Beyond methamphetamine. Surface testing for other drugs, such as MDMA, cocaine, cannabis, opiates, GHB and ketamine, scoped to the question you need answered and carried out by suitably qualified occupational hygienists, led by Dan Neil, Principal Occupational Hygienist and Chartered Chemist.
Drug residue testing is the scientific analysis of surface samples to detect residues left behind from illicit drug use, handling, or manufacturing within a property. While methamphetamine testing focuses on a single substance, drug residue testing applies a broader analytical panel to identify the full spectrum of illicit substances that may be present.
Illicit drug use leaves detectable chemical residues on surfaces including walls, ceilings, carpets, benchtops, and soft furnishings. These residues can persist after the activity has stopped. Methamphetamine is the only drug with a residential investigation level in the national guidelines: the 0.5 µg/100 cm² investigation level (Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines, 2011). A methamphetamine-only test will not detect other substances.
A broader panel shows which substances were found and where. The report states what the results can and cannot show about past activity at the property.
A property that tests negative for methamphetamine may still harbour residues from other illicit substances. If you suspect other drug use, a broader panel can be scoped to your question.
Substances agreed when the job is scoped
We do not clean, remediate or take referral fees
Suitably qualified occupational hygienists, led by Chartered Chemist Dan Neil (MRACI CChem)
Method, chain of custody, uncertainty and limitations documented
Common substances that can be included in a panel. The analysis is agreed when the job is scoped.
Compared with the 0.5 µg/100 cm² investigation level (Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines, 2011). Analysed by LC-MS/MS at a NATA-accredited laboratory.
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Surface residue from use and handling.
Surface residue from use and handling, particularly on hard surfaces.
Residue from smoking, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Heroin, morphine, codeine. Surface residues from use and handling.
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Can be included where the question requires it.
A dissociative anaesthetic. Can be included where the question requires it.
Where the question is about manufacture, markers are assessed together with site evidence. No concentration on its own shows manufacture.
A broader panel can help when there is reason to suspect drug use beyond methamphetamine.
When tenants vacate and there are signs of drug use or antisocial behaviour, a broader panel documents which substances are present. A meth-only test will not detect other substances.
After a suspected incident, testing records which substances are present and where, before the next guests arrive.
When a property owner has passed away and the estate needs to be sold, testing documents the condition of the property for executors and buyers.
Testing between tenancies documents the condition of a property before the next tenant moves in.
If a property is the subject of an insurance claim, any party to the claim can commission the assessment, and the report is the same whoever commissions it.
When strata committees or body corporates suspect drug activity in a unit or common area, testing provides documented results for the committee to consider.
After police execute a drug-related search warrant, the property may harbour residues from multiple substance types. Testing records which substances are present and where.
Surface wipe sampling with chain-of-custody records, and a panel agreed for the question being asked.
Discuss property history, suspected activity, and determine the appropriate analytical panel and sampling locations for your situation.
Wipe sampling over a measured area at representative locations, with chain-of-custody records. Methamphetamine wipes follow NIOSH Method 9111.
Samples are analysed by an independent laboratory. The report names the laboratory and states any accreditation that applies to each test.
Chartered Chemist interpretation in a signed report that states the method, results, uncertainty and limitations.
Methamphetamine results are compared with the 0.5 µg/100 cm² investigation level (Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines, 2011). It is not a line between safe and unsafe. We are not aware of an equivalent Australian numerical level for the other substances, so interpretation matters.
The report explains how each result is interpreted. It sets out where each substance was found and what that can and cannot show.
Manufacture-specific markers, assessed together with site evidence, can support an opinion on manufacture, and the report states its limits.
Independent laboratory analysis with full chain of custody documentation
Laboratory named in the report, with its accreditation for each test stated
Full sample tracking from collection through analysis to reporting
No income from cleaning, remediation or referral arrangements
Test Australia attends in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. Regional areas are by arrangement.
Ready to get started, or want to understand what's involved? Contact us to request a fee proposal or arrange an assessment. We do not provide free telephone consultations — all advice is based on site assessment and laboratory data.
Reviewed for Test Australia by Dan Neil, Principal Occupational Hygienist and Chartered Chemist (MRACI CChem). Dan has 25 years in industrial chemistry and forensic science experience and has been a member of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists for more than 13 years. Last reviewed .
Request a fee proposal and we will reply with the scope, fee and available dates. We test and report. We do not remediate.
