This cross-sectional national survey examined substance use screening, perinatal toxicology testing, and informed consent practices at U.S. birthing hospitals. Researchers collected 217 eligible hospital responses from 43 states between July 2023 and June 2024 and assessed whether hospital and state characteristics were associated with testing policies.
Most hospitals reported screening for substance use at delivery (84.8%), but fewer than half used validated screening tools. Written toxicology testing protocols were reported by 69.1% of hospitals for birthing patients and 73.7% for newborns. Informed consent was reported for 70.0% of birthing-patient testing and 27.8% of newborn testing. Practices varied by region and state cannabis policy, and testing rationales sometimes included nonclinical factors. The authors recommend standardized, evidence-informed practices that prioritize clinical utility and informed consent.
Original summary for clinical review. Read the published study.
