Toxicology screening tests are of great importance as they help measure the amount of toxics or drugs taken in, the type of drugs being both legal and illegal. The test can be done by taking a sample of the blood or urine. Most of the times a urine test may be preferred as it is much easier and drugs in the urine stay longer than in blood and thus, show up instantly in the urine. In cases where the test is performed immediately after ingestion of the substance, the gastric contents like vomit or large fluids can be used as samples for the test and sometimes, the hair and nails can also be used for conducting the test. If the test is being done to determine the presence of drugs in the body, it should be done in a stipulated time frame. For example, toxicology tests to detect alcohol in the body should be done within 3 to 10 hours of its consumption, cocaine within 2 to 4 days but can be detected even up to 10 to 22 days in case of a heavy dosage and heroin can be detected within a day or two.
Urine Toxicology Test Reasons
The test is done in order to determine drugs that have been consumed either intentionally or deliberately. The test has to be carried out within 96 hours of the drug being taken in order to confirm if the symptoms have occurred as a result of an overdose of certain drugs. Athletes are very often required to undergo this test to check if they are under the influence of drugs to enhance their ability to perform better. Toxicology tests may also be a routine test for certain jobs.
Urine Toxicology Test Preparation
Most of the times the test is performed in case of an emergency and thus, there is no time for any preparation. However, it is very important that you disclose to your doctor all the prescribed and non prescribed medicines that you are taking as the intake of certain medicines are known to affect the test results and change them.
Urine Toxicology Test Procedure
A blood sample may be collected by removing blood out from a vein through a syringe or with the help of a lancet that has a sharp tip which enables to puncture the surface of the skin and make it bleed. In case of a urine sample, the concerned person is given a special container in which the urine has to be collected.