Listed below are the services and procedures offered by a Toxicology Laboratory. In this article, we discuss testing for illicit and therapeutic drugs, toxin detection in urine and oral fluid, and the use of these tests in forensic cases. Read on to learn more! Listed below are some of the services offered by a Toxicology Lab. For a full list of services and procedures, please visit their website.

Testing for illicit drugs

The purpose of testing for illicit drugs in a toxicology lab is to detect the presence of drug use and addiction. Often, these tests are performed on employees of high-risk positions. For example, commercial vehicle drivers place countless lives on the road, and they need to be screened to determine the presence of drugs in their blood. This screening is done both on a regular basis and spontaneously, and it can help ensure that participants of a treatment program are sober.

Testing for therapeutic drugs

Testing for therapeutic drugs in a toxicology laboratory measures how much of a medicine is in a patient’s blood to ensure that they are receiving the correct dose. Although most medicines are easily dosed, some are difficult to administer correctly, requiring special testing to determine a safe and effective dosage. The results of therapeutic drug monitoring allow doctors and other health care providers to adjust the dosage and make sure that the patient is receiving the appropriate treatment.

Testing for toxins in urine and oral fluid

The lab test for toxins in urine and oral fluid is typically qualitative. It shows the presence of drugs in the body, but it doesn’t identify the levels present. A patient’s medical history must be taken into account, so a doctor can be sure to exclude any known drug interactions. In some cases, a follow-up test is necessary to determine the specific levels of each substance present in a sample. This test can also confirm the initial results of a first-test.

Testing for toxins in forensic cases

Toxicology laboratories are specialized laboratories in which scientists analyze a range of physical, biological, and chemical evidence and interpret the results based on the case information. These laboratories may be affiliated with crime scene investigators, medical examiners, government health laboratories, or independent providers. Forensic toxicologists often conduct a wide variety of tests, from identifying toxins to determining the effects of prescription medications.

Testing for toxins in post-mortem samples

Tissues from a deceased person are used for many purposes. Ideally, these samples should be collected at the site of death and should be suitably isolated. However, some toxins are not present in all tissue types, and there may be differences in concentrations between tissues. For these reasons, the most convenient samples to test are blood samples, bone marrow, and brain tissue.

Testing for toxins in urine

A toxicology test is a type of laboratory analysis that detects toxins in urine or oral fluid samples. Toxins are the result of interactions between various substances in the body. Some substances have toxic effects only at very high concentrations. For example, lithium is a drug used to treat bipolar disorder, but it is toxic in high doses. Another example is acetaminophen, a commonly prescribed medication that is toxic at high doses. A single toxicology screen can test for up to thirty different agents at once.

Testing for toxins in oral fluid

In addition to urine and blood, another method of drug testing is the examination of saliva. The saliva is excreted from the mouth glands and is one of the least invasive forms of screening. The process involves a simple mouth swab, which is then analyzed by toxicology labs. The results of this type of test are provided immediately, so it is an excellent choice for medical professionals who are trying to assess a drug user’s recent drug use.