Psychiatric Patients in the Pediatric Emergency Department Undergoing Routine Urine Toxicology Screens for Medical Clearance

• DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e3181a79305
• Publication Date: 2009-06-09T07:18:34Z
• Authors: Jesusa Milalaine ...; In K. Kim; Amy Cooper; Cole Condra; Douglas J. Lorenz; Mary Clyde Pierce
• Keywords: Concordance; Psychiatric medication; Altered Mental Status; Depression

Objective: We sought to determine the use and results of urine toxicology screens (UTS) in psychiatric patients undergoing a UTS test for medical clearance pediatric emergency department. Methods: A structured retrospective study was conducted over 6-month period. All department (ED) charts were reviewed 8 17 years who had UTS. Urine identified as medically indicated or routine-driven. Medically presented with seizures, syncope, headache, altered mental status, ingestion, chest pain/palpitation, shortness breath, sexual assault, those brought motor vehicle accident (MVA). Routine-driven uncomplicated aggressive out control behavior, intentional self-inflicted wounds, symptoms depression, all whom without any evidence drug alcohol ingestion status. quantified positive tests. In addition, we determined change management disposition patients. also concordance provided history result. Results: Of 652 reviewed, 267 indicated; 385 routine-driven group, 254/267 (95%) negative 115/118 (97%) referred treatment after evaluation. Fisher exact comparison assessment result nonsignificant. The no effect on type (ie, outpatient therapy, partial hospitalization, inpatient hospitalization). Concordance illicit significant. Conclusions: being evaluated ED offered little additional information, did not influence management, potentially increased both cost time. Patients straightforward complaints may be cleared