R. Scott LaNeve, General Manager; Lauren Ritter, Director of Laboratory Operations; Gina Cooper, Director of Toxicology ServicesDRUGSCAN, a laboratory that specializes in toxicology testing, understands the intricate nature of this scientific discipline. The lab delivers quality results alongside invaluable insights to ensure the toxicology data is translated for all audiences. At the heart of its approach lies client-centered support, where a dedicated team of scientists works with clients to address uncertainties regarding result interpretation.
Comprehensive monitoring services support healthcare providers in the responsible prescribing of controlled substances, including opioids, benzodiazepines, amphetamines and medications used in the treatment of substance use disorders. Central to this area of toxicology is prescription drug monitoring (PDM), drug testing tailored for physicians treating patients and drug treatment facilities. Emphasizing early detection of aberrant behavior and timely intervention, PDM is crucial in preventing complications associated with drug misuse. DRUGSCAN extends its expertise to forensic toxicology services, investigating toxicological factors in post-mortem cases. It also contributes to cultivating safe and drug-free work environments by conducting pre-employment and workplace drug testing.
“DRUGSCAN supports providers in safeguarding patient health and well-being. At the end of the day, it’s all about minimizing harm and eliminating barriers to treatment,” says Scott LaNeve, General Manager.
Supporting Patient Recovery
DRUGSCAN supports providers in safeguarding patient health and well-being. In its PDM services, it serves patients under the care of pain medicine specialists or primary care physicians. It verifies patients' medication adherence, detecting any deviations from prescribed drugs and identifying potential interactions with illicit substances.
Its work with drug treatment facilities includes diligently monitoring patients to ensure adherence to treatment programs and prescribed medications. The significance of this effort transcends averting issues with prescribed drugs. The laboratory is pivotal in fostering patients' successful completion of treatment programs.
To streamline patient monitoring, it leverages cutting-edge technology and empowers healthcare providers with effective care management tools. One notable example is advanced informatics technology, which enables primary care providers to seamlessly integrate patients' pharmacy data with their test outcomes. It offers a tool that facilitates smooth integration into electronic medical records, allowing healthcare providers to actively monitor patient prescriptions. These solutions provide caregivers with a comprehensive view of the patient's health status, accentuating the company's commitment to delivering superior assistance.
In the constantly evolving environment of new psychoactive substances, DRUGSCAN chooses to develop only tests that are clinically relevant and medically necessary for treatment or harm reduction. This allows Drugscan to stay current without over testing. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art mass spectrometers and updated clinical processes, the laboratory ensures effective drug detection.
Quality is a priority, as demonstrated by its extensive accreditations and certifications. These include its Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) license, accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the esteemed Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) certification, a distinction given to only 10 commercial laboratories in the U.S. These accreditations are a powerful testament to the laboratory’s dedication to quality.
It actively participates in the national discourse on the emergence of new substances within the country's drug supply. Its proficiency in leading innovation and adaptability to promptly detect novel psychoactive substances was exemplified during the emergence of xylazine, a compound posing significant risks to public health. DRUGSCAN was one of the first laboratories in the U.S. to devise a testing protocol for xylazine, underscoring its dedication to addressing emerging threats in the drug landscape.
Remaining vigilant about ongoing developments, it leverages resources such as the Center for Forensic Sciences Research and Education (CSFRE) list of trending substances to ensure its testing capabilities remain current. Drugscan also stays current with new drug formulations and use trends by being active in the care environment and staying connected to new literature.
A recent case perfectly exemplifies this commitment. When a client's resident tested positive for fentanyl within the controlled environment of a treatment facility, concerns were raised. Through thorough research, DRUGSCAN discovered that certain potent street fentanyl variants can persist in the body for extended periods, contrasting with the pharmacokinetic behavior of medical-grade fentanyl. By sharing these findings with the client, DRUGSCAN facilitated a deeper understanding of the test results, eliminating potential misinterpretations and empowering the provider to continue delivering trusted patient care services.
An Assurance of Quality
Whenever DRUGSCAN’s assistance is needed, the laboratory engages in in-depth discussions to clarify the underlying chemistry of tests. Despite complexities, it strives to simplify matters for clients, understanding the impact toxicology can have on people’s lives.
We don't get this level of quality work by accident. We get that through hard work and by paying attention to the details that come into play
Guided by operational excellence, it monitors key quality metrics daily. These metrics encompass the management of exceptions, turnaround time and comprehensive analysis of any quality issues. It vigilantly observes trends and developments to proactively address challenges before they impact results.
Notably, the laboratory attained an exceptional level of quality performance in 2023, conducting 10.5 million tests, with only 36 reports necessitating corrections—over half of which were identified internally through its quality programs before ever reaching the client.
This achievement epitomizes a Six Sigma level of quality, translating to a 99.9997 percent yield rate, and reinforces its customer-centric ethos.
Its employees are deeply engaged in humanitarian efforts as well, supporting local charities that assist individuals grappling with homelessness or substance use disorders through street-based outreach. They also advocate for proven harm-reduction strategies through a range of educational programs, promoting a comprehensive approach to addressing societal challenges.
“We don't get this level of quality work by accident. We get that through hard work and by paying attention to the details that come into play,” says LaNeve.
To achieve efficiency, most labs implement standardized practices, requiring clients to follow the same order process and adhere to identical workflows. In contrast, DRUGSCAN prioritizes meeting clients' specific requirements and emphasizes flexibility. It customizes services to align with client needs and capabilities. Whether clients opt for traditional paper-based or electronic order processing, electronic medical records or a user-friendly online portal, DRUGSCAN readily accommodates diverse preferences.
DRUGSCAN offers a variety of report styles, including customizable options, ensuring that clients receive results in their preferred format. Unparalleled flexibility is a key factor in meeting client preferences, underscoring DRUGSCAN’s commitment to delivering personalized and efficient testing services.
A Culture of Compassion and Social Responsibility
A culture of compassion and a dedicated workforce empower DRUGSCAN to deliver toxicology services that meet every client’s expectation. The laboratory prioritizes staff education on substance use disorders and methods for reversing overdoses, emphasizing the significance of destigmatizing substance use disorders. This goal is to minimize harm and eliminate barriers to treatment, reflecting its promise of promoting health and wellness.
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Drugscan supports providers in safeguarding patient health and well-being. At the end of the day, it’s all about minimizing harm and eliminating barriers to treatment
The prioritization of employee development has earned DRUGSCAN recognition as one of the premier workplaces in the U.S. It actively fosters career advancement pathways for its staff. Consistently seeking their input leads to elevated levels of workforce engagement and productivity, driving a customer-focused approach to toxicology testing.
DRUGSCAN is strategically venturing into developing technology and informatics products designed to enhance a client’s management of controlled substance prescriptions. The objective is to broaden its offerings to provider networks, health systems and hospitals, as it anticipates a significant shift in direction and stands ready to offer innovative solutions that meet evolving client needs.
DRUGSCAN is a pillar of support for healthcare professionals as it empowers them to effectively navigate the complexities of toxicological science and advance patient care to the next level.
Decades of Patient-Focused Laboratory Testing
Gina Cooper, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Director, Toxicology Services, Drugscan, Inc.
The early identification of medication misuse is essential for early intervention, making it an important part of prevention and harm reduction.
