About HealthTap
1 doctor weighed in:

When does a doctor order a breath test instead of a urine test?

1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Lewis Hassell
Pathology

In brief: Method selection

The method chosen (breath, blood, urine, etc.
) depends on the substance being measured, how it reacts with the body (metabolites, etc.) the performance and availability of the test. Some substances are more easily detected by breath tests (e.g. alcohol, ammonia) while others may be concentrated in urine (most drugs of abuse.)

In brief: Method selection

The method chosen (breath, blood, urine, etc.
) depends on the substance being measured, how it reacts with the body (metabolites, etc.) the performance and availability of the test. Some substances are more easily detected by breath tests (e.g. alcohol, ammonia) while others may be concentrated in urine (most drugs of abuse.)
Thank
Disclaimer
Get help from a real doctor now
Dr. Vicken Poochikian
Board Certified,
40 years in practice
2M people helped
Continue
111,000 doctors available