Drug Testing Locations - Elizabeth, PA

Drug Testing in Elizabeth, PA

Elizabeth, Pennsylvania Statistics

In 2022, Allegheny County reported a 3% increase in drug-related deaths compared to 2021, with Elizabeth contributing to the statistics.

In 2021, Elizabeth, PA saw 75 drug overdose incidents requiring emergency services, according to Allegheny County Health Department.

The Allegheny County annual substance abuse report indicated Elizabeth, PA had a 12% rise in opioid prescriptions from 2020 to 2022.

Elizabeth contributed to the 150 drug possession charges filed in Allegheny County in the first half of 2023.

Recovering addicts from Elizabeth, PA made up 5% of attendees in Allegheny County's rehabilitation programs in 2022.

How does the body eliminate Drugs

Drug elimination is the sum of the processes of removing an administered drug from the body. In the pharmacokinetic ADME scheme (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), it is frequently considered to encompass both metabolism and excretion. Hydrophobic drugs, to be excreted, must undergo metabolic modification making them more polar. Hydrophilic drugs, on the other hand, can undergo excretion directly, without the need for metabolic changes to their molecular structures.

Although many sites of metabolism and excretion exist, the chief organ of metabolism is the liver, while the organ primarily tasked with excretion is the kidney. Any significant dysfunction in either organ can result in the accumulation of the drug or its metabolites in toxic concentrations.

A variety of other factors impact elimination — intrinsic drug properties, such as polarity, size, or pKa. Also other factors include genetic variation among individuals, disease states affecting other organs, and pathways involved in the way the drug distributes through the body, such as first-pass metabolism.

Issues of Concern

Drug elimination is the removal of an administered drug from the body. It is accomplished in two ways, either by excretion of an unmetabolized drug in its intact form or by metabolic biotransformation followed by excretion. While excretion is primarily carried out by the kidneys, other organ systems are involved as well. Similarly, the liver is the primary site of biotransformation, yet extrahepatic metabolism takes place in a variety of organ systems affecting multiple drugs.

Given the multiple organ systems and the variety of metabolic transformations present, drug elimination can entail a significant degree of complexity. Hydrophilic drugs are typically directly excreted by the kidneys, while hydrophobic drugs undergo biotransformation before excretion. The purpose here is twofold – biotransformation serves both detoxify the exogenous substances as well as to increase their hydrophilicity, ensuring their elimination via the kidneys.

Two broad metabolic pathways of hepatic drug transformation exist. Phase I is the direct modification of the target molecule, whereas phase II entails conjugation of the target to a polar molecule of low molecular weight. Phase I prepare the drug to enter phase II, but single-phase metabolism also exists.

Phase I involves oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis of the exogenous molecule. These reactions are accomplished by hepatic microsomal enzymes, which reside in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the hepatocytes. Best known among them is the cytochrome P450 system, whose enzymes are predominantly involved in oxidative metabolism. Within the cytochrome P450 family (CYP), the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of more than 50% of existing drugs is the CYP3A4. Its activity encompasses various classes of medications, including opioids, immunosuppressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. The enzymes can also be induced or inhibited by a variety of substances they interact with, including pharmaceuticals. The increase in metabolic activity with CYP induction results in a diminished activity of drugs targeted by that particular isoform. Conversely, CYP inhibition will result in increased drug plasma concentration, potentially leading toxicity. The CYP3A4 is induced by phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St. John's wort, while diltiazem, erythromycin, and grapefruit inhibit it. Caution is, therefore, necessary when administering CYP3A4-metabolized drugs in the presence of any of the inhibitors or inducers.

Phase II consists of covalent bonding of polar groups to nonpolar molecules to render them water-soluble and allow renal or biliary excretion. Target molecules enter phase II directly or via initial processing through phase I. A variety of polar adjuncts is transferred, including amino acids, glucuronic acid, glutathione, acetate, and sulfate. Glucuronidation is one of the major pathways of phase II biotransformation. The UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme family performs this activity. Typically, glucuronide derivatives possess less or no activity of the original drug, but in some cases, pharmacologically active compounds result. Morphine-6-glucuronide is a phase II metabolite of morphine with significant analgesic activity. As with the CYP enzymes, inducers, and inhibitors of phase II, enzymes exist and may influence the efficacy of drugs that rely on conjugation before excretion.

