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A toxicology screen refers to various tests to determine the type and approximate amount of legal and illegal drugs a person has taken.
How the Test is PerformedToxicology screening is most often done using a blood or urine sample. However, it may be done soon after swallowing the medication, using stomach contents that are obtained through gastric lavage or after vomiting.For information on giving a blood sample from a vein, see venipuncture.
For information providing a urine sample, see clean catch urine sample. In some circumstances, you may need to provide the urine sample in the presence of the nurse or technician to verify that the urine sample came from you and was not tampered with.
How to Prepare for the TestNo special preparation is needed. If able, tell your health care provider what drugs (including over-the-counter medications) you have taken, including when and how much.This test is sometimes part of an investigation for drug use or abuse. Special consents, handling and labeling of specimens, or other special procedures may be required.
How the Test Will FeelBlood test:When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Urine test:
A urine test involves normal urination. There is no discomfort.
Why the Test is PerformedThis test is often done in emergency medical situations. It can be used to evaluate possible accidental or intentional overdose or poisoning. It may help determine the cause of acute drug toxicity, to monitor drug dependency, and to determine the presence of substances in the body for medical or legal purposes.Additional reasons the test may be performed:
- Alcoholism
- Alcohol withdrawal state
- Altered mental state
- Analgesic nephropathy
- Complicated alcohol abstinence (delirium tremens)
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Drug abuse monitoring
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Intentional overdose
- Seizures
- Stroke secondary to cocaine
- Unconscious patient
If the test is used as a drug screen, it must be done during a certain time period after the drug has been taken or while forms of the drug can still be detected in the body. Examples are below:
- Alcohol: 3 to 10 hours
- Amphetamines: 24 to 48 hours
- Barbiturates: up to 6 weeks
- Benzodiazepines: up to 6 weeks with high level use
- Cocaine: 2 to 4 days; up to 10 to 22 days with heavy use
- Codeine: 1 to 2 days
- Heroin: 1 to 2 days
- Hydromorphone: 1 to 2 days
- Methadone: 2 to 3 days
- Morphine: 1 to 2 days
- Phencyclidine (PCP): 1 to 8 days
- Propoxyphene: 6 to 48 hours
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): 6 to 11 weeks with heavy use
A negative value usually means that alcohol, prescription medications that have not been prescribed, and illegal drugs have not been detected.
A blood toxicology screen can determine the presence and level (amount) of a drug in your body.
Urine sample results are usually reported as positive (substance is found) or negative (no substance is found).
What Abnormal Results MeanElevated levels of alcohol or prescription drugs can be a sign of intentional or accidental intoxication or overdose.The presence of illegal drugs or drugs not prescribed for the person indicates illicit drug use.
RisksVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- Alcohol (ethanol) -- "drinking" alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Antidepressants
- Barbiturates and hypnotics
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Narcotics
- Non-narcotic pain medicines including acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs
- PCP
- Phenothiazines (antipsychotic or tranquilizing medications)
- Prescription medications, any type
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What vacuum tube is used for toxicology drug screen?
Red/black
How long does it take to get a toxicology report in Sussex county Delaware?
where do you get a toxicology report in sussex county
How many branches of toxicology?
Environmental toxicology, behavioral toxicology,forensic toxicology,eco toxicology, neurotoxicology,aquatic toxicology,clinical toxicology,entamo toxicology,chemical toxicology,food toxicology.
What is a toxicology blood test?
A toxicology blood test, also known as a toxicology screen, is a test that analyzes blood samples to identify the presence of drugs or alcohol in the body. It is commonly used in emergency medicine, forensic investigations, and workplace drug testing to assess drug use or poisoning.
How long does an toxicology report take?
The timeline for a toxicology report can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of resources. In general, it may take several days to several weeks for toxicology results to be processed and reported.
Could a positive amphetamine result on a toxicology screen mean methamphetamine was used?
Yes, a positive amphetamine result on a toxicology screen could indicate the use of methamphetamine since methamphetamine falls under the amphetamine category. Additional testing would be needed to specifically identify the presence of methamphetamine.
Does geodon show up on a drug screen?
Not on a typical drug screen, which screens for cocaine, opiates, marijuana, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. However, if the test is a full toxicology screen, metabolites of geodon may show up.
What is the study of poisons called?
Toxicology
What does oxycodone show up as?
Oxycodone is an opioid drug used for pain control. In a drug toxicology screen its metabolites will result in a positive test for opiates.
When was Society of Toxicology created?
Society of Toxicology was created in 1961.
When was Clinical Toxicology created?
Clinical Toxicology was created in 1968.
When was Toxicology Letters created?
Toxicology Letters was created in 1977.
