Question 1

how often is meconium drug testing done?

Accepted Answer

As often as needed: Meconium drug testing is often done to validate a positive drug screen in the mother or newborn as the method is not confused by some innocent otc preparations. It can also demonstrate drug use over the months prior to birth where a urine test may miss those not used within days of birth.

Question 2

does meconium determine how postterm you are?

Accepted Answer

? never heard of it: I've been in the business of caring for babies a long time and never heard of anyone relating meconium to gestational age. It starts forming after 12 weeks or so and stops at delivery. Post term status is most often apparent by physical exam of the baby.

Question 3

how long does cocaine stay in baby s meconium?

Accepted Answer

Months: Suspicion leads to meconium testing in a newborn as a more accurate reflection of past drug exposure than urine, that may only reflect a week or so.The material is built up over many months and the sensitivity of the test can pick up minute quantities deposited in the meconium  as it forms.This reflects exposures from the preceding month if not longer.

Question 4

how far back does meconium go back during a tox screen?

Accepted Answer

Months: The meconium is the byproduct of months of internal digestive work.Drug exposures during the pregnancy may be gone from urine if mom has not been exposed in a week or so, but meconium can preserve the material for months.

Question 5

how long does it take for meconium results to come back?

Accepted Answer

Drug Screens: It depends on how long it takes to get to the lab doing the study. If it reaches the laboratory then it is  matter of few hours.

Question 6

how long does it take to get meconium drug test results?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Depends on the hospital and lab.  If they have to send it out, may take longer.  Should be less than a week

Question 7

what do you suggest if my son ate the meconium before being born?

Accepted Answer

OK: If infant passed meconium before birth and swallowed it-infant will be fine-it is sterile.  But if infant breathed it into lungs-infant can have  serious pneumonia. 12% of births have meconium-sometimes it is a sign of fetal distress-sometimes not. The condition of the infant right now is important. If there is no breathing problem-that is a good sign.

Question 8

how far back can you detect drug use in meconium?

Accepted Answer

: Meconium is fetal stool produced in the amniotic fluid when the baby is in distress. It is most commonly seen in difficult deliveries with fetal distress. Moms shouldn't use drugs, especially while pregnant, as it can affect their baby's development and lead to developmental delays, behavior problems and low birth weight. Drug tests help authorities figure out which babies need extra help.

Question 9

what length of time does meconium represent for a baby?

Accepted Answer

Peculiar wording???: Meconium starts forming after the gut is complete.This is around 12 weeks. It accumulates slowly, and represents gut enzymes,liver discharge, swallowed hair and skin. It will usually not empty until after the baby is born.

Question 10

would meconium be positive if drugs used within days of delivery?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Not sure why the concern. Meconium is tested in addition to the urine to help understand how to treat infants with drug related problems. Honesty with the physician will go a long way to helping.  Better to 'fess-up so the dr doesn't have to guess.  All this information is protected (hippa). It is best not to try to get around the system.

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Doctor answers about:

What is particulate meconium

A member asked:

How often is meconium drug testing done?

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Does meconium determine how postterm you are?

A member asked:

How long does cocaine stay in baby s meconium?

A member asked:

How far back does meconium go back during a tox screen?

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How long does it take for meconium results to come back?

A member asked:

How long does it take to get meconium drug test results?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if my son ate the meconium before being born?

A member asked:

How far back can you detect drug use in meconium?

A member asked:

What length of time does meconium represent for a baby?

A member asked:

Would meconium be positive if drugs used within days of delivery?

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