Exams and Tests

The doctor will determine what substances have been abused and will ask what symptoms prompted the person to seek care. The doctor will then perform a physical examination to evaluate for possible organ damage.

• Laboratory studies are directed to evaluate for specific organ damage.

• Drug screening tests are readily available for some agents. Other substances can be detected with specialized tests at only a few laboratories in the country. Some agents cannot be detected by laboratory evaluation. There may be little benefit from drug testing.