Toxicology screen

Alternative names:

amphetamines - screen; analgesics - screen; antidepressants - screen; barbiturates - screen; benzodiazepines - screen; blood alcohol test; drug abuse screen; isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) - screen; methanol - screen; narcotics - screen; phenothiazines - screen

What the risks are:

• excessive bleeding
• fainting or feeling lightheaded
• hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations:

Commonly found substances on a toxicology screen include:

• alcohol (ethanol) -- "drinking" alcohol (see Alcohol and diet)
• amphetamines
• benzodiazepines
• antidepressants
• barbiturates and hypnotics
• hemoglobin derivatives
• isopropanol -- isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol (toxic) (see isopropanol overdose)
• methanol -- methyl alcohol, found in antifreeze and other substances (toxic)
• narcotics
• non-narcotic analgesics
  • acetaminophen - oral
  • anti-inflammatory analgesics - oral

• phenothiazines (antipsychotic or tranquilizing medications)
• prescription medications, any type

This test is sometimes part of an investigation for drug use or abuse; special consents, handling and labeling of specimens, or other special procedures may be required.