Drugs of Abuse Screen 4, Chain of Custody, Meconium
Use
This test is useful for identifying amphetamines (and methamphetamines), opiates, and metabolites of cocaine and marijuana in a meconium specimen. It is particularly important when results may be used in court, as the chain of custody must be ensured to protect the rights of the individual providing the specimen. A positive result can indicate that the baby was exposed to these drugs in utero, which could have legal or social implications such as separation of the baby from the mother.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Heroin use must be suspected if the specimen is not sent frozen, as this can prevent the degradation of 6-monoacetylmorphine. Failure to meet chain-of-custody requirements, such as a broken seal, can also affect test validity. Specimen handling conditions, such as non-frozen shipping, can lead to degradation of certain metabolites, impacting test results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 49046-6 - Drugs of abuse Pnl Mec
- 26895-3 - Amphetamines Mec-mCnt
- 27289-8 - Methamphet Mec-mCnt
- 26956-3 - Cocaine Mec-mCnt
- 29158-3 - Opiates Mec-mCnt
- 26893-8 - THC Mec-mCnt
- 77202-0 - Laboratory comment Report
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
1 g
Minimum Volume
0.45 g
Container
Chain of Custody Meconium Kit (T653)
Collection Instructions
Collect entire random meconium specimen. Seal properly to ensure chain of custody.
Storage Instructions
Frozen storage is preferred. Refrigerated or ambient storage affects stability.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens that are grossly bloody, stored in diapers, or have a broken seal will be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 21 days |