Omega Laboratories receives FDA clearance for Marijuana Metabolite Test

Omega Laboratories, Inc. announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Marijuana Metabolite Test, which detects the use of marijuana through human hair analysis.

The ability to test for Marijuana Metabolite has become increasingly important to organizations as drug abuse continues to increase and concerns grow about this serious and growing health problem. A recent report by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identified marijuana as the most commonly abused form of illicit drug in the United States. 

As stated at a meeting of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Drug Testing Advisory Board (DTAB) in January 2011, the DTAB views this type of FDA clearance as a key component in the future adoption of hair testing for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.  In addition, many companies regulated by Federal Guidelines (such as the U.S. Department of Transportation's 49 CFR Part 40) have come to rely on hair testing for drugs of abuse because drug abuse has become a critical workplace safety issue.  Regulated companies in industries such as trucking, oil and gas, nuclear power, and railroads, are now able to conduct expanded drug testing programs for safety-sensitive positions under "company authority." These companies often do so because of the inherent flaws in the current urine-based Federal testing program. 

In addition to having clearance for Marijuana Metabolite testing, Omega has FDA clearance for Cocaine, Methamphetamine, PCP, Opiates and is currently the only hair testing laboratory to have FDA clearance for Codeine, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone testing.