Substance abuse in pregnant women: making improved detection a good clinical outcome

In this issue, Gideon Koren and colleagues review the maternal and child health implications of drug-residue testing in maternal and neonatal hair and testing for drugs in meconium. Since the 1990s, these methods have been used to varying degrees in clinical practice, but recent technological advances have increased their accuracy and usability in the clinical setting. Compared with self-reported maternal use, drug-residue testing in hair and testing for drugs in meconium are more reliable methods for detecting drug and alcohol exposure during pregnancy. These methods can also provide insights into patterns of use and abuse of these substances.