Category: Non-Categorised

The Lifeloc FC10 is our recommended breathalyser for personal use testing. It is very reliable and will last you 10 + years if looked after! This breathalyser is verified to the AS 3547:1997 standard. It does not comply with the new AS 3547:2019 breathalyser standard.

These great little gadgets help us to keep New Zealand families safe, particularly on the road. They have the ability to test in passive and auto mode, and come with a water-proof, shock-proof case!

If you have any questions, give us a call on 0800 700 777.

About COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen testing is quick, easy and painless.

Workplaces can quickly test employees for COVID-19, with results within 10 minutes.

This offers a wealth of benefits in addition to standard PCR testing. This is due to the comfort and ease of rapid antigen testing versus the discomfort and time taken in PCR testing.
These tests are unquestionably becoming an effective tool in workplace safety, as part of New Zealand’s continual endeavours against COVID-19.

After undergoing a test in front of a qualified tester, results will come through within a few minutes. In the case of a negative result, the employee or test subject will continue work as usual. With a positive result, the employee can take immediate action by alerting the proper authorities and, above all, moving onto a PCR test.

Rapid antigen testing serves as another layer of protection on top of the current method of PCR testing. It also reduces testing discomfort and delays for all but those who test positive.

Buy COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests from Sober Check

Sober Check offers the CareStart COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test for all businesses who have a valid New Zealand Business Number, which provides access to the new and improved method of testing.
These tests have been Ministry of Health approved under notice 2021-GO5425, which falls under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Point-of-care Tests) Order 2021.

There aren’t many options for those looking to purchase tests on a scale to cover a whole workplace. However, for those looking to buy rapid antigen tests in NZ, look at Sober Check’s Pantonic CareStart tests. These come in packs of 20, perfectly suited to employers who are looking to quickly and easily test all employees of their business.

To buy rapid antigen tests in NZ, see below.

From Pharmacies for Domestic Travel

Rapid antigen tests are currently available from many pharmacies and medical centres. In addition, they are free for unvaccinated people travelling in New Zealand.
Contact your local pharmacy to see if they offer this service.

Pharmacies supervise these tests, which mean they are not practical for workplace testing.

PCR Tests for International Travel

Despite the advantages of rapid antigen testing, international travellers may still require a PCR test before flying. Find where you can get tested in NZ on the Ministry of Health website.

As of the 30th September 2024, the provision of free Covid-19 RATs by Health New Zealand is ending.

Covid-19 continues to be an endemic virus, and people will continue to self-test – not only for Covid-19, but also for other viruses such as Influenza A&B and RSV.

Not to worry, we have you covered! Sober Check has the following rapid antigen test kits available, in various pack sizes:

✅ Covid-19
✅ Combination Covid-19 & Influenza A/B
✅ Combination Covid-19 & Influenza A/B & RSV

To ensure you are ready to order when your current supply ends, you can set up an account by filling out this form: https://tally.so/r/wk6No3

Don’t get caught short! Call us on 0800 700 777 or reply to this email (support@sobercheck.co.nz) to discuss rates.

Here is some additional information on the free RAT supply:

https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/corporate-information/news-and-updates/change-to-covid-19-service-from-1-july-2024-but-other-funded-covid-19-services-remain-available

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/what-you-need-to-know/518820/rats-vaccines-and-treatments-the-budget-for-covid-what-you-need-to-know

https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/covid-19/testing-and-reporting

Random drug testing is an important preventive tool in a workplace drug and alcohol programme.  Rather than targeting individuals based on suspicion alone, truly random testing involves selecting employees without notice, giving everyone an equal chance of selection and helping maintain a fair and transparent process.  A genuine random approach makes it difficult for employees to predict or avoid testing.  It can also act as a deterrent to substance use that may compromise safety, productivity and compliance.

The main purpose of random drug testing is to support workplace safety and wellbeing. By testing at unpredictable times, you reinforce the message that everyone is responsible for staying fit for work.  In safety-sensitive industries or roles where impairment could have serious consequences, a well-designed random testing programme can contribute to risk management and help identify issues early, before they escalate.

It’s important that your random testing process is genuinely random.  It can’t be targeted at particular individuals because of suspicion.  If you do have concerns about a team member’s behaviour or performance, it’s best practice to address it directly.  In many workplaces, this looks like a reasonable cause test (where there is specific evidence of potential impairment) followed by a supportive conversation and, if needed, a confirmatory test.

Random testing can also highlight problems you weren’t aware of, giving you an opportunity to provide support, refer staff to assistance programmes or strengthen your overall health and safety strategy.  When integrated into a broader drug and alcohol policies, together with education, having clear procedures and respectful communication, random testing works alongside coaching and leadership to keep teams healthy and safe.

Best Practice Tips

• Use a true random selection method (such as software or number draws) to show that every eligible employee has an equal chance of being selected.
• Ensure your random programme is part of a documented workplace drug & alcohol policy that outlines how selection is done and why it’s being used.
• Random testing is most appropriate for roles where impairment could affect safety, health or compliance outcomes.  Ensure these are clearly documented in your policy.
• Remember that testing itself should be handled considerately and employers should offer training to those conducting tests being consistent and up-to-date with current testing policies and procedures. 

If you’re looking for a simple way to pick staff at random, we offer a random selection tool to help you generate unbiased lists for your drug testing programme.  

Sober Check offers a number of Oral Fluid and Urine Drug Testing Training courses so your team can feel confident, compliant and respectful throughout the process.

Key Benefits of a Random Testing Programme

• Helps deter substance use before it becomes a safety risk
• Supports workplace safety and compliance
• Encourages accountability across the team
• Can reveal issues early and support targeted wellbeing responses

We are excited to announce that Sober Check has acquired CMM Australia, effective 24 January. Sober Check has been New Zealand’s leading supplier of drug and alcohol testing equipment since 2005, providing reliable solutions to businesses across the country. We have worked closely with CMM since 2008 and are pleased to expand our presence in the Australian market through this acquisition.

CMM, based in Perth, has been a trusted name in drug and alcohol testing for many years. We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Colin Passmore and Murray Simon for their dedication in establishing and growing CMM. Their hard work has had a lasting impact on the industry, and we are honoured to continue the legacy they have built.

For our customers in New Zealand, you will continue to receive the same excellent service that Sober Check is known for. In addition, we are excited to introduce some innovative new products, which will be rolled out around the middle of the year.

For our new customers in Australia, there will be no disruptions—CMM will continue to operate as usual, with the same team and the same great service you have come to expect. We look forward to connecting with you in due course and further strengthening our relationships in the Australian market.

This acquisition marks an exciting step forward for both companies, allowing us to expand our reach and continue providing high-quality drug and alcohol testing solutions.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0800 700 777 or email support@sobercheck.co.nz.

Bleach, Drano powder, and pool cleaning chemicals are all oxidants and can be used to adulterate a drug test.

After you have asked the person to:

• remove shoes and outer clothing, and
• pat themselves down

… get them to wash their hands as well with soap and water, taking care that they wash under the fingernails.

This will prevent any chemicals being smuggled in and dropped into the drug test.