Fentanyl in the Labor Epidural Impacts the Results of Intrapartum and Postpartum Maternal and Neonatal Toxicology Tests

Abstract

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023;228(6):741.e1–741.e7) In obstetrics, toxicology testing is often used to gather data about maternal substance use. A positive maternal or neonatal toxicology test can result in significant consequences, including referrals to child protective services, dismissal from substance use treatment programs, and possibly incarceration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of administering neuraxial fentanyl during labor on toxicology test outcomes for mothers and neonates.