Inpatient Blood Drug Screening (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of certain drugs in your blood while you’re hospitalized, helping doctors monitor your medication use and ensure safety.
["Drug screening helps prevent drug interactions, identify misuse, and tailor your treatment plan during your stay."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95885-0
- Short code
- Inpt bds
- Synonyms
- Inpt bds
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
This test screens for a broad range of substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit substances. Common analytes may include opioids, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine, and others, depending on the lab’s protocol. Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than quantitative.
Why It’s Done During Hospitalization
Inpatient drug screening is often performed to ensure you’re taking medications as prescribed, avoid harmful drug interactions, or detect unintended substance exposure. It may also be used to assess compliance with treatment plans or screen for substance use disorders.
Specimen and Process
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is processed to separate serum or plasma, which is then tested using immunoassay methods (e.g., chemiluminescent immunoassay or fluorescence immunoassay) to detect target substances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, or recent substance use. Avoid alcohol or certain medications before testing if instructed.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Drug Screening (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
Positive results may indicate drug use, noncompliance with medication regimens, or potential risks like overdose or adverse reactions. Negative results confirm absence of detected substances but do not rule out other drugs or metabolites. Always discuss results with your doctor.
Will I need to fast before this test?
How long will I wait for results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy