
Toxicology Screen

TS
Description
Toxicology Screen test detects drugs or alcohol in your system and assists doctors in determining whether you have a substance abuse problem. It is widely used in cases of suspected overdose, poisoning, or routine screenings. A blood sample is tested for alcohol, opioids, and marijuana. Doctors use it in medical emergencies, workplace testing, or legal situations where results are needed quickly. If the test finds something unexpected, it could mean misuse, overdose, or exposure to harmful toxins. This test is especially important in urgent cases or when legal or rehab decisions need to be made. The results help doctors decide what to do next, whether that’s treatment, therapy, or more tests. Regular screening can help monitor substance use and support long-term health.
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum | Urine | Saliva
Test Category
Toxins
Procedure Category
Blood Draw, Collect, Measure, Swab
Units
Not Applicable
Test Groups
Toxicity Group: This group encompasses tests aimed at evaluating exposure to various toxins and pollutants, providing insights into potential toxicological concerns and environmental exposures.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Alcohol consumption
Chemical exposure (such as pesticides, heavy metals or others)
Dietary supplements (such as vitamins, herbal remedies, or others)
Illicit drugs (such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or others)
Metabolic disorders (such as metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis or others)
Over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines or others)
Prescription medications (such as opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants or others)
Substance exposure (such as carbon monoxide, cyanide or others)
Key Reasons For Testing
Substance Abuse Detection: Identifies drugs or toxic substances in biological samples, aiding in diagnosing and monitoring substance abuse disorders.
Medical Emergency Evaluation: Provides rapid information in overdose or poisoning cases, guiding urgent medical interventions.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Monitors drug levels to optimize pharmacotherapy and prevent adverse effects.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Levine B. Principles of Forensic Toxicology. 4th ed. Washington, DC: AACC Press; 2013.
[2] Wu AH, McKay C, Broussard LA, et al. National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines: recommendations for the use of laboratory tests to support poisoned patients who present to the emergency department. Clin Chem. 2003;49(3):357-379.
[3] Moyer TP, Charlson JR, Enger RJ, et al. Drug monitoring and toxicology: a comprehensive review of analytical methodology. Clin Chem. 2002;48(7):1060-1080.
[4] Moeller KE, Lee KC, Kissack JC. Urine drug screening: practical guide for clinicians. Mayo Clin Proc. 2008;83(1):66-76.
[5] Schaber JA, Wu AH. The clinical toxicology laboratory: contemporary practice of poisoning evaluation. Clin Lab Med. 2006;26(1):1-20.
[6] Dasgupta A. Beating Drug Tests and Defending Positive Results: A Toxicologist's Perspective. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press; 2010.
[7] Langman LJ, Bechtel LK, Holstege CP. Clinical toxicology testing: a guide for laboratory professionals. Clin Lab Med. 2012;32(3):495-513.
[8] Smith-Kielland A, Skuterud B, Mørland J. Urinary excretion of codeine and metabolites after intake of codeine phosphate. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1995;48(5):431-437.
[9] Jaffee WB, Trucco E, Teter C, Levy S, Weiss RD. Focus on alcohol: a review of the validity and accuracy of laboratory testing in the detection of alcohol consumption and intoxication. Psychiatry Res. 2008;160(1):1-20.
[10] Verstraete AG. Detection times of drugs of abuse in blood, urine, and oral fluid. Ther Drug Monit. 2004;26(2):200-205.
[11] Goldberger BA, Caplan YH. Alternative specimens for workplace drug testing. J Anal Toxicol. 1994;18(6):396-399.