The first-pass effect is a feature of hepatic metabolism that also plays a role in the elimination of multiple drugs. Here, the enteric consumed drugs are exposed directly to the liver via the portal vein, where they undergo biotransformation before entering the systemic circulation. This activity reduces the bioavailability and needs to be factored into the dose administered to the patient. Intravenously administered drugs are not subject to the first-pass effect.

Extrahepatic drug metabolism takes place in the GI tract, kidneys, lungs, plasma, and skin.

Renal excretion completes the process of elimination that begins in the liver. Polar drugs or their metabolites get filtered in the kidneys and typically do not undergo reabsorption. They subsequently get excreted in the urine. Urinary pH has a significant impact on excretion, as drug ionization changes depending on the alkaline or acidic environment. Increased excretion occurs with weakly acidic drugs in basic urine and weakly basic drugs in acidic urine.

Excretion in the bile is another significant form of drug elimination. The liver can actively secrete ionized drugs with a molecular weight greater than 300 g/mol into bile, from where they reach the digestive tract and are either eliminated in feces or reabsorbed as part of the enterohepatic cycle.

Other pathways of excretion include the lungs, breast milk, sweat, saliva, and tears

Employers in Elizabeth, PA & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Elizabeth, PA, are increasingly adopting drug testing policies as part of their hiring process. These policies not only aim to ensure a safe working environment but also address productivity concerns related to substance abuse.

Companies generally require pre-employment drug screening and may impose random drug testing for current employees as stipulated in their employee manuals. This approach is supported by state programs encouraging employers to maintain drug-free workplaces. More information can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law also permits denial of benefits for individuals dismissed due to drug use, further incentivizing employers to enforce drug testing policies. Employers can get assistance and guidelines from the PA Workplaces - Strengthening Our Community initiative.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Elizabeth, PA

The government of Elizabeth, PA, along with Allegheny County, has implemented several initiatives to address the drug crisis. One such effort includes the collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to provide resources for treatment and prevention. More information can be found on PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Additionally, local law enforcement agencies have been actively conducting drug education programs in schools and community centers. These programs aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and provide support resources to residents. For details on these initiatives, visit Allegheny County Overdose Prevention.

Local Drug Busts & News in Elizabeth, PA

In early 2023, a major drug bust in Elizabeth, PA led to the seizure of over $1 million worth of opioids. This operation was part of a larger initiative by the Allegheny County Police Department aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks.

The collaborative effort with federal agencies resulted in several arrests, disrupting a well-organized distribution ring affecting Elizabeth and neighboring communities. The success marks a significant step in reducing the availability of illicit drugs in the area.

Annual community forums are held to engage residents in discussions on the impact of local drug activity and preventive measures. These events are organized by local NGOs in partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department.

Occupational Health Services

Accredited Drug Testing offers fast, reliable employment screening services in Elizabeth, PA. Trusted by employers nationwide for accurate results and exceptional service.

Pennsylvania DOT/Non DOT Physicals

Pennsylvania Vision Tests

Pennsylvania Audiograms

Pennsylvania Respirator Fit Tests

Pennsylvania Lift Tests

Pennsylvania Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in PA

Diabetes Testing in PA

Infectious Disease Testing in PA

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in PA

Women/Men's Health Testing in PA

Resources & Citations

o-drug Epidemic in PA

PA DHS Addiction Services

Drug Problems in Allegheny County

Drug Treatment Centers in Allegheny

PA State and Local Programs for o-drug Crisis

Region III Pennsylvania Addictions Awareness

PA Criminal Justice Advisory Bulletins

Local Resources Pennsylvania

Drug Testing Near Elizabeth, PA

Sutersville, PA

Piney Fork, PA

Monongahela, PA

Port Vue, PA

Mount Vernon, PA

Glassport, PA

Elrama, PA

Jefferson Hills, PA

Clairton, PA

Hilldale, PA

Blaine Hill, PA

West Elizabeth, PA

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews