Drugs of Abuse Screen (Urine) (Urine Drug Screen)
| Category | Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Drugs of abuse testing in urine, is provided on a non-urgent basis by the laboratory for the most commonly requested compounds: amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates and methadone (EDDP, a metabolite for methadone is also tested). The majority of samples received are for monitoring compliance with treatment replacement or abstention in the community setting. The initial screening assay and the confirmation report qualitative results. Cut offs for all tests are based on the European Workplace Testing Guidelines (EWTG). The screening tests for opiates and amphetamines are not specific for drugs of abuse and can give positive results in patients who have taken over the counter or prescribed medications. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is used to confirm positive screening results for opiates and amphetamines. |
| Clinical Indications |
The test may be requested to identify illicit drug abuse, intentional or inadvertent ingestion of prescription or over-the-counter medication. |
| Reference range | These tests are semiquantitative and are reported as positive or negative. The thresholds for reporting are from the European Workplace Drug Testing Society Guidelines 2022: Amphetamines: 500 µg/L |
| Sample & container required | Random urine in universal container |
| Sample volume | 5ml |
| Turnaround time | 1 Week |
| Notes | Routine profile includes opiates, amphetamines, methadone, methadone metabolite, cocaine, cannabis and benzodiazepines. Samples positive for amphetamines and/or opiates are sent to a referral laboratory by confirmation by mass spectrometry. The pH of each sample is measured and samples with pH <4 or >9 are rejected. Samples are also visually inspected for signs of adulteration. UKAS Accredited. |