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DISCUSSION :
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A toxicology drug screen refers to various tests to determine the presence and amount of legal and illegal drugs a person has taken. The test screens for alcohol, narcotics, amphetamines, antidepressants, barbituates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, non-narcotic pain medications including acetaminophen, and anti-inflammatory drugs, PCP, and phenothiazines. The drug testing is most often done using blood or urine sample. Hair samples or saliva have also been used to test for the presence of drugs. Urine tests are easier to do than blood tests as many drugs remain in the urine longer than in the blood. In life threatening situations, the stomach contents may be tested. Drug testing is useful for monitoring a person's use of drugs and in confirming a history of drug or medication use. Drug screening is often done in emergency situations to evaluate possible accidental or intentional overdosing or poisoning. Pre-employment drug testing is done to determine the presence of substances in the body as part of workplace safety. Random drug testing is done by corporations, drug rehab centers, prison, the military, police and fire departments, government agencies, and schools. The purpose of random testing is to deter use of drugs. The testing of athletes for use of drugs is more specific to determine if drugs are used to enhance their athletic abilities. The detection of the drug may vary depending on the amount ingested. Urine toxicology screens can be sensitive for detecting drug use within the previous days for opiates and cocaine to as long as a month for cannabis. A breathalyzer can detect alcohol use with 8 to 12 hours after use. To determine presence of a drug it must be done during a certain time period after ingestion. For a list of medications and drugs commonly used during drug screening and the length of time for detection go to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003578.htm. A negative toxicology screen indicates the absence of substances found in the body. A positive result indicates that a particular substance was found. No preparation is needed. Make a list of any medications (prescription or nonprescription), herbal supplements, vitamins and other substances taken within the past 4 days. A consent will need to be signed that you understand the risks of the toxicology testing and agree to have it done (http://firstaid.webmd.com/toxicology-tests).
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