New psychoactive substances (NPS) or “designer drugs” and “legal highs” are a rapidly growing issue in toxicology. Employed for everything from forensic science to workplace drug testing, these synthetic chemicals regularly slip past traditional drug panels—setting expert identification in motion.
The Carlson Company provides cutting-edge toxicology testing services tailored to identify even the most advanced substances with high accuracy and sensitivity.
What Are New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)?
NPS are chemically manufactured drugs that are designed to produce effects comparable to controlled drugs like cocaine, cannabis, or opioids. Some of the most popular categories include:
- Synthetic cannabinoids (usually marketed as “Spice” or “K2”)
- Synthetic cathinones (known as “bath salts”)
- Novel opioids (like fentanyl analogs)
- Designer benzodiazepines
As opposed to traditional drugs, NPS continuously change to avoid regulation, thus becoming increasingly difficult to detect.
Why Standard Drug Panels Often Miss NPS
Traditional urine or hair drug screens are designed to detect known drugs such as THC, cocaine, or amphetamines. NPS, however:
- Contain new chemical compounds that fail to trigger routine testing
- Are continuously changed by manufacturers to avoid detection
- Tend to be in levels as low as to necessitate complex testing methods
This is why individuals, families, employers, and legal professionals utilize expert NPS toxicology analysis.
Advanced Laboratory Methods for NPS Detection
We use advanced technology at The Carlson Company to keep up with future drug trends. These are some common practices:
Immunoassays – First Step
Rapid screening tests that are used to detect classes of drugs. While helpful, they often miss new and modified NPS.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
GC-MS Offers high sensitivity and specificity, making it one of the most efficient methods to detect NPS.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Capable of detecting very trace levels of substances, even in advanced biological matrices like urine, blood, or hair.
Continuous Database Upgrades
Our lab periodically updates its toxicology libraries to include newly identified psychoactive agents, reporting precise results.
When Is NPS Testing Indicated?
You may consider requesting NPS testing under the following circumstances:
- Forensic analysis of sudden overdose or death
- Employee drug testing for those who hold safety-critical positions
- Parental concerns that a teenager is using drugs
- Legal cases that require admissible toxicology results
- Medical crises where standard panels return negative results but symptoms persist
Why Choose The Carlson Company for NPS Testing?
- Accredited toxicology lab using the latest testing equipment
- Court-admissible reports for legal and forensic cases
- Confidential individual, family, employer, and attorney services
- Hair, blood, urine, fingernails, tissue, and cremains sample options
- Nationwide access: Samples can be mailed safely from anywhere in the U.S.
Call us at +1 866-889-3410 to discuss your case with a representative or request immediate toxicology support.
Frequently Asked Questions About NPS Testing
1. How long do NPS stay in the system?
Detection windows also differ based on the type of drug and matrix analyzed. Hair and nail testing can detect as much as 90 days, while urine or blood testing reflects recent use.
2. Can NPS be detected with a standard drug test?
No. Synthetic and emerging drugs are not detected by standard panels. Specialty toxicology laboratories like Carlson are required to detect them properly.
3. How accurate is NPS testing?
Using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, our laboratory provides highly valid, court-admissible results with minimal risk of false negatives.
4. Do you need a prescription or referral to test?
No. The Carlson Company accepts direct client submissions from individuals, employers, attorneys, and medical providers without physician referral.
Related Products by Carlson Company
Conclusion
With the development of new psychoactive substances, routine testing is no longer sufficient. For forensic examiners, workplace wellness, or personal purposes, The Carlson Company’s advanced toxicology services ensure reliable detection and reliable outcomes.
Contact us now at +1 866-889-3410 or browse through our toxicology services to learn more.
