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Toxicology screen - Risks

Alternative Names

Barbiturates - screen; Benzodiazepines - screen; Amphetamines - screen; Analgesics - screen; Antidepressants - screen; Narcotics - screen; Phenothiazines - screen; Drug abuse screen; Blood alcohol test

What the risks are:

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling light-headed
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Special considerations:

Substances that may be detected on a toxicology screen include:

  • Alcohol (ethanol) -- "drinking" alcohol
  • Amphetamines
  • Antidepressants
  • Barbiturates and hypnotics
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cocaine
  • Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
  • Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
  • Marijuana
  • Narcotics
  • Non-narcotic pain medicines including acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs
  • PCP
  • Phenothiazines (antipsychotic or tranquilizing medications)
  • Prescription medications, any type
  • Reviewed last on: 1/12/2011
  • Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM. Toxicology and pharmacology. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill; 2006:section 14.

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 23.

Sachs C, Wheeler M. Examination of the sexual assault victim. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 58.

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