Why ecstasy is tested as a standalone group
By Natalie Said – Sales Team Leader
Committed to excellence
As an expert drug and alcohol testing laboratory, we are continually developing our scientific processes to ensure accurate and legally defensible results for your cases. One such process is testing for ecstasy separately to the amphetamine and methamphetamine group.
A more accurate view
Previously, like most laboratories, Lextox’s hair strand testing analysed for ecstasy (MDMA) under the methamphetamines group, with amphetamine analysed separately as a single compound test. However, whilst amphetamine is a drug in its own right, it is also a metabolite (breakdown product) of methamphetamine; therefore, in cases where amphetamine was requested the ecstasy drug group also had to be tested. Therefore, at the end of 2019, we changed process so when testing for amphetamine, we now also test for methamphetamine, without the need to test for ecstasy drugs too.
Conducting substance testing for both methamphetamine and amphetamine leads to a more accurate interpretation of the drugs being used than testing in isolation. People are also more likely to use both drugs in combination due to their similarities so testing for both will give a more comprehensive understanding of use.
If the court orders just one drug (methamphetamine or amphetamine), our analysis of both will still meet the requirements of the court order, as the requested drug forms part of the substance group.
Does the combination of both substances affect the cost?
Combining the analysis of these drugs does not incur an additional cost. Therefore, if you normally request the top nine drug panel, there is no change but you are getting an additional group for the same price.
Other laboratories still test ecstasy (MDMA) under methamphetamine group, so if you would like ecstasy analysis alongside amphetamine/methamphetamine, please also tick the ecstasy box.
Still have questions? Your dedicated client manager can help.
If you’d like further support on instructing for ecstasy, methamphetamine or amphetamine analysis, including costs, timelines and collections, your dedicated client manager is on hand to answer any and all questions.
Get in touch here.
Published 16/10/2024. All information correct at time of publication.