Medical Health Encyclopedia

Toxicology screen


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Results Risks Prevention
Alternative Names

Barbiturates - screen; Benzodiazepines - screen; Amphetamines - screen; Analgesics - screen; Antidepressants - screen; Narcotics - screen; Phenothiazines - screen; Drug abuse screen; Blood alcohol test


What the risks are

Veins 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)




Special considerations

Substances that may be detected on a toxicology screen include:

  • Alcohol (ethanol) -- "drinking" alcohol
  • Amphetamines
  • Antidepressants
  • Barbiturates and hypnotics
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cocaine
  • Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
  • Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
  • Marijuana
  • Narcotics
  • Non-narcotic pain medicines including acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs
  • PCP
  • Phenothiazines (antipsychotic or tranquilizing medications)
  • Prescription medications, any type


Review Date: 01/12/2011
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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