Which test is commonly ordered to screen for illicit or prescription drug use on admission?

• A. UA
• B. T&S
• C. LFTs
• D. Urine Drug Screen

Answer: (D)

Screening for illicit or prescription drug use on admission relies on testing urine for a panel of substances. A urine drug screen is designed to detect common drugs and their metabolites in the urine, providing rapid information about recent substance exposure that can influence safety, pain management, and treatment decisions in the hospital setting. This specificity for drugs distinguishes it from a general urinalysis, which looks for infection, blood, protein, or glucose but not drugs. Liver function tests assess liver enzymes and damage, not drug use, and a type and screen checks blood type for transfusion compatibility, not substances. While a urine drug screen is a useful screening tool, be aware that screening methods can yield false positives or negatives, often requiring confirmatory testing if results impact care.