What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you need to check whether a newborn was exposed to drugs while in the womb. It's often used right after birth to look back over a long window of pregnancy, since meconium (the baby's first stool) holds a record of substances that passed through the amniotic fluid. This helps guide next steps for the baby's care and can support decisions about a mother's recovery plan.

What's included in this test?

This panel screens meconium for nine different classes of commonly misused substances using an initial screening method, with any positive result automatically confirmed by a more precise lab technique. Testing multiple drug classes at once gives a fuller picture of any in-utero exposure rather than checking for just one substance, which matters because exposure can involve more than one drug and different substances carry different risks to a newborn's health.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each substance tested listed as positive or negative against its cutoff level, along with a plain-language explanation of what that means. If a screen comes back positive, the lab automatically runs a more precise follow-up test (mass spectroscopy) to confirm the result before it's finalized. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if repeat testing is ever needed, you'll be able to track results over time using the trends feature.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of the lab receiving the sample. This timeframe allows for the initial screening step plus any confirmatory testing needed if a substance screens positive. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is generally considered for newborns when there's a reason to check for possible drug exposure during pregnancy, such as a known history of substance use, limited prenatal care, or unexplained symptoms in the baby after birth. It's also used in situations where documentation of exposure history can help guide follow-up care planning or support a parent's rehabilitation process. Hospitals and clinics may request this type of testing as part of newborn evaluation protocols.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

A newborn who is unusually jittery, has trouble feeding, shows tremors, has a high-pitched cry, or has difficulty regulating body temperature shortly after birth may warrant this kind of screening. Poor weight gain or signs of withdrawal in the first days of life are also common triggers for testing. If there's known or suspected substance use during the pregnancy, testing may be considered even without obvious symptoms.

How does meconium testing compare to urine testing in newborns?

Meconium is easier to collect than a newborn's urine and gives a much longer look-back window, potentially covering up to 20 weeks of pregnancy versus just the last few days that urine testing can capture. This makes meconium a more complete record of exposure that occurred earlier in the pregnancy. Because of this wider window, meconium testing is often preferred for a full exposure history.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the substance was detected at or above the cutoff level, and it will have already been confirmed with a more sensitive lab method before being reported. It does not tell you how much of the drug the baby was exposed to or exactly when the exposure happened during the pregnancy. A positive finding is generally used to guide monitoring and support decisions for both the baby and the mother going forward.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means none of the tested substances were found at or above the detection cutoff in the sample collected. This is generally reassuring, but keep in mind that timing and the amount of meconium available can affect what a test can pick up. If exposure is still suspected despite a negative result, additional evaluation may be considered.

What should happen if results come back abnormal?

If a result comes back positive, review the confirmed findings in your report to understand which substances were detected. This information is often used to plan closer monitoring of the newborn in the days after birth and to connect the mother with rehabilitation or support resources. Because newborn health can be time-sensitive, any concerning symptoms in the baby should prompt seeking medical care right away.

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.

Meconium Drug Screen Panel - Newborn Drug Exposure 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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