Test Category: Specialist BiochemistryToxicology
Investigation Name:Urine Drugs of Abuse Screen
Alias or Abbreviation:DAU / DOAU
Intro:
Urine Drugs of Abuse screen can screen for 31 different drugs using tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). This can be used to exclude the presence of common drugs of abuse, such as cocaine. This is often requested to: Monitor drug absence as part of a rehabilitation programme in patients with a history of abuse e.g. methadone. Detect intrauterine drug exposure in new-borns. Screen for unknown toxicology investigations. Be used as part of a medical assessment. UPLC-MS/MS provides semi-quantitative results and can detect individual drugs e.g. codeine and morphine.Pathology Laboratory:Toxicology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Lower Reference Range Limit:N/A
Upper Reference Range Limit:N/A
Units:ng/mL
Minimum Sample Volume:0.5mL
Expected Turnaround Time:24 – 48 hours from sample receipt.
Test Code:DAU
Sample Type:
Minimum of 0.5mL of random urine collected into a plain universal container (white top). Please note: Boric acid containers are NOT suitable for analysis.Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Specimens can be sent to the laboratory at ambient temperature, via the normal postal system. Samples can also be received frozen.
Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st class post,
Sandwell Health Campus,
Pathology department,
Specialist chemistry,
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:Participates in the UK (LGC) scheme for Drugs of Abuse in urine PT scheme.
Lead Contact Details:Lauren Starbrook, Consultant Clinical Scientist
Email: lauren.starbrook@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:City Health Campus
Cost:Please email bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details.
Contact Number:0121 507 5162
