Drug Testing Locations - Plains, PA

Drug Testing in Plains, PA

Plains, Pennsylvania Statistics

In Plains, Luzerne County, overdose deaths increased by 15% over the past year.

Luzerne County reported 450 drug-related arrests in the past two years in Plains, PA.

Plains, PA, saw a 20% rise in opioid-related hospitalizations last year.

In 2022, Luzerne County's Plains had 250 drug rehabilitation enrollments.

Plains Borough experienced a 10% reduction in drug abuse incidents in 2023.

Luzerne County ranked in the top 10 for opioid overdose deaths in Pennsylvania.

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 Plains, PA & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Plains, PA, are increasingly adopting comprehensive drug testing policies to maintain a safe workplace. Partnering with organizations like SAMHSA, local businesses implement pre-employment screenings and random drug testing to deter substance abuse.

In addition to compliance with state regulations, many companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) to provide support for those struggling with addiction. These programs often include counseling, treatment referrals, and educational resources on substance abuse prevention and recovery.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Plains, PA

The government has initiated numerous efforts to address drug problems in Plains, PA. A collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is in place to improve prevention and treatment services. Programs focus on educating youth and supporting recovery through community-based initiatives.

Additionally, law enforcement agencies work with the U.S. Department of Justice to crack down on illicit drug trafficking. Plains Borough has also received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health for public health campaigns aimed at reducing opioid misuse.

Local Drug Busts & News in Plains, PA

Recent drug busts in Plains, PA, have resulted in significant seizures of illegal substances, emphasizing the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. A coordinated effort by local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration led to a major operation dismantling a drug distribution network in Luzerne County.

Events such as community forums and educational workshops are also organized to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. These gatherings provide valuable information and resources to help residents understand the impact of drug addiction on the community and offer avenues for support and recovery.

Occupational Health Services

Accredited Drug Testing offers fast, reliable employment screening services in Plains, 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

Pennsylvania o-drug Epidemic Guide

PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

CDC Drug Overdose

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Narcotics Anonymous

Drug Enforcement Administration

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Luzerne County Drug and Alcohol Program

Drug Testing Near Plains, PA

Laurel Run, PA

Yatesville, PA

Wilkes-Barre Township, PA

Exeter, PA

Courtdale, PA

Luzerne, PA

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Kingston, PA

Inkerman, PA

Pringle, PA

Laflin, PA

Swoyersville, PA

Forty Fort, PA

Hudson, PA

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews