Drug Screen, Prescription/Over the Counter, Serum
Use
This test is used for the detection and identification of prescription and over-the-counter drugs frequently found in drug overdose or used with a suicidal intent. It helps in qualitatively identifying the drugs present in the specimen. Quantification of identified drugs can be performed upon request. This test is designed to aid physicians in managing patients with apparent overdose or intoxication symptoms, ensuring prompt therapeutic intervention.
Special Instructions
This test should not be used for therapeutic drug monitoring or compliance testing. It is also not appropriate for employment-related drug testing or testing for drugs of abuse, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, cocaine, and amphetamine-type stimulants. Specimens collected in serum gel tubes are not acceptable as the drug/analyte can absorb on the gel, leading to falsely decreased concentrations.
Limitations
This test is not appropriate for testing drugs of abuse or illicit drugs including various benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, cocaine, and stimulant amphetamines. It does not detect drugs such as digoxin, lithium, and some drugs of abuse not listed in the Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Screening List. Specimens collected in non-compliant containers may affect the accuracy of results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20785-2
- 20785-2
- 77202-0
Result Turnaround Time
3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2.75 mL
Minimum Volume
1.1 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens collected in serum gel tubes are not acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |