Beckman Introduces Test to Detect Ecstasy

Beckman Coulter Inc., reacting to the growing popularity of the illegal stimulant ecstasy, said Monday it has introduced an enhanced test that can detect the “club drug” and other amphetamines at lower levels.

The Fullerton company’s previous test could detect the substance only in hard-core users and people who overdosed, said Irena Markowski, a Beckman technical marketing specialist.

The enhanced test, which picks up traces of ecstasy through urine samples, received approval in May from the Food and Drug Administration. Beckman spent nearly two years developing the test, spokesman Jobe Dubbs said.

Sales of Beckman’s drug testing products are expected to increase 20% this year, surpassing $15 million, and should grow another 10% to 15% next year, Dubbs said.