Understanding What Goes into a Clinical Chemistry Analysis

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Oct 20, 2017/ 0 Comments / in medication management, urine drug testing / by
Understanding What Goes into a Clinical Chemistry Analysis

Clinical Chemistry Analysis Brought To You By National Labs

Clinical chemistry analysis is the process of testing bodily fluids in order to diagnose or reveal something about the individual. One of the ways in which this type of process is utilized most often is during drug tests that take a sample of saliva, urine, hair, or blood in order to determine if the individual was abusing a drug.

We at National Labs work hard to ensure every sample is tested thoroughly—whether for outpatient rehab, withdrawal help, or an employer test—and that our drug testing options provide you the quickest and most accurate results possible.

Learn More About National Labs: 877-304-5183

Defining a Clinical Chemistry Analysis

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a clinical chemistry analysis involves taking a sample of a person’s bodily fluid and checking it for a specific reason. Sometimes, this same principle may be utilized to find out if a person has a specific disease or not. Other times it may be used to determine if a person was abusing a drug.

When this is specifically related to drug testing and abuse, many individuals are unsure of how the presence of a specific drug can be found in one’s specimen. Understanding the process can help you be more informed when discussing the results and consequences of a drug test, as well as to truly understand why we get the results we do.

The Components of a Clinical Chemistry Analysis

When it comes to drug screening, there are two major components of a clinical chemistry analysis: enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LCMS). These two components must go hand-in-hand in order to display the most accurate results possible.

  • During EIA, antibodies are created in the laboratory and then they are introduced to the sample given by the individual being tested. These antibodies will compete with any drugs in the individual’s sample, which in turn, will form antigen-antibody complexes. Based on the complexes that form, the analyst can determine whether there is either a positive or a negative result right away.
  • LCMS testing takes longer and is more complicated. The sample is pushed through a chromatographic column by a carrier liquid. Once it goes through, the sample breaks down into its molecular components, which allows it to be examined using a mass spectrometer for any foreign drug substances.

An EIA is an effective test, but on its own, it is not effective enough to guarantee accurate results. Therefore, it usually serves as an initial test to get results back to the employer, opiate rehab center, or other client as quickly as possible. Afterwards, the LCMS provides the client with the most accurate results possible so they can ensure the initial results were correct.

Also, EIA can sometimes create a false negative or a false positive, which is why it should be followed with an LCMS. The second test ensures that, if any false negative or false positive did occur, the analysts will be able to recognize and reverse it.

Want to Learn More About Drug Testing?

Whether you are testing as part of a medication monitoring program, an opiate detox program, an employee program, or for another reason, understanding drug testing can help you ensure an easy and effective exchange with National Labs. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about clinical chemistry, drug testing, and any other subject.

For More Information About National Labs, Call: 877-304-5183

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