Why Correctional Facilities Are Moving Beyond Colorimetric Drug Tests

Correctional facilities and jails are increasingly moving away from colorimetric drug tests due to their high risk of false positives and lack of reliability, which can lead to wrongful punishment, legal liability, and eroded trust. These tests, once favored for convenience, are now widely criticized as courts reject them and studies show they contribute significantly to wrongful arrests and convictions. Common items like powdered milk or soap can trigger misleading results, and tests such as methamphetamine kits and Marquis reagents often fail to distinguish between substances or produce inconclusive outcomes when mixtures or environmental factors are involved. To address these challenges, facilities are adopting advanced solutions like the MX908 high-pressure mass spectrometry device, which delivers forensic-level accuracy, detects trace amounts of narcotics and synthetic opioids within minutes, and minimizes staff exposure while eliminating long lab wait times. Supported by 24/7 Reachback expert analysis, MX908 provides evidentiary-quality results for disciplinary and legal proceedings, enabling correctional institutions to replace outdated color tests with a proven, expert-backed technology that strengthens drug interdiction and enhances overall safety.