Procedures for Toxicological Screening:
1. What are the standard procedures for conducting screenings for individuals who believe they might have been administered a substance without their consent upon presenting to A&E?
We have no specific guidance for this. Such patients would undergo a clinical assessment to identify relevant
toxidromes and would receive treatment for this. We would also consider psychosocial issues as part of the standard clinical assessment.
2. Are there specific protocols for these situations, and if so, what are they?
No specific protocols for this.
If there is a document, flow chart or any other materials, pertaining to these procedures, please can these be attached to your reply.
Information Provided to Patients:
3. What information is given to patients regarding the utility and limitations of testing conducted in your A&E setting, including the context of potential law enforcement or justice processes, if any?
Generally, we do not offer testing for specific substances, as there is limited clinical value. We do not have specific
patient information for this situation. Patients would be advised to contact police if they wished or referred to SARC
in the context of sexual assault.
4. Does this information make clear whether or not tests conducted in A&E are admissible in court? If so, what does it state? N/A
5. What advice or support is provided to individuals during and after the screening process?
No specific guidance is provided, but as noted psychosocial issues would be addressed as part of routine assessment.
6. Are there any follow-up procedures or referrals to other support services offered to these individuals?
No specific guidance is provided, but as noted psychosocial issues would be addressed as part of routine assessment.
If there is a document, flow chart or any other materials, provided to patients, please can these be attached to your reply.
Scope of Toxicological Testing:
7. What is the scope of screening conducted in your A&E? If available, what type of testing is used.
Generally, we do not offer testing for specific substances. Urine screening is available from the laboratory but is rarely used
8. Are any specific drugs or substances prioritised or given special attention during these screenings? NO
Training:
9. Have A&E staff had specific and dedicated training about spiking? If so, please provide details of this training. NO
