Clinical Laboratory Scientists Help Crack Newborn Marijuana Mystery
Surprising source of positive medical lab test results was discovered by a special team including pathologists, medical technologists, nurses, and physicians
Some innovative sleuthing by clinical laboratory professionals at University of North Carolina School of Medicine (UNCSM) hospitals has helped solve a marijuana mystery involving neonatal screenings. An unexpected spike in “false positive” cannabis exposure screening results in newborns at the facilities triggered a study by UNCSM scientists.
Revised Screening Protocol Leads to Jump in False Positives
According to a story in MedCity News , in July 2011, the UNCSM clinical laboratories received a call from nurses in the neonatal nursery. They had noticed an increase in positive results in screenings for tetrahydrocannabinol-delta 9-carboxylic acid (THC). THC is the principal psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. (more…)
