Laboratory testing in psychiatry - Articles - Page 2

Clinical Guidance

Complete Blood Count

November 3, 2025

Dr. Carlat has no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

The CBC is one of the most commonly ordered tests in psychiatry.

Clinical Guidance

Basic Metabolic Panel

November 3, 2025

Victoria Hendrick, MD and Daniel Carlat, MD

Dr. Hendrick and Dr. Carlat have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

The basic metabolic panel is commonly ordered at admission on psychiatric units.

Clinical Guidance

Assessing and Managing Homicide Risk

November 26, 2024

Victoria Hendrick, MD and Daniel Carlat, MD

Dr. Hendrick and Dr. Carlat have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

When a patient threatens to kill someone, immediate action is required to protect the patient, staff, and the public.

Lab Testing for Patients with Substance Use Disorders

May 1, 2022

Will Becker, MD

Will Becker, MD

Associate Professor, Yale University. Medical director, Opioid Reassessment Clinic, VA Connecticut Healthcare System. New Haven, CT.

Dr. Becker has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Dr. Becker walks us through the ins and outs of lab testing for patients with substance use disorders. He tells us which tests are important to get at the first visit and which ones to follow over time. He also discusses how to broach the subject with patients and what to do if disagreements arise.

Urine Drug Screens: What You Need to Know

May 1, 2022

Brooke Lifland, MD

Brooke Lifland, MD. Resident in psychiatry, Yale University. New Haven, CT. Dr. Lifland has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Urine toxicology testing is an essential tool in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders. But it can be tricky to use properly. Here, we explain the difference between a routine drug screen and confirmatory testing, and why this difference matters. We discuss when you might suspect false results and what you can do about it.