A toxicology test, or “tox screen,” checks for drugs or other chemicals in your blood, urine, or saliva. Drugs can be swallowed, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin or a mucous membrane. In rare cases, a tox screen may check your stomach contents or sweat.
This test may be done to:
- Find out if a drug overdose may be causing life-threatening symptoms, unconsciousness, or strange behavior. It is usually done within 4 days after a drug may have been taken.
- Check for drug use in the workplace. Testing is common for people who work in public safety, such as bus drivers or child care workers. Some jobs require a tox screen as part of the hiring process.
- Check for drug use in students involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports and cheerleading.
- Look for the use of drugs that enhance athletic ability.
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