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Opioids Blood Test

Article
Behavioral & Mental Health
Teen Health
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Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAJun 11, 2019

What are other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

  • Blood Test for Opioids

What is Opioids Blood Test? (Background Information)

  • Opioids are chemicals derived from opium whose functions resemble those of morphine. They act as nervous system depressants
  • Opioids include heroin, codeine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and others. Opioids may be natural or semi-synthetic (meaning that they may be chemically modified versions of a natural substance)
  • Opioids are used to treat pain and sedate because of their ability to lower nervous system activity. These chemicals are also used recreationally to achieve a ‘high’. Opioids have a high risk of addiction
  • The Opioids Blood Test helps determine the levels of opioids in blood. However, because of the large number of opioids, there is no single test that is able to detect all opioids simultaneously

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Opioids Blood Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing the Opioids Blood Test:

  • Monitoring sedation and treatment for pain
  • Suspected opioid overdose, which is marked by:
    • Slow breathing
    • Sluggishness
    • Small pupils
    • Slow heart rate
    • Altered mental status
    • Erratic behavior
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting

How is the Specimen Collected for Opioids Blood Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Opioids Blood Test:

Sample required: Blood 

Process of obtaining a blood sample in adults:

  • A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
  • The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
  • The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
  • With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated using the needle
  • The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
  • The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
  • The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
  • The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Opioids Blood Test Result?

Interpretations of the value for the Opioids Blood Test depend on the specific opioid being tested for. A positive result indicates opioid consumption. The following are the cut-off values for several common opioids:

  • Oxycodone: 300 ng/mL
  • Methadone: 300 ng/mL
  • Buprenorphine: 5 ng/mL
  • Proxyphene: 300 ng/mL
  • Fentanyl: 1 ng/mL

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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