Urine Drug Testing in Adolescents: Common Questions and Uses

Identifying adolescent substance use can be complicated, as symptoms can be non-specific and testing can be difficult to obtain and interpret appropriately. Familiarity with consent and confidentiality issues surrounding urine drug testing is important when discussing testing with adolescents and families. Understanding the pros and cons of testing can help pediatricians decide when and how to obtain urine drug screening as well as inform result interpretation. Being aware of home drug testing concerns and having a basic knowledge of fentanyl test strips can assist pediatricians in guiding families and their adolescents.