Screening Assessment ~ Indicative Laboratory Based Composite
PURPOSE A Screening Assessment is conducted to determine the presence or absence of methamphetamine contamination. It is the first step that employs the most cost effective method of testing.
This assessment is most commonly used by property managers/landlords as a pre tenancy/post tenancy baseline determination. It is also commonly used by a property purchaser whilst conducting due diligence.
For Pre-Purchase Inspection, Section 9.5 of the 2019 Tenth Edition Sale and Purchase Agreement states that the Toxicology Report must comply with the New Zealand Standards (NZS 8510:2017). This means:
Requirements
Must be conducted by a NZQA Certified
A minimum of one sample shall be taken from every high use area
Must comply with the requirements set out in NZS 8510:2017 Section 3.2
Next Steps
If “Potential Maximum” traces are above the limits of the Standard (1.5µg/100cm²) further investigation is required. MOVE TO STEP 2: Screening Assessment - Comprehensive
If “Potential Maximum” traces are below the limits of the Standard (1.5µg/100cm²) a screening assessment report along with Certificate of compliance is issued that certifies the property passed a screening assessment on the date of assessment.
You are at Step One of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder
Your Next Step is to proceed to Step Two of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder - Click here
Lab Based Screening Assessment to Test for Meth
This is the main type of test employed for property methamphetamine testing. In order to obtain accurate drug or chemical contamination levels a laboratory sample must be taken known as a Screening Assessment.
This test is designed to determine the presence and level of methamphetamine residue in a given sample area, usually 100cm². This test is the most relevant application of methamphetamine sampling and has a legitimate place in forensic science provided the samples are used correctly and are taken in accordance with good scientific practice. Your local meth sampler is NZQA Certified in quality meth sampling and trained to discuss the testing with you so that you are informed of the process and potential outcomes. They are happy to discuss the inception of a Meth Management Plan with you.
How do Laboratory Based Composites Work?
Below is an example of a NEGATIVE Screening Assessment
The below property is an example of a NEGATIVE Indicative Screening Assessment. The Indicative Screening Assessment has been conducted by way of Laboratory Composite analysis. This is where samples are taken and submitted to the laboratory as individuals samples, the laboratory then extracts even amounts out of each sample and combine these into a new master sample called a “Laboratory Composite”. Individual samples a not compromised during this assessment and therefore can be further analysed if additional investigation is required by proceeding to Step 2: Screening Assessment - Comprehensive.
Below this is an example of a POSITIVE Screening Assessment
The below property is an example of a POSITIVE Indicative Screening Assessment that requires further investigation. The Indicative Screening Assessment has been conducted by way of laboratory Composite analysis. This is when samples are taken and submitted to the laboratory as individuals samples, the laboratory then extracts even amounts out of each sample and combine these into a new master sample called a “Laboratory Composite”. Individual samples a not compromised during this assessment and therefore can be further analysed if additional investigation is required by proceeding to