In the case of life-threatening symptoms, unconsciousness, or bizarre behavior in an emergency situation, screening for common drugs and toxins may help find the cause, called a toxicology test or tox screen to denote the broader area of possible substances than self-administered drugs. The test is usually done within 96 hours (4 days) after the estimated time of intoxication. Both a urine sample and a blood sample may be tested.[18]

Similar screenings may be used in to evaluate the possible use of date rape drugs. This is usually done on a urine sample.[18]