Drug Testing Locations - Bangor, WA

Drug Testing in Bangor, WA

Bangor, Washington Statistics

In Bangor, WA (Kitsap County), opioid-related hospitalizations increased by 12% from the previous year.

Kitsap County reported a 25% rise in fentanyl seizures in Bangor, WA in 2022 compared to 2021.

Drug-related deaths in Bangor, WA accounted for 20% of total fatalities in Kitsap County in 2022.

Kitsap County Sheriff noted a 15% increase in methamphetamine-related arrests in Bangor, WA in 2022.

Alcohol-related emergency visits in Bangor, WA saw a 10% rise according to the Kitsap County Health Department.

A survey in Kitsap County indicated that 30% of high school students in Bangor, WA had used marijuana in the past year.

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 Bangor, WA & Drug Testing Policies

In Bangor, WA, employers are actively adopting drug testing policies to ensure a drug-free workplace. While testing policies vary, many companies comply with guidelines set by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. These policies typically include pre-employment and random testing.

Local employers emphasize the importance of maintaining safety and productivity. To promote a healthy work environment, they also provide access to employee assistance programs, offering support for those struggling with addiction. Find more information at Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Bangor, WA

The government of Bangor, WA, along with Kitsap County, has implemented several strategies to combat drug abuse. These include prevention programs in schools and partnerships with local organizations. For more information, visit the Kitsap County Human Services website.

State initiatives such as the Washington State Department of Health's drug user health program are also in place to address this issue, providing resources and support for those affected by substance abuse.

Local Drug Busts & News in Bangor, WA

Recent drug busts in Bangor, WA have highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle illegal drug activity. In early 2023, a significant operation led to the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine, resulting in multiple arrests. This operation was part of a larger strategy by the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office to curb drug distribution networks.

Community events aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug use are routinely organized with the support of the Kitsap County Health Department. These events provide valuable information and resources to residents, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early intervention in tackling substance abuse.

Occupational Health Services

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

Washington DOT/Non DOT Physicals

Washington Vision Tests

Washington Audiograms

Washington Respirator Fit Tests

Washington Lift Tests

Washington Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in WA

Diabetes Testing in WA

Infectious Disease Testing in WA

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in WA

Women/Men's Health Testing in WA

Resources & Citations

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute - University of Washington

Kitsap County Substance Abuse Services

King County Behavioral Health and Recovery

Washington State Government

DSHS Substance Abuse Treatment

StopOverdose.org

NAMI Washington

Substance Use Disorder Professional Certification Advisory Committee

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Drug Testing Near Bangor, WA

Suquamish, WA

Chico, WA

Seabeck, WA

Lofall, WA

Brownsville, WA

Breidablick, WA

Silverdale, WA

Central Valley, WA

Keyport, WA

Virginia, WA

Poulsbo, WA

Scandia, WA

Olympic View, WA

Bangor Base, WA

Bangor Trident Base, WA

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews