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Amphetamine Testing Specialist

CLS Diagnostics

Laboratory Services located in Franklin, MA

Amphetamine testing is crucial for collecting evidence of abuse or ruling it out, and is easily carried out by testing a sample of urine. CLS Diagnostics in Franklin, Massachusetts, is a drug testing laboratory that provides toxicology testing results quickly and efficiently to medical professionals using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the results are accurate and on time. Call the lab or book an appointment online today to learn more about their amphetamine testing services.

Amphetamine Testing Q & A

Why do people take amphetamines?

Amphetamines have become popular because they are sympathomimetic amines that stimulate the central nervous system and help suppress appetite. Other effects include:

  • Heightened libido
  • Increased wakefulness
  • Improvement in cognitive control
  • Enhanced sociability
  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Faster reaction times
  • Increased muscle strength
  • Reduced fatigue

Amphetamines were regularly prescribed as anorectic medications for helping people lose weight and are still available for this purpose as phentermine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. Amphetamines were also used to treat narcolepsy, but research indicated the risk of side effects outweighed their benefits for these conditions. Now amphetamines are used in some patients with ADHD, but their medical applications are limited.

Why are amphetamines a problem?

Amphetamines cause a range of side effects and health problems, including:

  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Raynaud's phenomenon
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Skin complaints
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Teeth grinding
  • Nosebleed
  • Excessive sweating
  • Nasal congestion
  • Tics
  • Problems urinating
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Obsessive behaviors

In some cases, people abusing amphetamines may develop psychosis.

What does an amphetamine test detect?

An amphetamine test at CLS Diagnostics confirms exposure to amphetamine-based drugs, including:

  • Methamphetamine
  • Phentermine
  • Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)
  • Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
  • Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDEA)

The test also produces accurate results in urine samples from patients who’re taking drugs that contain traces of amphetamines, such as:

  • Adderall
  • Benzedrine
  • Desoxyn
  • Vicks Inhaler
  • Selegiline
  • Famprofazone
  • Clobenzorex
  • Fenproporex
  • Mefenorex

Amphetamine has a half-life of between four and 24 hours, while methamphetamine has a half-life of nine to 24 hours. The detection interval in urine for amphetamine-type stimulants is usually three to five days after last use. Concentrations of amphetamine greater than 500 ng/mL indicate that your patient has used amphetamines within the last three days.

Patients who’re abusing amphetamines may not present with obvious symptoms. Also, amphetamines are commonly viewed by many members of the population as being less damaging than other illegal narcotics, so their use is widespread. Testing for amphetamines is an essential step in ensuring patients aren’t being affected by these substances.

For more information about amphetamine testing and a range of other screening tests, call CLS Diagnostics or book an appointment online today.