Toxicology screen
Toxicology Screening: What It Is and What it's Used For
A toxicology screen (tox screen) is a test that looks for drugs or other substances in your body. It's used to check for drugs in your system or to check if you've been exposed to toxic substances. It may be used to check for illegal drugs, or it may be used for medical purposes, such as to check if you've been exposed to poisonous substances.
Why Would I Need a Toxicology Screen?
Toxicology screenings are used for a variety of reasons. They may be done for medical or legal purposes, to determine whether or not someone has been exposed to a toxic substance. In some cases, a screening may be done for a job pre-screening or pre-employment testing. For instance, a company may require a toxicology screen to make sure their employees are free of drugs.
What Types of Toxicology Screens Are There?
There are several different types of toxicology screens available. They all work by testing blood, urine, or saliva samples for the presence of drugs or other substances. The most common types of toxicology screens include:
- Urine Screening: This type of screen looks for drugs and other substances in your urine. It is often used to check for drug use, so it may be part of a pre-employment drug test.
- Blood Screening: This type of screen looks for drugs and other substances in your blood. It can be used to check for drug or alcohol use, and it can also be used to check for exposure to toxic substances.
- Hair Screening: This type of screen looks for drugs and other substances in your hair. It is typically used to check for long-term drug or alcohol use, as hair can hold evidence of drug use for up to 90 days.
- Saliva Screening: This type of screen looks for drugs and other substances in your saliva. It is often used to check for short-term drug or alcohol use, as saliva can only hold evidence of drug use for a few hours.
How Is a Toxicology Screen Done?
The process of a toxicology screen varies depending on the type of test being administered. Generally, you will be asked to provide a sample of your blood, urine, saliva, or hair at a laboratory or testing facility. The sample will then be tested for the presence of drugs or other substances. In some cases, the results of the test may be available within a few days.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Toxicology Screens?
Toxicology screens are generally safe and pose no threat to your health. However, there may be some risks associated with the particular type of sample being used. For example, if you are asked to provide a blood sample, there is a small risk of infection or bleeding.
When Should I Get a Toxicology Screen?
Toxicology screens are usually done on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, such as pre-employment drug testing, a toxicology screen may be required. In other cases, such as medical testing, your doctor may order a toxicology screen. It's important to talk to your doctor if you have questions about when to get a toxicology screen.