Hauff, Kristin D.

Abstract Objectives Urine drug testing (UDT) is a critical tool used in medical, forensic, and occupational settings, but interpreting results can be challenging. We performed a study to assess the ability of health care professionals to interpret UDT results accurately. Methods In total, 911 clinical and laboratory professionals in the United States and Canada responded to a survey with questions gauging expertise in UDT interpretation. Responses were analyzed to identify knowledge gaps. Results Toxicologists and laboratory PhD scientists performed well, with means of 4.82 and 4.63 questions answered correctly (out of 6 possible), respectively. Physicians specializing in pathology, emergency medicine, primary care, and internal medicine, however, displayed concerning knowledge gaps, as did laboratorians with nondoctoral degrees. Experience and training correlated with interpretation accuracy. Identification of simulated compliance as well as understanding opioid exposure, metabolism, and immunoassay cross-reactivity were among the most clinically significant knowledge gaps. More than 30% of survey respondents indicated that they would seek UDT information from the internet or peers rather than clinical or laboratory experts. Conclusions The study highlighted the need for targeted education and better collaboration between clinical and laboratory experts and other health care professionals to ensure that when physicians order UDT, they can accurately interpret results and reduce harm.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the production, distribution, and demand of essential laboratory supplies worldwide. In 2021, severe shortages in required laboratory supplies such as blood collection tubes, butterfly needles, and blood gas syringes became a critical issue across Canada. Many hospitals or institutions had to instruct physicians and patients to limit laboratory testing where possible and, in some cases, required emergency shipments of tubes from alternative vendors or nearby hospitals. Laboratory testing is ubiquitous in managing patients. It is used for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring purposes. With limited blood collection tubes, consideration for restricting non-urgent testing is needed to conserve supply and protect acute care departments that manage critically ill patients. In addition, laboratories across Canada have experienced significant staffing shortages, resulting in an even greater need for appropriate laboratory utilization. Consequently, the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC) and the Canadian Association of Medical Biochemists (CAMB) curated utilization recommendations for both hospital and primary care settings in collaboration with Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC). These recommendations were specifically selected from those previously published by Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC), with impact statements and rationales added to conserve at-risk laboratory resources. Supply chain disruptions of clinical laboratory resources are expected to continue throughout 2022, indicating that now, more than ever, a focus on appropriate laboratory utilization is essential.