Toxicology Screening
What Is a Toxicology Screen?
A toxicology screen is a test that determines the approximate amount and type of legal or illegal drugs that are in a patient’s system. It may be used to screen for drug abuse, to monitor a substance abuse problem, or to evaluate drug intoxication or overdose.
Common Classes of Drugs Detected
Toxicology screenings can be done quickly. The test is done using a urine sample. The results can show the presence of one specific drug or a variety of drugs at once. Further testing may be needed to determine the exact amount of a drug in the body and to confirm the results.
Many substances can be discovered through toxicology screens. Common classes of drugs that may be detected by toxicology screens include:
| alcohol, including ethanol and methanol | amphetamines | barbiturates |
| benzodiazepines | methadone | cocaine |
| opiates, including codeine, oxycodone, and heroin | phencyclidine (PCP) | tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) |
Common Classes of Drugs Detected
Toxicology screenings can be done quickly. The test is done using a urine sample. The results can show the presence of one specific drug or a variety of drugs at once. Further testing may be needed to determine the exact amount of a drug in the body and to confirm the results.
Many substances can be discovered through toxicology screens. Common classes of drugs that may be detected by toxicology screens include:
- Alcohol, including ethanol and methanol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methadone
- Cocaine
- Opiates, including codeine, oxycodone, and heroin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Why is a toxicology test performed?
- Confusion
- Deliriousness
- Unconsciousness
- Panic attacks
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Seizures
These symptoms usually indicate drug intoxication or overdose. Employers may also order a toxicology screen to ensure their workers abstain from using illegal substances. In some cases, the test may be a normal part of the application process for certain jobs. It can also be used to check athletes for the use of performance enhancing drugs.
Law enforcement might also request a toxicology test while investigating a car accident or sexual assault case. Officials such as probation officers or substance abuse program leaders can also order a test for people who are being monitored for illegal drug use.
Other scenarios in which toxicology testing may be performed include the following:
- before receiving an organ transplant
- during pregnancy, if suspected of substance abuse
- during treatment for certain medical conditions, specifically those that require the use of pain medications
Urine Collection Procedure
- A urine sample is collected in an appropriate container for a minimum of 10 ml sample size.
- Sample can be collected at any time during the day however the first-morning sample will be most concentrated.
- All urine collection and/or transport containers should be clean and free of particles or interfering substances.
- The collection and/or transport container should have a secure lid and be leak-resistant. Leak-resistant containers reduce specimen loss and healthcare worker exposure to the specimen while also protecting the specimen from contaminants.
- It is good practice to use containers that are made of break-resistant plastic, which is safer than glass.
- The container material should not leach interfering substances into the specimen.
Urine Collection Procedure
- A urine sample is collected in an appropriate container for a minimum of 10 ml sample size.
- Sample can be collected at any time during the day however the first-morning sample will be most concentrated.
- All urine collection and/or transport containers should be clean and free of particles or interfering substances.
- The collection and/or transport container should have a secure lid and be leak-resistant. Leak-resistant containers reduce specimen loss and healthcare worker exposure to the specimen while also protecting the specimen from contaminants.
- It is good practice to use containers that are made of break-resistant plastic, which is safer than glass.
- The container material should not leach interfering substances into the specimen.
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