Cambridge, Massachusetts, February 13,
2002 - Psychemedics Corporation (AMEX - PMD) announced today it has received
510(K) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its test
for the detection of methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy) in human hair.
Psychemedics’ methamphetamine and MDMA test is a radioimmunoassay for
the qualitative and semi- quantitative detection of d-methamphetamine,
d,1-MDMA and metabolites in hair for the purpose of identifying methamphetamine
and Ecstasy use.
“The increase in the use of Ecstasy both in the United States and abroad,
especially in the younger population at dance clubs and parties, is particularly
alarming,” said Ray Kubacki, C.E.O and President of Psychemedics.
“The combination of sporadic use patterns and rapid clearance from the
body make these drugs difficult to detect through available urine testing.
Our patented test provides companies with the confidence that they are
hiring drug-free employees.”
Kubacki continued, “Our hair testing is particularly suited for workplace,
criminal justice and medical applications. It is critical that that
our new assay be available to businesses, agencies and institutions interested
in stopping the use of illegal substances. We are pleased that the
FDA has given our test clearance, which has reinforced our position as
a key tool in the war against drugs.”
Psychemedics Corporation is the world’s leading laboratory for the testing
of hair for the presence of drugs. Its client list includes over
2,200 corporations (over 10% of the Fortune 500), which use hair testing
as part of their drug-free workplace programs. In addition, the country’s
four largest police departments as well as schools and Federal Reserve
Banks rely on Psychemedics’ hair testing.
