Comprehensive drug screening for a pediatric population
Parker, K.M.; White, B.N.; Beattie, D.J.; Altmiller, D.H.
Clinical Chemistry 34(4): 748-750
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9147 PMID: 3282720 Document Number: 318748
Our comprehensive drug screen involves colorimetric, immunoassay, and chromatographic procedures. Here, we report our experience over 18 months with urine specimens from subjects one to 21 years old. Of 1454 specimens analyzed, 817 (56%) were found to contain drugs. Those drugs present in more than 4% of the specimens were: acetaminophen, benzodiazepines, sympathomimetic amines, phencyclidine, salicylate, and phenobarbital. We further evaluated this population divided into four age groups. Acetaminophen was the most common drug in all age groups, but the prevalence of other drugs differed among groups. Anticonvulsant drugs were more common in children and pre-teen groups (.ltoreq. 12 y); salicylate was identified more often in populations > 6 y; and illicit drugs were more frequent in adolescent and young adult populations (> 12 y). We discuss the implications of these data on drug screening in the pediatric population.