12 Sep Aegis Further Expands Testing for Novel Psychoactive Substances
NASHVILLE, TN. (September 12, 2023) – Aegis Sciences Corporation, a health care testing lab based in Nashville, TN, is pleased to announce another expansion of novel psychoactive substance (NPS) testing for its clients. The NPS test menu includes expanded offerings for designer opioids, designer benzodiazepines, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants, hallucinogens/dissociatives, and other substances of concern. This update is a revision of both the current oral fluid and urine NPS test menu, to include the removal of analytes which have significantly decreased in prevalence, as well as the addition of new analytes which have entered circulation in the United States.
Novel psychoactive substances are compounds that are created to mimic prescription or illicit drugs, while often avoiding regulation as a controlled substance and/or going unidentified by routine presumptive or definitive drug testing methods. Aegis continuously researches newly emerging compounds and their impact on adverse events. “The U.S. is being buffeted by waves of novel compounds constantly entering the drug supply. Regular updates to this type of testing are crucial as they allow for detection of new drugs that are contributing to adverse events and overdoses in communities across the nation,” said Dr. Rebecca Heltsley, Senior Vice President, Research and Development at Aegis Sciences Corporation.
“Aegis is pleased to strengthen what we believe to be the most comprehensive testing for novel psychoactive substances in the healthcare environment,” said Dr. Andrew Holt, Clinical Pharmacist at Aegis. “Our expansive test menu, featuring common substances such as nitazene analogs, designer benzodiazepines, and xylazine, can help make providers more familiar with their area’s illicit drug supply and guide harm reduction measures designed to help mitigate the risks associated with their use.”
Health care practitioners can learn more about the updated test offering through the Aegis website: https://www.aegislabs.com/our-services/nps-testing