Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) Blood Drug Test
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Test Code: 715300
Specimen Type: Blood
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Description:
Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) Blood Test
This test looks for the drug for Methylphenidate in a blood sample. Methylphenidate, more commonly known by the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, is a nervous system stimulant typically used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). It is also sometimes used to treat people with the sleep disorder narcolepsy. When taken properly, Ritalin can help to increase a person's ability to pay attention, stay focused, and control behavior. However, Ritalin can also be abused when it is taken without a doctor's prescription or used as a recreational drug. Ritalin has a number of potential side effects and these can become worse when it is taken incorrectly. Common side effects include confusion, anxiety, agitation, paranoia, loss of appetite, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, nausea, headache, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and irregularly high or low blood pressure. Abusing Ritalin can lead to addiction and long term abuse can cause a variety of mood changes and mental disorders such as depression, anorexia, manic episodes, delusions, and suicidal thoughts. Overdosing can cause vomiting, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Ritalin has a fairly short detection period in blood. It is usually detectable for 12-24 hours or less after use. Ritalin is not included in most standard drug screens so a specialized test is necessary to detect it. Positive results for this test will provide a numerical value for the level detected. This test is not intended for therapeutic monitoring.
A urine Methylphenidate test is also available. Please see our Drug Testing Category for more options.
The turnaround time for the Ritalin (Methylphenidate) Blood Test is typically 3-6 business days.
Where can I find a Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) Blood Drug Test near me?
Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Requirements:
This test is not performed with a chain of custody.
This test is not available for people under the age of 18.
This test is intended to screen for drugs of abuse and is not appropriate for pain management or therapeutic monitoring. Customers who require pain management testing should consult their prescribing physician
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