Toxicology Screening
Toxicology screening is a medical procedure used to detect and identify the presence of toxic substances, such as drugs, poisons, or other chemicals, in a person's body.
Purpose
The purpose of toxicology screening is to:
- Detect and diagnose poisoning or overdose
- Monitor drug use or abuse
- Investigate suspected substance-related impairment or death
- Screen for substances that may interfere with medical treatment or interact with other medications
Types of Toxicology Screens
There are several types of toxicology screens, including:
- Urine toxicology screen: tests a person's urine for the presence of drugs or other substances
- Blood toxicology screen: tests a person's blood for the presence of drugs or other substances
- Saliva toxicology screen: tests a person's saliva for the presence of drugs or other substances
- Hair toxicology screen: tests a person's hair for the presence of drugs or other substances
Substances Tested
Toxicology screens can test for a wide range of substances, including:
- Illicit drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin, marijuana)
- Prescription medications (e.g. opioids, benzodiazepines)
- Over-the-counter medications (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Toxins (e.g. heavy metals, pesticides)
- Alcohol
Methods of Testing
Toxicology screens use various methods to detect substances, including:
- Immunoassay: a rapid test that uses antibodies to detect the presence of a substance
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS): a highly sensitive and specific test that separates and identifies substances based on their chemical properties
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): a highly sensitive and specific test that separates and identifies substances based on their chemical properties
Interpretation of Results
The results of a toxicology screen are typically interpreted by a healthcare professional, who considers factors such as:
- The type and amount of substance detected
- The person's medical history and current symptoms
- The potential for false positives or false negatives
Limitations and Potential False Results
Toxicology screens are not always 100% accurate, and may produce false positive or false negative results due to:
- Interference from other substances or medications
- Contamination of the sample
- Human error in collecting or testing the sample
Article last updated on: 15th June 2025.
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