Thai researchers develop rapid amphetamine test kit

Home>>Sci-Edu

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, February 12, 2004

Thai researchers develop rapid amphetamine test kit

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Thai researchers from the state-run Mahidol University successfully designed a cheap device which can detect illegal substances like amphetamine and ecstasy in urine specimens within three minutes, the Thai News Agency reported Wednesday.

Kawee Rattanabannangkul of the Microbiology Department said that a team of scientists had conducted the research for two yearswith funding from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC).

The test kit, which is as small as a toothpick, can indicate amphetamines within three minutes after dipping the strip into urine. The positive result can be observed as soon as one colored band forms on it. Conversely, if two-colored bands appear, they indicate the negative result, he said.

The price of the assay device, about 8 baht (20 US cents) to 10baht (25 cents) each, is much cheaper than imported products, which cost more than 40 baht (1 dollar), he said, adding that witha high sensitivity, the test kit is 98 percent accurate.

Source: Xinhua

Questions?Comments? Click here

Scientist develops urine test to diagnose bladder cancer

Four Tons of "Crystal Meth" Drug Seized in S. China Province

Why Lai Changxing's appeal to Canadian court rejected? ( 6 Messages)

Japan decides to further cut back economic aid to China ( 30 Messages)

US media urge gov't not to surrender China market to EU ( 2 Messages)

Bird flu detected in US as virus wanes in Asia ( 2 Messages)

Handling Sino-Japan ties in an overall perspective ( 4 Messages)