ARE DRUG TESTS TOO INVASIVE?

Russell Hutton - GM of Vukani Marketing and Consulting and The drug test kit expert (In Studio) New kit tests the drug, not the personA new drug detection kit that does not require a hair sample or bodily fluids to test whether a person is using illegal substances is now available in South Africa, which has been identified by the UN as one of the world’s drug capitals. Drug abusers in South Africa are also becoming younger, says the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA). The number of people being treated in the 14 to 17 age group has increased by 3% to 22%, according to a SANCA study which adds “it is alarming to note that 3% of clients were 13 years and younger”. Widely used internationally, the IDenta Touch&Know;™ kit is ideal for use by concerned parents, educators and companies who are reluctant to directly approach a suspected drug user, says Russell Hutton GM of Vukani Marketing and Consulting, which has obtained exclusive rights to distribute the product in South Africa. “The kit tests the drug, not the person,” explains Hutton, “It is non-confrontational and non-invasive.”Citing numerous sources, including a UN World Health Report, Hutton states that South Africa has the highest per capita consumption of Mandrax in the world and consumes double the world average of Marijuana annually. “Children are being indiscriminately lured into taking drugs by dealers who actively target schools,” says Hutton. “New types of designer drugs are appearing at an alarming rate and drugs like Whoonga and Nyaope are being crudely mixed to make ‘cheap’ fixes for desperate addicts. The consequences are disastrous, often ending in death.“Many people, particularly parents and educators, are reluctant to approach a person they suspect is taking drugs for fear that this will lead to confrontation, distrust, breaking of relationships and alienation“We know only too well how rife substance abuse has become in our country, but many parents and educators often have difficulty in getting hard facts on what is happening in their homes and schools. The IDenta Touch&Know;™ drug detection kit gives parents and educators the hard facts they need in order to seek advice and take effective action.”The kit tests 21 drug types, and as little as a nanogram of a suspicious substance is required to produce a result. The kit directly tests pills, capsules, organic matter, crystals, powders, and surfaces, and determines within seconds whether a sample is an illegal substance.Originally developed for use by law enforcement agencies which now use them in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the test kit has been adapted for general use over the past few years, prompting Vukani to introduce the product in South Africa.The IDenta Touch&Know;™ drug detection kit is distributed world-wide and extensively used in the United States where it is sold by Walgreens pharmacy group which has more than 8 700 stores.Locally it will be available at most Clicks pharmacy stores and Clicks stores’ nursing sisters will be able to advise on how to use the kit, which costs R149, including VAT, for a single test pack. For a list of Clicks stores visit www.vukanimc.co.za. The product will be available soon in Checkers Medi+Rite Pharmacies.In addition, SANCA will be able to provide guidance through its care line 0861-4-SANCA in cases where an illegal substance is discovered. Vukani will donate a percentage of every sale to SANCA.