What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about a newborn's exposure to drugs of abuse during pregnancy. It checks umbilical cord tissue to detect substance use that occurred during the second and third trimesters. Hospitals, families, and social service situations often use this test to understand a baby's health history right after birth.

What's included in this test?

This is a single, focused toxicology test rather than a panel of multiple biomarkers. It's designed specifically to detect drugs of abuse in umbilical cord tissue, which reflects exposure over an extended window of pregnancy rather than just the final days before birth. This makes it a reliable way to assess whether a newborn was exposed to substances in utero.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a plain-language explanation of what a positive or negative finding means. If a substance is detected, the next step is usually to talk with the newborn's care setting right away so the right follow-up care can happen quickly. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and your results are saved so you can track this test alongside any related future testing.

How can I naturally support recovery after substance exposure?

If a newborn tests positive, supportive care like skin-to-skin contact, calm and low-stimulation environments, and consistent feeding routines can help ease withdrawal symptoms. Good hydration and gentle swaddling are also commonly used comfort measures. These steps work alongside any medical care needed, especially in the newborn's first days.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of the sample reaching the lab. This timeframe reflects the specialized testing needed to analyze umbilical cord tissue rather than a quick urine or blood screen. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is often used by hospitals, adoptive or foster families, legal representatives, or anyone who needs documented information about a newborn's in utero drug exposure. It's especially relevant when there's a known or suspected history of maternal substance use during pregnancy. It can also support custody, legal, or medical decision-making shortly after birth.

What symptoms in a newborn might indicate a need for this test?

Signs like tremors, excessive crying, poor feeding, difficulty sleeping, or unusual muscle stiffness in a newborn can sometimes point to in utero drug exposure. Low birth weight or a smaller head size can also be a signal. If any of these are present, this test can help provide clarity on the underlying cause.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means that traces of one or more drugs of abuse were found in the umbilical cord tissue, indicating exposure during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The report will specify which substances were detected. This information helps guide appropriate newborn care and monitoring in the days following birth.

What causes a positive umbilical cord drug screen?

A positive result is caused by maternal use of drugs of abuse—such as opioids, stimulants, or other controlled substances—during pregnancy, since these substances can cross into the placenta and accumulate in cord tissue. Because umbilical cord tissue reflects a longer exposure window than urine, it can pick up substance use from weeks earlier in pregnancy. The specific substance and level detected will be listed in your report.

What should be done if the results come back abnormal?

If results are abnormal, the newborn should be monitored closely for withdrawal symptoms and connected with appropriate care right away, especially if symptoms like tremors or feeding difficulty are present. Keeping a copy of the downloadable lab report handy is useful for any follow-up conversations. If any severe symptoms appear in the newborn, seek medical care immediately.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Umbilical Cord Drug Screen - Newborn Toxicology Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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