Exploring Medical Diagnostic Procedures
Laboratory studies should be selected based upon the patient’s symptoms. Although hair and saliva can be obtained for analysis, most toxicological monitoring or testing is performed using blood and urine samples. Drug metabolites of meth last in the urine the longest, around one to four days or up to a week in chronic users. Methamphetamine also can last in the bloodstream for up to three days.
Besides testing to see if methamphetamine is present, testing for complications that are common in meth users should also be performed. Blood tests are useful for this practice. These studies may include the following measures:
- Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel – To assess renal and electrolyte function
- Creatine kinase and/or myoglobin levels – To explore if rhabdomyolysis is occurring
- Serial troponin levels – If a concern for myocardial ischemia is present
- B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level – If there is suspected acute heart failure
Imaging studies may also be performed on the chest or head of the patient. A chest radiograph may be used in cases with pulmonary symptoms or chest trauma. Additionally, a CT scan of the brain can be performed in patients with altered mental status. This is to test for any intracranial bleeding, as such bleeding may be the result of methamphetamine-induced hypertension or associated head trauma.
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