Mandatory Toxicology Testing and Chemical Dependence Consultation Follow-up in a Level-One Trauma Center

Abstract

Objective There is a growing body of evidence indicating an association between intoxication and major trauma. This study assessed the prevalence of alcohol or drug intoxication in major trauma admissions to an urban trauma center. Design Sequential case series. Methods Toxicology testing and structural clinical interview assessment. Main Results Seventy-eight percent of patients tested had positive toxicology results. Chemical dependence assessments performed on patients who tested positive revealed that 94% met the criteria for a substance dependence or abuse disorder. Conclusions The implications of this data for admission toxicology testing policies and chemical dependence consultation support services to trauma units are discussed.