What it means
Most often a urine test that looks for common groups of drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cocaine and cannabis. It is done after overdoses, in emergencies with confusion or unconsciousness, before some jobs and in drug treatment programs. The first screen can give false results, so a positive result is often confirmed with a more exact lab test.
For the nurse
Ask what prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements the client takes, since some cause false positives. For a test that may be used in court or for employment, follow the chain-of-custody steps exactly and watch that the sample is not swapped or diluted.
At a glance
| Normal range | Negative (no drugs detected), apart from drugs the client is known to take. |
|---|---|
| Also written | drug screen, tox screen, urine drug screen |
Related terms
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol: the main chemical in cannabis that produces a high.
blood alcohol level
A test of how much alcohol is in the blood, given as a percentage or in mg/dL.