Opioid Use Disorders, Medication-Assisted Treatment, and the Role of the Laboratory

Urine drug testing is an essential component in the evaluation and management of individuals with opioid use disorders, including those on buprenorphine or methadone maintenance therapies. Notwithstanding its centrality in adherence monitoring, studies have shown that clinicians have important knowledge deficiencies regarding the ordering and interpretation of drug tests. In this review, we discuss the scope and frequency of testing, the advantages and disadvantages of immunoassay- (presumptive) and liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry- (definitive) based techniques, indications for definitive testing, medical necessity, and other considerations. Optimal use of urine drug testing depends on collaboration between clinicians and laboratory scientists.