Groundbreaking fingerprint test detects cocaine in seconds

samples of their urine, blood, hair or saliva — all of which are potential biological hazards that must be safely stored and discarded.

Safer, cleaner and noninvasive, the new cocaine assessment may change the drug test methods that are currently used by law enforcement officials, government agencies, employers and others.

The adoption of the new examination could also mean that future practices surrounding drug tests are accomplished in less time.

“There is now a possibility to carry out much faster testing,” Bailey added. “It may be possible to test for a much broader range of drugs, which we are now exploring.”