Laboratory approach for diagnosis of toluene-based inhalant abuse in a clinical setting

Abstract

The steady increase of inhalant abuse is a great challenge for analytical toxicologists. This review describes an overview of inhalant abuse including the extent of the problem, types of products abused, modes of administration, pharmacology and effects of inhalants, the role of laboratory, interpretation of laboratory results and clinical considerations. Regular laboratory screening for inhalant abuse as well as other substance abuse and health risk behaviors must be a part of standard clinical care.

Keywords

• Analytical issues
• hippuric acid
• inhalant abuse
• toluene