On-Site Drug Residue Testing for Vehicles & Properties

We provide on-site surface drug residue testing for vehicles and properties across Atlantic Canada. Based in Halifax and Truro, we use rapid surface test kits and field mass spectrometry (Field MS). Written reports document sampling locations, methods, findings and testing limitations for insurance claims, property assessments and due diligence.

Recovered stolen vehicles and repair work: Testing helps establish whether target drug residues are detected before a repair shop begins work or a cleanup scope is agreed. Passenger vehicles, truck cabs and sleeper compartments need sampling suited to their layout and accessible materials. See vehicle testing and decontamination.

Home purchases, rental turnover and renovation: A standard home inspection does not normally include trace drug residue testing. We assess selected surfaces using the property history and reported concerns. See property drug residue testing and cleanup.

After an overdose or other drug-related incident: Testing is available once the responsible authority has released the scene and access has been authorized. Findings can help define cleanup needs. Blood or bodily-fluid contamination may also require biohazard cleanup.

Post-fire restoration planning: At a released fire scene with known or suspected drug contamination, we can screen accessible surfaces for target residues before restoration crews disturb materials. ScenoMS field mass spectrometry and suitable surface tests can support cleaning and material-handling decisions, with findings documented for the project team. This does not replace air monitoring, structural assessment or permission to enter the site.

After cleaning: You can book post-cleaning testing for work completed by Scenesafe or another provider. We agree the sampling locations and target substances, record the findings and explain whether further cleaning or assessment is needed. Initial testing can also be booked on its own, without committing to decontamination.

Nova Scotia: Our Halifax and Truro bases provide on-site testing for vehicles and properties throughout Halifax Regional Municipality and Colchester County. Our Truro base also helps us respond more quickly to rapid testing requests in New Glasgow, Pictou and Antigonish.

New Brunswick: Scenesafe arranges on-site drug residue testing in Moncton, Dieppe and Saint John from our Truro base. Send the site address and testing requirements so we can confirm availability, arrival time and any travel charge before booking. Other New Brunswick locations are considered by arrangement.

Prince Edward Island: On-site testing is available by arrangement. We confirm access, the scope of testing and travel arrangements before scheduling.

Newfoundland & Labrador: Projects require advance planning for travel and scheduling. Contact us with the location and reason for testing before making arrangements.

No additional long-distance travel charge applies within Halifax Regional Municipality or Colchester County. Service charges still apply. Outside these areas, any travel charge is confirmed as part of your quote.

See our Atlantic Canada service area and booking information.

​On-site testing and cleanup are available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Testing products are sold Canada-wide.

For projects in Manitoba, we can refer customers to a local partner. This referral arrangement is separate from Scenesafe’s on-site service coverage.

We use our own-brand ScenoMS portable mass spectrometer, supplied by specialist manufacturing partners. Hands-on comparisons and research guide our equipment choices, and we share field findings with our suppliers and manufacturers to support improvements. We do not use other brands’ portable mass spectrometers or ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) instruments.

Post-clean testing is available for work completed by Scenesafe or another provider. For our decontamination work, we clean drug residues to below the selected methods' detection limits. Completion requires non-detect (negative) results for the target substances at the sampled locations. The report records the sampling locations, methods and findings.

We use rapid surface drug test kits and field mass spectrometry (Field MS) to assess drug residues on site. Multi-analyte test kits can screen for different combinations of target substances.

The choice of method depends on the initial contamination assessment and project requirements.

For most vehicles, we use one rapid surface test panel for an overall initial screen and ScenoMS field mass spectrometry to test samples from individual locations. Scenesafe determines how the two methods are combined for each vehicle.

Samples are collected from multiple locations throughout the vehicle or property. A vehicle inspection typically includes 8 to 16 sampling locations, depending on its size and the suspected contamination. Sampling locations are selected for each vehicle and may include:

• Keys

• Seats

• Carpets

• Steering wheel

• Door handles

• Cabin air filter

• Door storage pockets

• Centre console area and storage compartment

• Glove box

• Headliner

A written report summarizing the methods, sampling locations, results and testing limitations is typically provided within 24 hours of on-site testing.

Method details are available for our 8-panel surface screening kit and Field MS equipment. The method selected for an on-site assessment depends on the project.

If treatment is being considered for a vehicle, review our vehicle decontamination process and completion criteria.

Operator training

Instrument operators complete at least five weeks of supervised field training before working independently. Read about our team’s training and background.

Why we use tandem mass spectrometry

Our field testing uses portable tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), which provides additional chemical identification information to help assess screening findings. Couch and colleagues’ 2025 study illustrates its use in drug screening. That study used a different instrument and does not validate our equipment or field results.

When test results disagree

Different testing methods can produce different results. We review unexpected or conflicting findings and arrange further assessment where needed. Unresolved findings are reported as inconclusive, with the limitations and next steps explained to the client.

If you need testing for a legal dispute, tell us before sampling so the work can be planned for that purpose. On-site screening may need accredited laboratory confirmation. Discuss the testing and documentation requirements with your lawyer; our field report records the findings and method limitations.