the test would be controversial and could have 'huge implications for society'. He said: 'In America, parents are taking samples of their children's saliva and hair and sending them off to labs to see if their children are taking drugs. If there is demand for it here, it would be an interesting market. It is controversial but the test can be used in the home for worried parents to test if their children are taking drugs. (Daily Mail)