Toxicology reviews: immunoassay in detecting drugs of abuse

Pediatr Emerg Care. 1998 Oct;14(5):372-5.

Abstract

Ingestion of DOA by children and adolescents continues to be a prevalent problem. Emergency physicians, particularly those in pediatric institutions, should have an understanding of the screening tests for DOA. Several IA techniques provide a rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive screen for DOA. Nevertheless, the physician must be familiar with the limitations of each laboratory and be aware that a negative toxicology screen does not rule out ingestion of many DOA.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay* / economics
  • Immunoassay* / standards
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*