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Toxicology screen
How the test will feel:
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. If a urine sample is used, it involves only normal urination and there is no discomfort. Text Continues Below
Why the test is performed:
This test can be used to evaluate possible accidental or intentional overdose or poisoning, such as when there is a need to evaluate the type and amount of legal and illegal drugs used by a person. The test can be performed to determine the cause of acute drug toxicity, to monitor drug dependency, and to determine the presence of substances in the body (for medical and/or legal purposes). See also: Drug abuse first aid. If the test is used as a drug screen there is a finite amount of time after ingestion that the drug or any of its metabolites can be detected: - cocaine
- 2 to 4 days; up to 10 to 22 days with heavy use
- amphetamines
- heroin
- morphine
- phencyclidine (PCP)
- alcohol
- benzodiazepines
- up to 6 weeks with high level use
- hydromorphone
- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- 6 to 11 weeks with heavy use
- propoxyphene
- methadone
- codeine
- barbiturates
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