Tel: 724-941-9701 Fax: 724-941-1369 e-mail: skctech@skcinc.com
Operating Instructions
863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA
MethAlert Colorimetric Wipe Kit
for Methamphetamine Residues on Surfaces
Developed by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), MethAlert colorimetric wipes are the fast way to
determine if methamphetamine residue above 15 μg is present on surfaces. MethAlert
is ideal for use by health and safety professionals, industrial hygienists, law enforcement personnel, fi rst-responders, social services, real estate agents, or anyone who
needs to determine if methamphetamine residue is present on a specifi c surface.
Using MethAlert
See Cautions and Handling on pages 4-5 before proceeding.
Store Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 solutions
on page 5.
Keep solutions
fi eld use. Cap tightly.
Do not store MethAlert products with food.
1. Put on clean gloves supplied in kit.
Use new, clean gloves for each test.
2. Place supplied wax paper on a level surface. Place
test items (from bag) and bo les on wax paper.
3. Place template on test surface.
SKC recommends adhering template to surface.
4. Remove screw cap and adhesive foil seal from Step 1
We ing Agent bo le. Insert and tighten spray nozzle.
Prime spray bo le in waste can.
5. Remove gauze pad from package and spray gauze
2 times with Step 1 We ing Agent at a distance of
approximately 4 inches.
at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C) at
at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C)
all times. Pack in cooler with ice for
. See Storing
Place items on wax paper.
Place template.
Spray 2 times with Step 1
We ing Agent.
6. Using fi rm hand pressure, collect the sample by wiping the surface inside
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the template with the moistened gauze pad in the following pa erns:
and and
6a. Left to right in a “W”
pattern
6b. Left to right in a “Z”
pattern
Do not trap or push surface residue under edges of template.
When wiping, orient the wipe to concentrate the sample in one area on the
wipe. This will enhance color development.
7. Place wipe (sample or dirty side up) in plastic tray.
8. Remove Step 2
Developer bo le from cold storage
(≤ 39.2 F [4 C]). Remove screw cap and adhesive foil
seal and insert and tighten spray nozzle. Prime spray
bo le in a waste can and then spray gauze 2 times at
a distance of approximately 4 inches. Once complete,
cap tightly and replace in cold storage (≤ 39.2 F [4 C]).
Keep Step 2 Developer sealed tightly and cold
at all times.
Do not store MethAlert products with food.
6c. Repeat left to right in a
“W” pattern
Place wipe (sample side up)
in tray.
Spray 2 times with Step 2
Developer.
9. Remove screw cap and adhesive foil seal from
Step 3 Developer bo le. Insert and tighten spray
nozzle. Prime spray bo le in a waste can and then
spray gauze 4 times at a distance of approximately
4 inches.
10. Observe gauze for color development. If methamphetamine residue is present above 15 μg, a
Spray 4 times with Step 3
Developer.
blue color will appear within 1 minute. Results will
develop completely within 5 minutes. See Reading
MethAlert Results on page 3.
11. Once test is complete, record wipe result (photograph
if required), place disposable items in test packet
bag, seal, and dispose of as hazardous materials. See
Disposing on page 5.
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Place disposable items in
resealable bag.
Do not dispose of Step 1, Step 2, or Step 3 solutions, spray nozzles, or
bo les unless empty or expired. Bo les contain enough solution for
several tests.
Store solutions at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C). Do not store with food.
SKC recommends sealing the solution bo les tightly with the provided screw
caps for transport and storage.
Thoroughly wash exterior of bo les with soap and water before
sampling at another site to avoid cross contamination.
Reading MethAlert Results
• The color bloom will be bright blue if methamphetamine residue is
present in the range of 15 to 5000 μg (see photos below).
• Positive color bloom intensity is directly proportional to the quantity of
methamphetamine residue on the wipe (e.g., meth at 15 μg would be a
lighter blue than meth at 250 μg).
• Positive color bloom will last 15 to 20 minutes. Photograph results for
permanent record, if required.
Positive
Positive – bright blue color bloom
Meth residue detected
between 15 and 5000 μg
(See Quick Guide for color.)
Negative
Negative – no blue color bloom
Meth residue not detected
at 15 μg lower limit of
visual identifi cation
Interferences
MethAlert is designed to detect the presence of methamphetamine residue to a
lower limit of visual identifi cation of 15 μg per wipe.
