A nationwide survey of urinalysis practices of methadone maintenance clinics. Utilization of laboratory services

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1990 Jan;114(1):94-100.

Abstract

The urinalysis practices of 324 methadone maintenance clinics were surveyed by using a brief self-report questionnaire. Results indicated that there was a wide variability in collection practices and utilization of laboratory techniques. The most frequent collection schedules were monthly (40%) and weekly (32%). The most frequent laboratory techniques used for initial screening were thin-layer chromatography and enzyme immunoassay. Confirmatory testing by a second technique was used by 69% of the laboratories. The most popular confirmatory techniques used were thin-layer chromatography, enzyme immunoassay, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The geographic differences in urinalysis practices also were noted. The implications for drug abuse treatment were determined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Community Health Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Data Collection
  • Demography
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Laboratories / standards
  • Laboratories / statistics & numerical data*
  • Methadone*
  • Substance Abuse Detection / methods
  • Substance Abuse Detection / statistics & numerical data
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Substance-Related Disorders / urine*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States

Substances

  • Methadone