Jones, J. , Coy, D. and Jones, M. (2024) A Comparison of Turnaround-Times for Two Popular Specimen Types Used for Newborn Toxicology: Meconium and Umbilical Cord Tissue. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 14, 1541-1547. DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2024.1410123.

Screened Negative Results = ~24 Hours* Confirmed Results (positive/negative) = additional ~48-72 Hours*
*Estimates are calculated based on the time the specimen is received at our laboratory.

Abstract

Background: Prenatal exposure to illicit substances is responsible for several long-term negative health consequences. It is critical for healthcare professionals to know the extent and scope of prenatal substance exposure in their cases. Several studies exist with mixed results comparing the effectiveness of umbilical cord tissue (UCT) and meconium (MEC) as toxicology specimen types. The specific aim of this study is to compare the use of UCT and MEC regarding the time interval between the birth of the neonate, receipt of the specimen at the laboratory, and the hospital’s receipt of the final toxicology report.

Method: The study queried de-identified results of 5358 consecutive UCT and 706 MEC from our laboratory.

Results: The mean time from birth to receipt of the specimen at the laboratory for MEC and UCT was 4.5 days ± 2.9 days and 2.8 days ± 1.9 days, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for MEC was 6.9 days ± 3.8 days, 5.7 days ± 3.3 days, and 8.4 days ± 3.8 days for all MEC specimens, negative MEC, and positive MEC, respectively. The mean time from birth to final report for UCT was 4.3 days ± 2.4 days, 3.5 days ± 2.2 days, and 5.4 days ± 2.2 days for all UCT, negative UCT and positive UCT, respectively.

Discussion/Conclusion: Receipt of drug test results of the neonate prior to release from the hospital is critical. This study shows that UCT offers an advantage when results are needed quickly to make informed decisions about the health and well-being of newborns.

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Jones, J., Coy, D., Gidron, D. et al. Using umbilical cord tissue to identify prenatal ethanol exposure and co-exposure to other commonly misused substances. J Perinatol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-024-02075-2

Abstract

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Jones J (2023) Toxicology as a diagnostic tool to identify the misuse of drugs in the perinatal period. Front. Pediatr. 10:1071564. doi: 10.3389/fped.2022.1071564

Abstract

The use, misuse, and abuse of substances are a continued public health concern in this country and around the world. Perinatal exposure to substances of abuse is associated with several long-term negative consequences for the neonate. Limited resources exist to assist perinatal health professionals on this very complex subject. The purpose of this document is to provide additional information about selecting monitoring protocols, the specifics of appropriate testing methodologies, and the interpretation of toxicological findings. Understanding these concepts better allows perinatal healthcare professionals to be a voice for the voiceless in order to protect and enrich lives during this unprecedented opioid epidemic.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Loretta Finnegan for the encouragement to prepare this manuscript. Additionally, I would like to thank Guida Brown for reviewing and editing the paper.

Click here to read the full abstract. Click here to learn more about Newborn Testing. 

We will be implementing an important update to our system over the weekend. Unfortunately, this means the system will be down over the weekend, 10/26-10/27.

As a result, there may be some delays in the processing of specimens. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.