USDTL Research
A Comparison of Turnaround-Times for Two Popular Specimen Types Used for Newborn Toxicology: Meconium and Umbilical Cord Tissue
Jones, J. , Coy, D. and Jones, M. (2024) A Comparison of Turnaround-Times for Two Popular Specimen Types Used for Newborn Toxicology: Meconium and Umbilical Cord Tissue. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 14, 1541-1547. DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2024.1410123.

Turnaround Times, Screened Negative Results= ~24 Hours* Confirmed Results (positive/negative)= additional ~48-72 Hours*
*Estimates are calculated based on the time the specimen is received at our laboratory.
Abstract
Background: Prenatal exposure to illicit substances is responsible for several long-term negative health consequences. It is critical for healthcare professionals to know the extent and scope of prenatal substance exposure in their cases. Several studies exist with mixed results comparing the effectiveness of umbilical cord tissue (UCT) and meconium (MEC) as toxicology specimen types. The specific aim of this study is to compare the use of UCT and MEC regarding the time interval between the birth of the neonate, receipt of the specimen at the laboratory, and the hospital’s receipt of the final toxicology report.
Method: The study queried de-identified results of 5358 consecutive UCT and 706 MEC from our laboratory.
Results: The mean time from birth to receipt of the specimen at the laboratory for MEC and UCT was 4.5 days ± 2.9 days and 2.8 days ± 1.9 days, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for MEC was 6.9 days ± 3.8 days, 5.7 days ± 3.3 days, and 8.4 days ± 3.8 days for all MEC specimens, negative MEC, and positive MEC, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for UCT was 4.3 days ± 2.4 days, 3.5 days ± 2.2 days, and 5.4 days ± 2.2 days for all UCT, negative UCT and positive UCT, respectively.
Discussion/Conclusion: Receipt of drug test results of the neonate prior to release from the hospital is critical. This study shows that UCT offers an advantage when results are needed quickly to make informed decisions about the health and well-being of newborns.
Published by: United States Drug Testing Laboratories on 24-Oct-2024
https://www.usdtl.com/media/articles/a-comparison-of-turnaround-times-for-two-popular-specimen-types-used-for-newborn-toxicology-meconium-and-umbilical-cord-tissue
Contact USDTL
1.800.235.2367
Client Services
By Phone: 1.800.235.2367
Business Hours (CST)
Monday....................7am-7pm
Tuesday....................7am-7pm
Wednesday.............7am-7pm
Thursday..................7am-7pm
Friday........................7am-7pm
Saturday...................8am-5pm
Newsletters, Posters, and Catalogs
Our print materials will keep you up to date on the latest news in drug and alcohol testing.
Request Your Collection Supplies
For your convenience, USDTL provides test collection supplies at no additional charge.