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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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An Intestine/Liver Microphysiological System for Drug Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Assessment
Published on: December 3, 2020
Evaluation of a urine screen for acetaminophen
Daniel N Ingram1, George N Bosse, Edward P Womack
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
Summary
The Biosite Triage TOX Drug Screen accurately detects acetaminophen (APAP) in urine, showing high sensitivity for overdose cases. This urine screen may help rule out acute APAP toxicity in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a significant cause of fatal poisoning.
- Evaluating diagnostic tools for APAP toxicity is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the performance of the Biosite Triage TOX Drug Screen for qualitative acetaminophen (APAP) detection in urine.
- To compare urine test results with quantitative serum and urine APAP concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Paired urine and serum samples were collected from 191 patients.
- Urine samples were tested using the Biosite Triage TOX Drug Screen.
- Quantitative APAP analysis was performed using gas chromatograph mass spectroscopy (GCMS) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- The urine screen demonstrated 100% sensitivity for samples with serum APAP > or = 10microg/mL.
- Compared to GCMS, the urine screen showed 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity for urine APAP > 5microg/mL.
- Compared to HPLC, the urine screen showed 81% sensitivity and 95% specificity for urine APAP > 5microg/mL.
Conclusions:
- The Biosite Triage TOX Drug Screen accurately detects urinary APAP concentrations.
- This urine test can be a valuable tool for ruling out acute acetaminophen overdose in clinical practice.
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