Advanced drug testing technology adopted by Belmont County increases accuracy and speed

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Belmont County District Courts have new drug testing capabilities purchased through the T-CAP grant.

The drug analyzer is used for people on supervised probation. The new technology records results more efficiently and reliably than previous sample cups.

“In terms of drug testing, it's easier to monitor individuals for that,” said Northern Division Court Probation Officer Chad Moore. “It's also easier to monitor individuals who drink alcohol. Alcohol stays in the body for so many days. It used to be the same old thing.” Actually, you thought you could drink and get away with it because then it would be out of your system. But this will catch you out.

In fact, the machine can process 25 different substances in one test or limit itself to specific medications. It also creates a breakdown with more sensitive limits, eliminating false alarms.

“The positive thing about this machine is the accuracy of the results, how quickly we can get the results and the reliability of the testing,” Moore said.

The results are immediately sent to the clerks by email. Moore said Belmont County is one of only six counties in the state with its capacity. Currently it is only used for supervised probation. However, Moore sees potential for this technology to improve testing across the county.

“If there are actually people who come to court and the judge wants a drug test, that could be based on their bail, whether they're placed on supervised bail or whether they get bail at all, we have time to get it through to run the machine.