This review explains biochemical methods used to identify prenatal drug exposure in pregnant patients and newborns. It describes the strengths and limitations of different biological specimens and testing approaches, noting that self-report may be affected by stigma and fear of social or legal consequences. The authors frame biochemical testing as an adjunct to careful clinical history and as a research tool for measuring exposure. The review does not evaluate a new screening intervention or establish that universal testing improves outcomes.
Abstract
Licit and illicit drug use is a common complication of pregnancy. Accurate information on drug use is difficult to obtain for many reasons as women fear self-disclosure or consenting for drug testing due to stigma, guilt, and fear of social and legal harm. As information about drug use is clinically very important, biochemical testing is an important adjunct to careful maternal history. In addition, research studies depend on accurate measures of exposure when reporting risks of a substance. This paper delineates available matrices for and methods of biochemical drug testing in pregnant women and neonates.
