Test Category: Specialist BiochemistryToxicology
Investigation Name:Unknown Drug Screen
Alias or Abbreviation:Unknown Drug Screen/TOF/Time of Flight
Accreditation:UKAS Accredited ISO15189:2022, on scope
Intro:
Unknown Drugs screen is performed on the LC-QTOF-MS and can identify over 1300 drugs and metabolites including over the counter and prescription medications, classic drugs of abuse, cutting agents and many other compounds.This may be requested to identify what a patient has been exposed to, identify presence of compounds that are not included in the routine drugs of abuse screen, identify unknown substances, and to check for metabolites. The toxicology laboratory can confirm whether a specific compound of interest is included in the screen prior to sending samples for analysis.
Not all compounds will be detected by LC-QToF-MS, including synthetic cannabinoids and some NSAID’s. Additional analysis can be performed for these compounds. Please contact the laboratory if you wish to discuss the most suitable testing for your patient.
Pathology Laboratory:Toxicology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:2 mL urine is the preferred sample type.
Expected Turnaround Time:3 working days upon sample receipt
Test Code:TOF, TOFU, TOFO
Sample Type:
2mL urine is the preferred sample type. EDTA blood, paper, pills, powders etc can also be analysed.Please note: Gel tubes will NOT be accepted.
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Samples should be stored at 4°C prior to sending and should be transported at ambient temperature via normal postal system. Pills/powders/suspicious substances should have arranged transport to the laboratory.
Posting Address / Requirements:Sandwell Health Campus
Pathology Department
Specialist Chemistry
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:NPEX and PDF reporting is available.
EQA Scheme:The laboratory takes part in the LGC Scheme for Drugs of Abuse in urine, the LGC Scheme for Drugs of Abuse in Oral Fluid and a Toxicology case study involving a clinical scenario provided to the laboratory for interpretation.
In addition, the TOF analyses Toxicology Drugs/metabolites in urine (LGC) and New Psychoactive Substance Blood Quantification Samples (LGC).
Lead Contact Details:Dr 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 4138
