------------------------------

http://www.medicaleuropediagnostic.com/impact1.html [spain]

from: http://www.lifepointinc.com/products.htm

... A single specimen (from one person) is tested for all molecules simultaneously. The disposable STM consists of a mouthpiece, tubing and a reagent cassette and provides the needed tests in a panel format. This allows the user to obtain all the required information (up to ten test results) simultaneously, efficiently and cost effectively. The STM is available in a variety of formats to provide the various markets with the specific test panels they may require. The first STM provides six tests to ascertain the presence of alcohol snd the National Institute on Drug Abuse required five drugs of abuse. The second STM panel will expand the first product to additionally include tests for prescription drug overdose levels for a total of 10 tests being run simultaneously. The entire test procedure, specimen collection to result printout, takes less than five minutes.

The saliva is collected via aspiration with a device similar to those used in a dental office. The collection process itself takes less than one minute

=======================================================

The key selling features designed into the IMPACT Test System are: Rapid test results (approximately 5 minutes)

Non-invasive sample collection

Transportable, inexpensive instrument

Hard copy results

Simultaneous Chemistry/Immunoassay testing

Completely Automated Process

No sample handling

Eliminates sample adulteration problems

On-the-spot results

The benefits of these design features include:

The "real time" availability of results provide for immediate management of the individual being tested.

The test can be performed by non-technical personnel (CLIA waivable).

No needle or finger sticks are required.

Invasion of privacy issues as in urine sample collection are eliminated.

The test can be performed with laboratory quality results in remote locations.

The process is completely automated and results are documented for legal defensibility.

The product allows for the simultaneous detection of both ethanol and drugs.

Test values reflect the biological accuracy of blood, and provide "under the influence" results for drugs and alcohol.

Saliva drug test can reveal the presence of pharmacologically active drug in an individual at the time of testing

------------------------------

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.10/streetcred.html?pg=13

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/medicine/article/0,12543,259328,00.html

There is no scientific justification for what the government is trying to do. It is another power grab that will lead to the total erosion of civil liberties.

Whether due to fatigue, alcohol, prescription or recreational drugs, the real issue is observed impairment. I am all for keeping the weaving or reckless driver off the road. No one is a bigger critic of drunk driving than me. I do not want a person who is so stoned as to be impaired to be driving, either, but this is a distinct rarity. Some people will "legitimately" have THC in their system due to Marinol use, or that of prescription cannabis products, whenever we can manage to get that approved.

I have the same viewpoint on this that I do about most things. We need impeccability, reproducibility, consistency, and justice. If someone is observed to be driving badly, they should be stopped, and observed. A field sobriety test using well-established selections of the neurological exam should be performed and a breath test for alcohol done. Police can learn to do this. If a person fails and is felt in good faith to be a genuine danger to themselves or others, they should be arrested and perhaps then examined for the presence of a battery of compounds in their blood or urine, but the mere presence of traces of drug metabolites should not lead to a per se conviction. Dangerous is dangerous irrespective of source. Some states may consider requiring that the drowsy sleep apnea patient receive adequate treatment before driving again.

DdC

The State vs. Doctors by Congressman Ron Paul, MD http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig/paul3.html

Excerpted: The Drug War

The drug war will continue to affect the way we practice medicine. Law enforcement pesters us to be their assistants in turning over to them patients who break the drug laws. This encourages patients to hide rather than reveal vital information to their physicians. Drug laws have also caused many physicians to inadequately treat the pain of the dying patient out of fear of the law. Nursing care has been affected as well.

Some day, hopefully, all drug addiction will be treated more like we treat alcoholism; as a disease or social aberration rather than as a crime. The drug war has done more harm to our society than the drugs themselves. The medical community should help to reeducate the public on this serious problem.

The Homeland Security Monstrosity by Rep. Ron Paul, MD

Congress spent just a few short hours last week voting to create the biggest new federal bureaucracy since World War II, not that the media or even most members of Congress paid much attention to the process. Yet our most basic freedoms as Americans – privacy in our homes, persons, and possessions; confidentiality in our financial and medical affairs; openness in our conversations, telephone, and Internet use; unfettered travel; indeed the basic freedom not to be monitored as we go through our daily lives – have been dramatically changed...Continued http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul62.html

Carry These Thoughts With You

A few simple but important reminders are in order. Always remain inquisitive, studying and keeping up with new medical knowledge. This is your easiest task. You have proven your ability just by being here today.

But also be inquisitive in other areas. Economics, politics, and the arts (that you so far have had little time for) are vital subjects that can provide satisfaction and challenge us.

Remain productive. Medicine has discouraged many in the past years and too many are retiring in their prime – that’s disappointing. It’s expected that one-third of all the nurses are likely to quit practicing in the next year due to problems in medicine.

But regardless of the system, a physician should always be willing to practice the art of medicine for as long as possible in some capacity. We have all heard about the "greatest generation." You are joining the "greatest profession." There can be no better job than being a physician in that it’s always possible and easier for you and others to follow the adage "it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." Every patient facing illness, death, or stress deserves your lighting a candle.

I’m convinced that the freer the society is the better this job can be done, and that can only be achieved through education and political action. Freedom is never automatic. Without due vigilance, the only thing that is automatic is that the good intentions of the politicians, like the good intentions of George Washington’s doctors, will not suffice – they will only make our problems worse.

In politics, always opt for freedom. Today, this country is starved for a greater faith in freedom and less dependency on government and management of our lives and our medical system.

Dr. Ron Paul is a Republican member of Congress from Texas.

http://www.ldolphin.org/zpe.html

http://www.dnai.com/~zap/

Most of the time cannabis would not be an issue.

Recreational cannabis user: Yes sir, I had a single beer and a single joint at a party sir.