Stanford Report, November 6, 2014

Stanford offers students a medical test for unintended drug ingestion

Stanford University offers testing for students who believe they may have consumed a drug without their knowledge or consent.

By Joy Leighton

A new service through Vaden Health Center offers testing for students concerned that they may have ingested a substance or drug without their knowledge or consent.

The service consists of a urine test that detects drugs and other substances in the body. The sample should be collected as soon as possible after the suspected incident. Depending on the drug, it may be found in urine for less than 12 hours or more than 72 hours.

"Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our students. This test provides students peace of mind by helping them know if they have been administered a drug or substance by someone else without their consent," said Ira M. Friedman, associate vice provost and director of Vaden Health Center, who is meeting with students and staff to discuss the new test. "We have created an additional option for students to help them answer that important question."

The test can be done at Vaden Health Center. After the urine sample is obtained, it is sent to an outside laboratory, and results may take up to three weeks.

The test can also be obtained at Stanford University Medical Center Emergency Department.

There is no charge for the test at Vaden Health Center for students enrolled on the main campus because the test is covered by the Campus Health Service Fee. A test done at Stanford's Emergency Department is billed to the student's health insurance.

Test results become part of students' confidential medical records. However, medical staff may be required to report the incident to police under certain circumstances. For detailed information about the test, visit Vaden Health Center.

If a sexual assault has occurred, there are support services available to help students, including confidential counseling and medical and reporting resources. A complete listing of resources for students who have experienced sexual assault or relationship violence can be found at Stanford's website notalone.stanford.edu.