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Toxicology Screening

Eastern Laboratory Associates Toxicology Lab

What is a Toxicology Screen?

A toxicology screen (drug test or “tox screen”) looks for traces of drugs in your bloodurinehair, sweat, or saliva.

A toxicology screen can be used to monitor your medical treatment plan. Your doctor could also order a toxicology screen if the patient is on a controlled substance, has mental health issues, or addition.

How Does It Work?

A toxicology screen or test cannot show if you have an addiction problem. It also cannot pinpoint how much of a drug you have used or when. It is only able to tell if certain drugs are (or have recently been) in your body.

Long after you inhale, inject, or ingest them, legal and illegal drugs leave clues in your body. Traces of opiates are still in your urine a few days after you take them. Signs of marijuana can last up to 3 weeks.

A toxicology test can screen for:

Why Do I Need a Toxicology Screen?

There are different reasons that you may need to have a drug screen. Your new job, school, or insurance policy could require it. Many sporting programs expect players to have one.

Your doctor may also order this test if you:

  • Are in treatment for drug addiction

  • Show signs of substance abuse

  • Have problems with your mental health

  • Have been taking a controlled drug for a long period of time

 

A drug test can also be ordered for legal reasons. You may be required to take one if you have been accused of a crime. The same goes for many people who are on parole.

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