Changes to Drug Test Requesting on Unity
August 6, 2024
Drug screen requesting is changing to provide a streamlined, efficient and cost-effective service.
From 29 July 2024 you will need to request the specific tests that you require. The options for requesting these and indications for testing are summarised below. Other toxicology test requesting remains unchanged. Please contact the laboratory with any questions (swbh.toxicology@nhs.net).
Please see the summary for this below –
| Test | Utility / Indication | Turn-around time target | Contact |
| OST Prescribing Set (EDDP / 6-MAM) | For methadone prescribing | 1 hour from arrival | Biochemistry |
| Drugs of abuse (DOA) screen, urine | For initial presentations where there is suspicion of drug use | 1 working day (urgent available – contact laboratory) | Toxicology |
| Unknown drugs screen (TOF) | Suspicion of drugs not included in DOA screen / DOA screen has not answered clinical question | 1 working day (urgent available – contact laboratory) | Toxicology |
| Synthetic cannabinoids | Suspicion of synthetic cannabinoid use – these are not detected by DOA or TOF | 1 working day (urgent available – contact laboratory) | Toxicology |
For further information – please see the wider document here.