To interpret urine drug screen results confidently in the context of pain management, the clinical laboratory professional should possess these competencies:
- Be able to recognize adulterated samples
- Know which opiate metabolites would be expected with a given drug
- Know the cross-reactivities of the laboratory's immunoassay methods, or where to access this information
- Be familiar with the trade names for prescription drugs used for pain
- Be able to answer some of the common questions posed to toxicology laboratory personnel