Possible Positive Interferences
• MDMA (Ecstasy) – very dark/deep blue color reaction
• Ritalin
• Methcathinone (Cat) – pale blue color reaction
• MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine) – pinkish rose color reaction
• MDEA (Methyl diethanol amine) – deep blue to muddy brown at higher
• Some secondary amines can cause a color reaction
Negative Interferences
There are no known negative interferences.
®
(Methylphenidate) – pale violet color reaction
concentrations
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Cautions and Notes
Store Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 solutions at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C). See Storing
on page 5.
Keep solutions at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C) at all times. Pack in cooler with ice for
fi eld use. Cap tightly.
Do not store MethAlert products with food.
Do not spray or wipe solutions on skin (see Handling on page 5).
Use gloves provided with kit when sampling and working with Step 1,
Step 2, and Step 3 solutions.
Use new, clean gloves for each test.
Handling, storage, and disposal summaries for all materials are on
page 5.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the condition of the site, state meth sampling guidelines, handling information
on page 5, and personal comfort level.
MethAlert is a colorimetric test that provides an indication of the presence of
methamphetamine residues on surfaces in the range of 15 to 5000 μg. Results
should not be used for clearance purposes.
Use MethAlert on surfaces such as dash boards, steering wheels, countertops,
doorknobs, wood fl oors, non-textured walls and ceilings, tables, chairs, animal
fur, bathroom and kitchen fi xtures (sinks, toilets, tubs/showers), appliances,
curtains, and furniture. Note: Step 2 and 3 Developers may stain some fabrics.
MethAlert Colorimetric Wipe Kit Contents
• Step 1 We ing Agent
• Step 2 Developer
• Step 3 Developer
• Spray nozzles
• Complete Operating Instructions
• Quick Guide instructions
• MSDS
• Test Packets, each in a resealable bag containing 1 each:
Gauze pad
Tray
Pair disposable gloves
10 x 10-cm disposable template
Wax paper
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Handling, Storing, and Disposing of MethAlert Materials
MethAlert Step 1 Wetting Agent
Storing: 1-year shelf-life at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C). Seal bo le with provided
screw cap. Keep at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C) when not in use. Pack in
cooler for fi eld use. Do not store with food.
Handling: Wear gloves and safety glasses during use.
Disposing: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local
regulations.
For more details, see Material Safety Data Sheet included in kit.
MethAlert Step 2 Developer
Storing: 6-month shelf-life at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C). Seal bo le tightly with
provided screw cap. Must be kept at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C) at all
times. Pack in cooler with ice for fi eld use. Do not store with
food.
Handling: Wear gloves and safety glasses during use. Avoid inhalation
of mist and vapors.
Disposing: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local
regulations.
For more details, see Material Safety Data Sheet included in kit.
MethAlert Step 3 Developer
Storing: 6-month shelf-life at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C). Seal bo le tightly with
provided screw cap. Must be kept at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C) at all
times. Pack in cooler with ice for fi eld use. Do not store with
food.
Handling: Wear gloves and safety glasses during use.
Disposing: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local
regulations.
For more details, see Material Safety Data Sheet included in kit.
MethAlert Sampling Materials
(Gloves, templates, plastic trays, gauze, and wax paper)
Storing: Store in a dry location before use.
Handling: Wear gloves and safety glasses.
Disposing: A er sampling, place materials in resealable test packet bag
and dispose of as hazardous materials in accordance with
federal, state, and local regulations.
For more details, see Material Safety Data Sheet included in kit.
Do not store MethAlert products with food.
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Ordering Information
Description Range of Identifi cation Cat. No./Qty.
MethAlert Colorimetric Wipe Kit*
15 to 5000 μg/100 cm
* Kits ship overnight. Reagents are cold packed during shipping and must be kept at ≤ 39.2 F (4 C) when not in
use. Avoid exposing reagents to temperatures above normal room temperature. Do not store with food.
2
560-001/12 tests
SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy
SKC products are subject to the SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, which
provides SKC’s sole liability and the buyer’s exclusive remedy. To view the complete SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, go to h p://www.skcinc.com/
warranty.asp.
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Form 37207 Rev 1208
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