Introduction to Urine Drug Screening

 

Urine drug testing is commonly used for investigation of unknown ingestions and compliance monitoring. This presentation discusses the rationale for using urine as a specimen type, the common analytical techniques used for testing, and important considerations for interpretation of results.

Originally published on October 9, 2023

Lecture Presenter

Jessica Boyd, PhD, FCACB, DABCC (TC)

Jessica Boyd, PhD, FCACB, DABCC (TC)

Associate Professor (Clinical)
University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Clinical Toxicology
ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Jessica Boyd is a medical director of toxicology at ARUP Laboratories and an associate professor (clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Boyd received her doctorate degree in medical sciences, analytical and environmental toxicology, from the University of Alberta. She also completed a fellowship in clinical chemistry at the University of Calgary/Calgary Laboratory Services. She has received several awards, including the 2018 Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists Award for Innovation in Laboratory Medicine and the 2016 Laboratory Director Grant, Mass Spectrometry Applications in the Clinical Laboratory. Dr. Boyd is board certified in toxicological chemistry by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. Her research interests include urine drug screening and dried specimen analysis.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the benefits and limitations of urine as a specimen type
  • Discuss the screen and confirm approach to urine drug screening
  • Review the classes of drugs commonly tested

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories