Amphetamines; 1 or 2
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Amphetamines; 1 or 2
Commonly referred to as Amphetamine Test, Amphetamine Screen
Summary
An amphetamine test is a diagnostic procedure used to detect the presence of amphetamines in the body. It can be performed using urine, blood, or hair samples and helps determine if a person has used amphetamines recently.
Purpose
The procedure addresses substance use assessment, helping to identify amphetamine use for medical, legal, or employment-related reasons. The expected outcome is to obtain a clear result indicating the presence or absence of amphetamines.
Indications
- Symptoms of amphetamine abuse (e.g., hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure)
- Monitoring compliance in patients prescribed amphetamines for medical conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy
- Pre-employment or random workplace drug screening
- Legal or forensic investigations
Preparation
- No specific fasting is required for urine or hair tests.
- For a blood test, the patient might be advised to avoid certain foods or medications that can affect results.
- Inform the healthcare provider of any medications or supplements taken recently.
Procedure Description
- Urine Test: The patient is provided with a sterile container to collect a midstream urine sample. The sample is then sealed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- Blood Test: A healthcare provider draws a small amount of blood from a vein, usually in the arm, into a vial. The sample is labeled and sent for testing.
Hair Test: A small amount of hair (about 1.5 inches close to the scalp) is cut and sent to the lab. Hair analysis can detect drug use over a longer period compared to urine or blood tests.
No anesthesia or sedation is required for these procedures.
Duration
- Urine Test: Collection takes a few minutes; results might take 1-3 days.
- Blood Test: Takes about 5-10 minutes; results might take 1-3 days.
- Hair Test: Collection takes a few minutes; results might take 5-7 days.
Setting
- Urine and blood tests are typically performed in a clinic, hospital, or laboratory.
- Hair tests can be done in a clinic, lab, or at home with a self-collection kit.
Personnel
- Nurses or phlebotomists collect blood samples.
- Technicians may oversee the collection of urine and hair samples.
- Laboratory personnel conduct the analysis.
Risks and Complications
- Urine and Hair Tests: Minimal to no risk.
- Blood Test: Minor risks such as bruising or infection at the puncture site.
Benefits
- Provides accurate detection of amphetamine use.
- Helps in managing and treating substance abuse.
- Can verify compliance with prescribed treatment.
Recovery
- No special recovery needed for urine and hair tests.
- For a blood test, keep the puncture site clean and dry; mild discomfort may be experienced.
Alternatives
- Saliva testing: Less invasive, can detect recent drug use.
- Sweat patches: Non-invasive, used for continuous monitoring, though less commonly employed.
- Each alternative has varying degrees of detection windows and accuracy.
Patient Experience
- During the urine test, mild inconvenience being asked to provide a sample.
- Blood tests might cause slight discomfort or pain.
- Hair sample collection is painless, though it involves cutting a small section of hair.
- Post-procedure, patients typically resume normal activities immediately. For blood tests, mild bruising might occur but resolves quickly.