Test Category: Specialist BiochemistryToxicology
Investigation Name:Urine Drugs of Abuse Screen
Alias or Abbreviation:DAU / DOAU
Accreditation:UKAS Accredited ISO15189:2022, on scope
Intro:
Urine Drugs of Abuse screen tests for 31 different drugs using tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), including illicit drugs, opiate replacement therapies and prescription medications. The screen also includes cannabis, measured by immunoassay, and creatinine to identify possible sample tampering.This screen may be requested to:
- Monitor drug absence as part of rehabilitation programmes in patients with a history of abuse e.g. methadone, buprenorphine.
- Detect intrauterine drug exposure in neonates.
- Screen for exposures in case of unexplained symptoms, overdose etc.
- Be used to aid patient management.
Pathology Laboratory:Toxicology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:0.5 mL
Expected Turnaround Time:3 working days upon sample receipt
Test Code:DAU
Sample Type:
Minimum of 0.5 mL of random urine collected into a plain universal container (white top). Please note: Boric acid containers are NOT suitable for analysis.Complex Reference Range:Results are reported as positive/negative. Additional quantitative assays are available for some compounds. Please contact the laboratory if you wish to discuss this.
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:NPEX and PDF reporting available.
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
