Newborn drug testing is considered controversial, and it is not mandatorily approved by any state in the United States. But the doctors may recommend newborn drug testing for those mothers who have a history of drug abuse or drug addiction. The drug test would go back to a detection window of 20 weeks before childbirth. This blog will help you with all the information regarding newborn drug testing and how to pass the infant drug test and prevent losing child custody.
What is Newborn drug testing?
Newborn drug testing is the drug testing conducted by the medical professional by collecting the umbilical cord and testing for major illegal drugs. The umbilical cord is used to test because it contains a rich amount of stem cells, and hence it is efficient enough to trace drug presence that could have possibly moved on to the child.
Do all states drug test newborns?
No. Some states drug test the newborns during birth if they find out the mother has a history of drug abuse. Some states do not conduct a 5-panel drug test unless there arises suspicion of drug consumption by the mothers. Tennessee is the only state that has considered newborn drug testing a crime.
Drug Testing methods of Newborns
There are two ways that newborn drug testing is conducted. They include
Umbilical cord drug testing is when the umbilical cord is collected as a sample and tested for drugs like opioids, weed, alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, etc.
Meconium drug testing is when the meconium (first poop excreted by the baby) is collected as a sample and tested for nine drug metabolites. Meconium is excreted out of the body within 48 hours of childbirth. The initial drug testing may be a 5-panel drug test and if found positive, a confirmatory drug test is conducted to ensure the presence of drug metabolites.
How far can newborn drug testing go?
A newborn drug testing might go far back to 20 to 25 weeks of detection window before childbirth. If you have consumed drugs during pregnancy, the drug metabolites will travel to all parts of your body, including the umbilical cord and the newborn’s body. So, there are chances that the drug traces might get stored in the umbilical cord and to the baby’s body, and so in the meconium.
What Happens if tested positive in a newborn drug testing?
If a newborn is tested positive during the newborn drug testing, the baby would be isolated, incubated, and isolated from the mother until recovery. In the worst-case scenario, the CPS would revoke child custody if your infant tested positive for drug testing.
Final words
Newborn drug testing is prevalent in some states in the United States, and hence it is essential to keep away from drugs during pregnancy rather than risking your child custody.
Also Recommended Small Pet Animals