Wash the inside of the container with 5% hydrochloric acid by adding 50ml of the 5% acid and then replacing the top securely and shaking for 30 seconds. Then rinse with several changes of distilled water.
See the list of available assays, together with the recommended sample containers.
Each request must be authorised by a registered medical practitioner. Please see the Drugs of Abuse Guidelines for a more detailed answer.
This is usually because the request form was either incomplete or was completed incorrectly. Please check that you have given your full name and address. We get samples from 100's of locations!!!
For how long can a drug be detected ... ?
Please see the the relevant table in the drugs of abuse guidelines.
Which Specimen do I need ... ?
For drugs of abuse requests, you only need a urine sample - 20mls.
For an unknown drug screen, you must supply both urine - 30mls
and a blood sample (preferably 2 aliquots - 1 into Fluoride Oxalate and the other into Lithium Heparin).
Can we undertake a Blood Alcohol test for private or RTA Medico/Legal cases ... ?
No, we do not provide this service.
Where can I find the charges/costs for a test ... ?
Please telephone the laboratory for the current charges.
What are the turn around times for a particular test ... ?
Please telephone the laboratory for the turn around times, as tests can be done urgently or out-of-hours subject to an extra charge.
Do you offer any other analyses, other than those listed ... ?
The answer is probably "YES"
The laboratory has an on-going programme of R&D into new assays & methods.
Please contact the laboratory.
Please consult the Contacts Point page.
Also, the senior member of staff who authorised a particular report, has their name printed on the front of the report, to the right of the address box.
Please contact the West Midlands Poisons Unit (Ward D8) in the first instance - see the Contacts Point page.
If the sampling time is not stated, then the best time to take a blood sample for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, is just before the next dose.
For drugs & poisons overdoses, the sample should be taken as soon after admission as possible and preferably before any other drugs are administered in the treatment of the patient. It is then easier for us to identify what drugs were taken by the patient. This also a reason why we need the full medical history of the patient.
For Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, please see the table in the TDM Guidelines.
Can I visit the laboratory ... ?
Only upon written application to the Director of the Laboratory.
Do you have any job vacancies ... ?
Please see the relevant 'Job Vacancies Page', or for work experience for university students following approved courses; please send a letter of application to the Director and enclose a CV.
Where can I find additional information on Drug Misuse, Drug Help ... ?
The page drughelp.htm, on our site has many links to agencies & organisations that offer advice, help & information on this subject.