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The Importance of Having Standard Toxicology Screenings

March 17, 2023

What is a Standard Toxicology Screening?

Toxicology is a branch of science that studies the effects of drugs and other chemicals on living organisms [1]. It covers the detection, identification, and evaluation of the toxic properties of substances and the treatment and prevention of poisoning or overdosing.

A standard toxicology screening analyzes a biological sample, such as blood, hair, or urine, to detect the presence of drugs or other toxic substances. The purpose of toxicology screening is to identify the presence of harmful substances in the body that may be causing a person issues or contributing to a medical condition. [2], [3]

Who Needs a Standardized Toxicology Test?

Anyone exposed to potentially harmful chemicals or substances should get a screening. This includes workers in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, first responders, and military personnel. If you have been exposed to a toxin, getting screened is important to get the treatment you need.

However, a standardized toxicology test is also used to determine if a patient is on any illicit substance. They are very common in pre-employment testing or randomized testing to ensure that a company’s workforce is safe. Furthermore, they are utilized in a hospital setting to determine if any dependencies on drugs are present in the body.

Why is Standardized Toxicology Screening Important?

Toxicology screening is crucial in detecting the presence of drugs or alcohol in an individual. It is also used in the workplace to ensure employees’ safety. Toxicology screening plays a role in the legal system, determining the cause of accidents and if an individual was under the influence at the time of a crime.

In the medical field, a standard toxicology screening can aid in diagnosing and treating certain medical conditions and monitoring the effectiveness of medications and treatments. [4], [5]

Benefits of Standardized Toxicology Screenings

Early Detection of Toxic Substances

Toxicology screenings can detect the presence of harmful substances in a person’s body, even at low levels. This allows for prompt treatment and intervention.

Identification of Unknown Substances

Toxicology screenings can identify substances that a person may not be aware of, such as drugs or chemicals that have been unknowingly ingested.

Monitoring Medication Levels

The screenings can monitor the levels of prescribed medications in a person’s body.

Identification of Drug Interactions

Standardized toxicology screenings detect interactions between different medications or substances, allowing for adjustments to prevent negative effects.

Detection of Substance Abuse

Toxicology screenings can detect patterns of substance abuse, such as regular use of illegal drugs or excessive use of prescription medications.

Detection of Environmental Exposure

This test helps to detect exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead or pesticides.

Identification of Occupational Hazards

Toxicology screenings recognize the harmful substances in a person’s work environment.

Detection of Food Contamination

Toxicology screenings can detect contaminants in food, such as bacteria or pesticides. It helps to ensure the safety of the food supply.

Monitoring of Treatments

Toxicology screenings can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments, such as chemotherapy, and to detect any potential toxic side effects.

Cost Savings

Toxicology screenings can save money by identifying and addressing substance abuse and poisoning early on, preventing the need for more expensive treatments. [6], [7]

Types of Toxicology Screenings and Tests

Urine Test

The most common toxicology screening test. Urine tests are used to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in an individual’s body. This is usually the most cost-effective toxicology screening.

Blood Test

Blood tests are usually more expensive than urine tests but provide more accurate results.

Saliva Test

Saliva tests identify the presence of drugs in an individual’s body. It is usually less expensive than urine and blood tests but provides less accurate results. It can be utilized to detect things sooner than urine or blood.

Hair Test

Hair follicle testing is a newer type of toxicology screening that is becoming more popular. This test takes a hair sample from your head and analyzes it for traces of drugs or other substances. Hair follicle testing is less invasive than blood testing but is less accurate than urine drug testing. [8]

How to Decide on the Right Toxicology Screening?

When deciding on the right toxicology screening, it is important to consider several factors, such as:

Type of test
Cost of the test
The turnaround time
Test’s accuracy

Different tests, such as urine, blood, and saliva, are available in Keystone lab. You need to choose the right one for the situation. It is important to consider the cost of the test and the turnaround time before deciding on the right toxicology screening and ensure that the test is accurate.

When to Get a Standardized Toxicology Screening?

The frequency of standardized toxicology screenings may vary depending on the individual’s occupation, health status, and exposure to potential toxins. For example, someone who works in the medical field or around hazardous materials may be screened more often than the general population.

Steps to Take After Receiving Toxicology Screening Results

Review the results with your healthcare provider. They can explain the results and potential implications for your health.
Follow any recommendations or treatment plans provided by your healthcare provider. This may include seeing a specialist or starting a medication.
If the results indicate substance abuse, seek help from a substance abuse counselor or treatment program.
Make lifestyle changes as your healthcare provider recommends, such as quitting smoking or drinking less alcohol.
Retest as your healthcare provider recommends monitoring progress and ensuring an effective treatment plan.
Keep all relevant medical records, including toxicology screening results, safe for future reference.

Remember that it’s important to stay honest and open with your healthcare provider about your substance use to receive the best care and treatment.

Common Questions About Toxicology Screenings

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about toxicology screenings:

Q: What are the benefits of standardized toxicology screenings?

A: The benefits of standardized toxicology screenings include accurate and reliable results, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and the ability to provide valuable information about an individual’s health and safety.

Q: Alternative names or terms for toxicology screenings?

A: Poison control test, Drug test, Substance abuse test, Chemical exposure test, Bioanalytical test, Forensic toxicology test, Occupational toxicology test, Environmental toxicology test, Clinical toxicology test, Pesticide residue test.

Q: Who is Keystone Lab?

A: Keystone Lab is a leading provider of toxicology screenings. Keystone Lab specializes in providing standardized toxicology screenings that are accurate and reliable. Keystone Lab also offers additional services, such as drug and alcohol monitoring, drug testing, and drug education.

Work With A Trusted Toxicology Expert

Keystone Laboratories, a CAP-accredited North Carolina licensed laboratory and CLIA-licensed lab, is committed to helping you make important decisions that impact the safety and health of your patients with greater confidence. Clients in 48 states can get prescription drug and substance abuse recovery monitoring, specialized testing, workplace drug testing, screening, and program management services from Keystone. Contact Keystone Laboratories today to receive the industry-leading laboratory testing services!

844-551-2857