Drugs of Abuse Screen, Serum (Misc LAB000, MayoID: FD10S)

Drug screening is an essential tool in assessing drug use or exposure, as well as compliance with prescribed opioids. While testing can be performed on multiple specimen types, the preferred specimen for these tests is urine due to its higher sensitivity and longer detection windows compared to serum. Serum testing should be reserved for specific cases, such as patients who are anuric or unable to produce urine spontaneously.

• Despite its convenience, the Drugs of Abuse Screen, Serum (FD10S) is not recommended for routine drug testing. This test has lower sensitivity, shorter detection times, and a longer turnaround time of 1-2 weeks.
• The frequency of dosing (or time of last use) cannot be reliably determined from serum or urine drug testing.

• Urine is the specimen of choice for most drug screening due to its higher sensitivity and longer detection windows.
• Use Drug Screen with Confirmation (LAB3879) for screening for illicit drug exposure.
• Use Pain Management Profile (LAB4958) for checking opioid compliance.