Toxicology reviews: immunoassay in detecting drugs of abuse

Ingestion of DOA by children and adolescents continues to be a prevalent problem. Emergency physicians, particularly those in pediatric institutions, should have an understanding of the screening tests for DOA. Several IA techniques provide a rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive screen for DOA. Nevertheless, the physician must be familiar with the limitations of each laboratory and be aware that a negative toxicology screen does not rule out ingestion of many DOA.