Test ID DSS Drug Screen, Prescription/Over the Counter, Serum
Ordering Guidance
For chain-of-custody testing, order DSSX / Drug Screen, Prescription/Over the Counter, Chain of Custody, Serum.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST tubes are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2.75 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
8421Useful For
Detection and identification of prescription or over the counter drugs frequently found in drug overdose or used with a suicidal intent
Qualitatively identifying drugs present in the specimen; quantification of identified drugs, when available, may be performed upon client request
This test is not intended for therapeutic drug monitoring or compliance testing.
This test is not intended for use in employment-related testing.
This test is not useful for drugs of abuse or illicit drug testing, including benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, cocaine, amphetamine type stimulants.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Reporting Name
Drug Screen, Prescription/OTC, SSpecimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Minimum Volume
1.1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days | |
Ambient | 3 hours |
Clinical Information
This test looks for a broad spectrum of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. It is designed to detect drugs that have toxic effects, as well as known antidotes or active therapies that a clinician can initiate to treat the toxic effect. The test is intended to help physicians manage an apparent overdose or intoxicated patient, or to determine if a specific set of symptoms might be due to the presence of drugs. This test is not appropriate for drugs of abuse or illicit drug testing, including benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, cocaine, and amphetamine type stimulants.
Drugs of toxic significance that are not detected by this test are: digoxin, lithium, and many drugs of abuse or illicit drugs, some benzodiazepines, and some opioids.
For more information see Emergency/Overdose for detection limits for drugs detected in this test.
Reference Values
Drugs detected are presumptive. Additional testing may be required to confirm the presence of any drugs detected.
Cautions
Specimens collected in serum gel tubes are not acceptable, as the drug/analyte can absorb on the gel and lead to falsely decreased concentrations.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
3 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80307