Residue drug test kit on sale

Parents and employers fearing their children or workers are using drugs can now use a surface drug testing kit available from two Bunbury pharmacies.

Thomas & Co Chemists and Crosslands Pharmacy are two of the first pharmacies in Australia to stock Drug Guard.

Chemist buyer Katie Palumbo said she saw the product during a trade show in Melbourne this year and thought it would allow employers, parents and even schools to test for drug residue without declaring suspicions.

"We just thought because it is a do-it- yourself surface test kit it’s suitable to use at the workplace, at home and just thought it would work really well in Bunbury or anywhere where there was a problem with drugs," Mrs Palumbo said.

The surface kit works by swiping any surface and applying the applicator to detect the presence of drugs and then matching the colour of the swipe stick with a colour chart.

The drug testing kit is being especially marketed to parents who are concerned their children are taking drugs.

Mrs Palumbo said many children would be reluctant to talk to their parents about drugs so this kit gave parents piece of mind.

"As a parent if you’ve got any suspicions you could do the test and they wouldn’t have any idea that you’ve done it," she said.

"If it comes out negative well that’s all well and good but if its positive it means you can sit down with them and talk about it."

Workplaces are also being encouraged by Drug Guard to buy the kit.

Craig Hart from the Queensland-based company said the product could test doorknobs, light switches, workbenches, cash registers, keyboards, telephones, workshop machinery and vehicles.

While questions about what companies can do with the information gathered from a swipe test may be raised, Mrs Palumbo said it was important employers knew if their employees were using drugs.

"It’s good for things like liability," she said.

"I think it’s important that if employers know or suspect drug use they can help the employee."

Privacy concerns about this product were raised with the Office of the Information Commissioner, but it was unable to comment.