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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Test > T > Toxicology screen

Toxicology screen   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Barbiturates - screen; Benzodiazepines - screen; Amphetamines - screen; Analgesics - screen; Antidepressants - screen; Narcotics - screen; Methanol - screen; Phenothiazines - screen; Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) - screen; Drug abuse screen; Blood alcohol test

What the Risks Are

  • excessive bleeding
  • fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • multiple punctures to locate veins

Special Considerations

Commonly found substances on a toxicology screen include:

  • alcohol (ethanol) -- "drinking" alcohol (see Alcohol and diet)
  • amphetamines
  • benzodiazepines
  • antidepressants
  • barbiturates and hypnotics
  • isopropanol -- isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol (toxic) (see isopropanol overdose)
  • methanol -- methyl alcohol, found in antifreeze and other substances (toxic)
  • narcotics
  • non-narcotic analgesics
    • acetaminophen - oral
    • anti-inflammatory analgesics - oral
  • phenothiazines (antipsychotic or tranquilizing medications)
  • prescription medications, any type
This test is sometimes part of an investigation for drug use or abuse; special consents, handling and labeling of specimens, or other special procedures may be required.

Ency. home > Test > T > Toxicology screen

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