Top 7 Questions about Meth Testing

Questions Answered

Methamphetamine, also known as ice or crystal meth, has been a social issue in Australia for many years. The use or manufacture of meth inside any property leaves a hazardous chemical residue behind that is harmful to the occupants. Here are some things you should know.

Methamphetamine testing

House visit in Sydney testing for Methamphetamine

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine affects the central nervous system and is so highly addictive that many people are hooked just after the first try. Meth is relatively easy to make because many ingredients are found in typical household products.

Does a meth test take long to conduct?

The simple answer is no. All that needs to be done is for the inspector to take swabs from around the property and test them for a positive or negative reading.

Does it take long to receive the results of a meth test?

Most companies will pass on the report within 24 hours, but you should ask when booking your chosen company.

What do I do if I find out the meth test on my property was positive?

Organise a professional cleanup specifically for meth residue. Some companies specialize in this type of cleaning. Depending on the severity of the contamination, some properties may need to replace soft furnishings such as carpets and curtains. In more extreme cases, the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry surfaces may also require replacement.

Can I clean the property myself after a positive meth test result?

It is not recommended you attempt this yourself due to the risk of contamination. We highly recommend calling the professionals.

When is it safe to have occupants back inside the property after a positive meth testing result?

After your professional clean-up, you will need to organise another meth test and if then comes back clear, it is safe to occupy.

Are meth testing properties mandatory?

Testing for contamination is only required when a property is confirmed or suspected to have been used for methamphetamine manufacture. 

positive meth test drug result

Professional building inspection service testing for drugs

How does meth testing a property work, and when do I need it?

Meth testing is an easy process completed by professionals by swabbing areas of the home and testing the swabs for a positive reading. Organising a meth test on your property is highly recommended after tenants have moved out before the new occupants move in. It is hard to tell if your property has been contaminated, so this is something to organise for their safety. Sometimes there are red flags, such as

  • Chemical smell
  • Burn piles around the home
  • Missing lightbulbs
  • Neglected property
  • Stains on walls
  • Evidence of blacked-out windows

Meth testing Do’s and Don’ts – from a property inspector.

Purchasing a property will be one of the most expensive purchases you will make. A simple meth test is a small price to avoid purchasing a meth-impacted home, protecting your family or investment.

Building inspection sydney

Meth testing a property through a building inspector.

Meth Testing Do’s:

  • Organise a meth test as part of your pre-purchase building inspection. This way if you find out there is meth residue in the property, you can turn away or find out exactly to what extent the contamination is and whether or not the cost to remove all traces of the residue will be too much for you to cover and if you are still interested in purchasing the property you may use the expense to negotiate the purchase price down to cover the cost.
  • If you have already purchased a property, it is wise to have a meth test done on your home before moving in, to be safe. Many health risks are involved if you live in a home with meth residues, such as unexplained headaches, loss of appetite, respiratory issues and behavioural problems in children, to name a few.
  • Time for new tenants to move into your investment property? We once again recommend a meth test.
  • Sometimes there are obvious signs that you may have meth residue left behind in your investment property, but most of the time, there are no visible signs. Even the slightest contamination may lead to health issues, especially in children, so paying a couple of hundred dollars for anyone’s safety should be a no-brainer.

Meth Testing Don’ts:

  • Do not enter a property if there are obvious signs of meth contamination
  • Do not attempt to test a property yourself using a DIY kit. DIY kits often produce discrepancies such as false negatives or false positives, which can be very misleading. They also are not sensitive enough to pick up lower levels of methamphetamine by the current national guideline. DIY kit results also will not hold up in a court of law.
  • Do not use an experienced meth testing company if they use DIY kits. They should always use the professional standard kits available to them.
property inspection

Signs of meth contamination