Suitable Specimen Types
- Plain Spot Urine
15 mL random urine minimum
Specimen Transport
First class post to referral laboratorySample Processing in Laboratory
UsualTurnaround Time
48 hoursSample Stability
Store specimens at 4ºCLaxative Screen
General Information
The four most common \"stimulant\" type laxatives (bisacodyl, danthron, phenolphthalein and rhein) may be detected in urine.
Patient Preparation
The sampling strategy is often an important factor in the detection or confident elimination of laxative abuse. Thus, it is worthwhile considering obtaining specimens on two or three consecutive days and submitting these for analysis as a batch.
Notes
Please contact the Duty Biochemist prior to request
Setrile plastic container without preservative required. Faecal specimens should NOT be sent for analysis.
Reference Range
Interpretation advice from referral laboratory
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes