Drug Analysis

A Quality Laboratory The Tulane Drug Analysis Laboratory, a full-service toxicology laboratory accredited by the College of American Pathologists, has provided high quality substance-abuse testing to medical and commercial clients for many years. We combine state-of-the-art technology with a broad range of support services to provide complete, accurate and cost efficient programs which can be tailored to each client's specialized needs. The Testing Methodology The initial drug screening technologies available include automated analyses by both EMIT (enzyme immunoassay) and Tdx (fluorescence polarization), paper chromatography (ToxiLab), wet chemistry, and if requested, clinical procedures such as glucose or RPR (for venereal disease). Quantitative results are provided where possible.

Confirmation of presumptive positive screens by an alternative chemical methodology may begin with use of an alternative screening procedure. Final confirmation is generally by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy, and in addition, depending on the drug involved, high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and spectrophotometer. The end result is that a considerable body of chemical evidence has been generated by the time a sample is reported as positive, essentially eliminating the possibility of false positives and assuring the highest degree of accuracy possible. Types of Screening Programs Pre-employment drug-screening is included in hiring policy by an ever-increasing number of employers as an important tool in creating a drug-free workforce. Employers may elect to have the expense of testing carried partially or totally by the prospective employee. Random drug screening is the most effective way to insure drug-free personnel. Used alone or in conjunction with counseling programs, it has been proven to significantly reduce the incidence of drug use. The lab offers accident related drug-screening (with associated health care programs, if desired) on a 24-hour-a-day basis through the Tulane University Hospital Emergency Room facility, which is especially convenient to employers in the downtown business district. Accident-related drug screens can be useful in establishing liability. Sample Collection Individuals may come directly to our facility for the testing, or trained laboratory personnel can be sent to your work site to collect the specimens. In every case, a complete chain of custody is maintained from the time the sample is collected until its ultimate storage or disposal. Testing Panels Several types of drug panels are offered: A) 5-Drug Panel This panel tests the most common drugs of abuse including: amphetamines and methamphetamines cannabinoids (marijuana) cocaine and its metabolites opiates as a class (e.g., codeine, morphine) phencyclidine (Angel Dust) B) 7-Drug Panel In addition to the basic drugs of abuse contained in the 5-drug panel, the 7-drug panel also includes: barbiturates as a class (e.g., secobarbital) benzodiazepines as a class (e.g., Valium) C) 8-Drug Panel The 8-drug panel includes all the drugs tested in the 5-drug panel and 7 drug-panel as well as: methaqualone D) 10-Drug Panel The most complete drug panel offered, the 10-drug panel test for all the drugs included in the 5-drug, 7-drug and 8-drug panel and also tests for: methadone propoxyphene In addition to each of the drug panels, the Tulane Drug Laboratory also offers alcohol testing by two different methods: blood alcohol testing and breath alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is extremely pertinent, since alcohol is the most frequently abused drug in our society. Levels from both methods of testing are the most significant indicator of intoxication. Breath alcohol testing is performed using a Department of Transportation certified breathalyzer: an Alcometer IV. This state-of-the-art equipment performs initial screens and confirmations and prints all results to ensure security and prevent errors. Reporting of Results The screening procedure is completed and a report is released within 24 hours of testing. Reporting is done either verbally by telephone or electronically by facsimile. To insure strict donor confidentiallity, results are released only to pre-designated Employer contacts. Should the sample test positive, a verbal report of pending is given and an additional 24 - 48 hours is required for GC/MS confirmation to be performed. Written reports are sent as soon as all testing procedures have been completed. For a tour of the laboratory facilities or further information, please contact: Dr. William J. George Director, Tulane Drug Analysis Laboratory 1430 Tulane Avenue, Suite 4713 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 588-5587 - phone (504) 587-7641 - fax Send your comments and critiques to the Pharmacology Department Webmaster. Last Modified on 11/15/00.