So, The Drugalyser.

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Well the Drugalyser is pretty easy to understand, detect drugs in drivers bodies. Sure it seems like a good idea, my only issue is the name.
A breathalyser analyses your breath for alcohol, so a drugalyer analyses your drugs for evidence of drugs ... Actually it's an on-site blood test but I think you can understand where I'm coming from.
I am aware that I am being quite petty with this but it really got on my nerves this morning when I heard about the scheme on the radio.

Anyway what are your thoughts on the scheme?

Links:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2005/jun/02/thisweekssciencequestions1
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Drugalyser-Drugs-Testing-Kits-To-Be-Used-By-Police-Officers-Within-Months-As-Part-Of-Govt-Crackdown/Article/201008115677980

 

[Quaxar]

On-site blood test? What's wrong with these instant-tests using saliva and/or detecting drugs on the hands, then if positive making a blood test with a doctor?
I know that's the way we do it here, we ain't have no police taking your blood just because...

so a drugalyer analyses your drugs for evidence of drugs ...

Either you made a typo or this is the most pointless device ever.

 

[MelziGurl]

I really don't like needles, I go out of my way to avoid them if possible. Thankfully I don't take drugs other than those prescribed. If they wanted to pull me over for a blood test though then good on em, they aren't going to find anything.

 

[Custard_Angel]

so a drugalyer analyses your drugs for evidence of drugs ...

I read that, then thought of this:

 

[blankedboy]

They already use that in this country.
Check my profile if you wanna know which one, it's a shit country anyways. I wanna move to Singapore.

 

[Guest_Star]

Well the Drugalyser is pretty easy to understand, detect drugs in drivers bodies. Sure it seems like a good idea, my only issue is the name.
A breathalyser analyses your breath for alcohol, so a drugalyer analyses your drugs for evidence of drugs ... Actually it's an on-site blood test but I think you can understand where I'm coming from.
I am aware that I am being quite petty with this but it really got on my nerves this morning when I heard about the scheme on the radio.

Anyway what are your thoughts on the scheme?

Links:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2005/jun/02/thisweekssciencequestions1
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Drugalyser-Drugs-Testing-Kits-To-Be-Used-By-Police-Officers-Within-Months-As-Part-Of-Govt-Crackdown/Article/201008115677980

From the Sky News article you linked:
"It is hoped the new technology will allow police officers to use a swab to take a sweat or saliva sample which could lead to an immediate blood test."

From the Guardian:
"Saliva is sampled from under the tongue and drops of fluid enter the well of a cartridge containing a nitrocellulose strip. Antibodies in the saliva migrate to sections of the strip containing the corresponding immobilised drugs, causing them to change colour."

The "immediate blood test" is carried out in the nearest station, same way as with a dodgy breathalyzer result.

So no, it's not an in situ blood test.
It's prolly bound to be some false positives when taking such tests (traces of drugs can stay in the system fairly long, som medication show up as drugs, eating poppy seeds etc...) but I'm all for removing stoners and druggies from the road (when they're high at least).

 

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snip

My apologies, I was just basing on what I heared on the radio.