Principle Diagnostics Expanded Opioid Drug Screening Menu Combats Opioid Epidemic
The opioid addiction crisis in the United States is one of the most prevalent drug-related problems. It’s essential to have accurate information for high-risk patients who deviate from medication monitoring. Principle Diagnostics combats this epidemic with an expanded drug screening menu, including fentanyl and all other synthetic opioids, methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), tramadol, codeine, and oxycodone.

With over 70% of overdose deaths coming from opioids, Principle Diagnostics is looking towards the future by providing more effective and sensitive drug screening tests. This testing will give healthcare providers accurate information for high-risk patients who deviate from medication monitoring.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that early 850,000 people have died from drug overdoses since 1999. This number will continue to grow if more action isn’t taken.

EPIDEMIC AND PANDEMIC CONVERGENCE
According to the Overdoses Mapping Application Program (ODMAP), in March, May, and July 2019, suspected overdoses rose by 18%, 29%, and 42% on a monthly basis, respectively. The ODMAP announced an 11.4% rise in fatal overdoses and an 18.6% increase in non-fatal overdoses during 2020.

PRINCIPLE EXPANDED DRUG SCREENING MENU
Principle Diagnostics aims to provide healthcare providers with relevant information for high-risk individuals who deviate from medication management or rehabilitation program. Principle Diagnostics has already expanded the number of qualitative drug screening choices on their test menu through their laboratory partners.

Principle Diagnostics’ expanded test menu now includes an FDA-approved fentanyl test that is extremely sensitive and can identify the drug quickly owing to low cut-off thresholds. In addition to the opiate drug screening that has already been introduced, a hydrocodone/hydromorphone drug testing assay will be included in the expanded test menu.

According to the newly proposed SAMHSA standards, the opiate screening test may not be accurate enough for clinicians to feel confident about their patients’ compliance. The hydrocodone/hydromorphone assay bridges that gap.