MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Urine drug screen

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Urine drug screen

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Urine sample

Alternative names Return to top

Drug screen - urine

Definition Return to top

A urine drug screen is designed to detect illegal drugs in the urine. See toxicology screen for information about specific drugs.

How the test is performed Return to top

It is necessary to collect a "clean-catch" (midstream) urine sample. To obtain a clean-catch sample, men or boys should wipe clean the head of the penis. Women or girls need to wash the area between the lips of the vagina with soapy water and rinse well. As you start to urinate, allow a small amount to fall into the toilet bowl (this clears the urethra of contaminants). Then, in a clean container, catch about 1 to 2 ounces of urine and remove the container from the urine stream. Give the container to the health care provider or assistant.

You may be asked to remove all your personal belongings and wear a hospital gown, then placed in a room where you have no access to your personal items or water. In this environment, you cannot dilute the sample, nor can you use someone else's urine for the test.

The sample is then taken to the laboratory for evaluation.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

No preparation is necessary for this test.

How the test will feel Return to top

The test involves only normal urination.

Why the test is performed Return to top

The test is performed to detect the presence of illegal drugs in your urine, which indicates your recent ingestion of the drug.

Normal Values Return to top

No drugs in the urine.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

If the test result is positive, it is helpful to confirm the results with gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In some case, a test will register a false positive. This can result from interfering factors such as some foods, prescription medications and other drugs. The GC-MS will help to eliminate some of the other possibilities.

What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks associated with this test.

Special considerations Return to top

There are no special considerations for this test.

Update Date: 7/31/2003

Updated by: Ari Schwell, M.D., Director, Emergency Department of the Episcopal Campus of Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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