Broad-Spectrum Drug Screening Positivity Rates in Pediatrics and Adults: The Reference Laboratory Perspective

This retrospective study reports real-world positivity patterns in a broad-spectrum drug panel, including significant sex- and age-based differences. The higher rates of copositivity in female patients and the higher prevalence of sedatives in pediatric patients are clinically relevant for interpreting drug screen results and managing acute toxidromes. These findings may be useful to both acute care decision making and public health policy interventions, particularly in the pediatric setting.