what investigations are carried out to test for overdose?

Question

if someone has an overdose, how would you test for this?

Answer 1

Blood test for alcohol, Tylenol, aspirin, electrolytes, blood sugar, liver functions, and blood gas which includes a pH. Urine test for PCP, amphetamines, opiates, THC, benzodiazapines, etc.

Answer 2

First of all history and physical examination to look for evidence of an overdose is done.
If the name/s of drug/s, the amounts taken, and timing of taking an overdose is known, then a BLOOD TEST (toxicology test) can be done to check for the blood levels of the drug or its metabolites. If the drug is UNKNOWN, then a DRUG SCREENING test will be done beforehand.

Laboratory tests to check on functions of organ systems that can be harmed by the specific drug overdose will also be done. The tests can estimate the extent of toxic effects of the drug overdose.

So, if you supect someone had an overdose and you can see that the situation looks bad, the signs and symptoms themselves can tell an overdose before any test. However, signs and symptoms of overdose can sometimes be delayed but can be fatal , so if there is anyone who appears to have an overdose, seek medical advice immediately.

Answer 3

Blood, urine and hair samples may be tested for various drugs. Saliva and sweat may be used at times.

From http://www.drug-testing-kits.com/drug-testing-product.html

"There are five primary types of drug tests: urine, blood, hair, saliva, and sweat. Most common is the urine test which has the benefit of being inexpensive and less intrusive than the blood test. "

Also, rarely, fingernails are used. But practically speaking, especially in autopsies, vitually any fluid can be tested, such as stomach contents and spinal fluid.

http://www.testcountry.com/ProsandConsofDifferentDrugTestingMethods.html

Breath can be tested for alcohol, commonly done at roadside, although this is not practical in the case of an overdose.