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Testing devices

Roadside equipment used for drug screening and collection are supplied by Pathtech Pty Ltd, an Australian-based drug detection and life science provider. Police use two devices at the roadside:

  1. Drug screening device (test): roadside drug test used to screen for the recent use of THC, methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine.
  2. Saliva sample collection kit: used to collect and transport a saliva sample for laboratory testing (only used if first drug screening test is positive).

Drug screening test

Drug screening test

Negative drug screening test 

The DrugWipe 3 S is a drug screening test that detects the presence of THC, methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine in saliva at or above a threshold built into the device (not traces below the threshold).

It is manufactured by Securetec Detektions-Systeme AG in Munich, Germany.

The version of the DrugWipe 3 S screening device used by New Zealand Police has been manufactured specifically for New Zealand Police and is not used in other jurisdictions. It uses a specific technique that targets and detects only four drugs at or above set thresholds for drug screening in New Zealand. Other versions of the DrugWipe 3 S used may test for different drugs and have different detection thresholds.

How is it used?

The driver wipes the device pads lightly down the front of their tongue to absorb a small amount of saliva. The pads are clicked back into the device which releases the saliva onto the test strips for screening.

The detection of drugs at or above the limit (threshold) is indicated by two lines in a testing channel.

There are three testing channels. One for cannabis (THC), one for cocaine, and one for methamphetamine and/or MDMA. As these two drugs are tested in the same channel, only laboratory testing can determine which of the two drugs is present.

For a demonstration of how the test is used, watch this video.

Saliva sample collection kit

Saliva sample collection kit

If the drug screening test is positive, the saliva sample collection kit is used to collect and securely package a saliva sample for laboratory testing.

The collection kit includes a Quantisal collection device (an absorbent pad) and a transport tube with buffer solution to stabilise the sample.

How is it used?

The driver first wipes each side of the collection pad on their tongue and then places it under their tongue to absorb saliva. Once enough saliva is collected, the collection pad is placed in the transport tube sent for laboratory testing.

For a demonstration of how the device is used, watch this video.

FAQs

Can I do a blood test instead?

 

Drivers cannot choose to have a blood test instead of a drug screening test. It may only occur under the specific circumstances set out in sections 72 and 73 of the Land Transport Act 1998.

For example, under section 72(1)(e), an officer may require a blood specimen if a person is unable to provide a sufficient oral fluid sample for an oral fluid screening test. In these cases, escalation to blood testing is permitted because the legislation provides an explicit threshold for doing so.

 

Can I do a urine or other drug test instead?

 

Oral fluid (saliva) testing is the only permitted method to screen drivers for drugs. The Land Transport Act does not provide for any other drug screening methods.

Where a driver shows signs they are under the influence of drug(s), Police may require a driver to undergo a Compulsory Impairment Test (CIT). instead of conducting a roadside drug screening test.

 

What happens to the test device after testing? Can I take it with me?

 

All drug screening test devices used at the roadside (whether positive or negative) are disposed of as secure biohazard waste. Screening devices are not held or stored by Police once used. They are also not given to the driver after testing.

 

How accurate are the tests?

 

Accuracy testing verified the equipment met the Australian and New Zealand Standard for oral fluid testing in respect of false positives and false negatives.

It found a 5% false positive result had occurred in saliva samples; in all such cases the respective drugs were present in saliva, but their concentration was just below the thresholds set for testing in NZ.

No false positives occurred where drugs were not actually present in saliva samples.

 

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