Psychemedics

New business helped drug-testing company Psychemedics of Acton partially shake off sluggish business due to a lackluster hiring and job environment reducing the number of companies needing drug testing, as it posted a modest gain for the second quarter.

Revenues soared while profits sunk for Psychemedics Corp. of Acton in the second quarter of 2014.

Psychemedics Corp. of Acton reported a 9.5-percent gain in revenue for the first quarter, as the maker of highly sensitive drug tests prepares to move into the Brazilian market later this year.

Sales and profits soared at Psychemedics Corp. of Acton in the fourth quarter of 2013.

With one of the highest traffic death rates in the Western Hemisphere, Brazil recently took a bold step by requiring all professional drivers to pass a hair drug test when they apply for license renewals every five years. Effective Jan. 1, the Brazilian federal government hopes the law will act as a powerful deterrent to drivers, many of whom transport goods on 18-wheelers on Brazilian highways. By requiring hair testing instead of less-sensitive urinalysis, more professional drivers who use drugs and alcohol habitually will be prevented from renewing licenses, keeping the roads safer.

Sales and profits surged at Psychemedics Corp. of Acton in the third quarter.