Millennium Laboratories Launches New Assay to Detect Use of Kratom

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from pain and/or addiction, announced today the introduction of a new urine drug test designed to detect the presence of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Kratom is a tropical tree native to Thailand, Malaysia and other areas of Southeast Asia. While not currently a federally scheduled compound, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers Kratom a drug of concern, as documented use and abuse of the plant is growing in the United States. The agency has issued an advisory calling attention to its potential dangers, which include psychological disturbances, sedation, delirium and addiction.¹

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In support of our customers who specialize in the treatment of addiction, Millennium developed the Kratom test, which utilizes proprietary methodologies and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology to detect the presence of the major active alkaloids found in the Kratom leaf. LC-MS/MS technology is highly sensitive and specific, providing a quantitative identification that is unaffected by other drugs or dietary supplements.

"Kratom, as well as emerging illegal substances such as bath salts and spice, which were recently added to our test menu, pose a major challenge for clinicians and addiction treatment centers," said Howard Appel, President of Millennium Laboratories. "Our company will continue to be at the forefront among laboratories in offering new testing of illicit substances and dangerous legal consumables, such as Kratom."

About Millennium Laboratories

Millennium Laboratories (http://millenniumlabs.com/) is the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain and/or addiction. The company provides healthcare professionals with medication monitoring, drug detection and pharmacogenetic testing services to personalize treatment plans to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.

Millennium's commitment to advancing the science of pain management includes a strong focus on industry research, education and advocacy. Through its association with the Millennium Research Institute, a nonprofit national research center, it has gained respect as a leader in providing healthcare professionals with education and research to advance the assessment and management of chronic pain.

¹ U.S. Department of Justice. Drug Enforcement Administration. Office of Diversion Control. Drugs and Chemicals of Concern; Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/kratom.htm.

SOURCE Millennium Laboratories