I was accidentally given my room mate's medication, Haldol, extended release, (lasts 30 days in system) in the hospital. How long will this medication be able to show up in a blood test. And, is it even possible to detect in the blood? This is a very important matter and answers from informed sources are greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Maureen

Just explain how you were accidentally given an injection.

Sit on the needle ?

In hospital room with another patient. It was late, like 12:30 AM and I was just about to go to sleep. Nurse came in room, said was giving me a shot of a drug I didn't know. Roommate said refused a shot with same name. Then realized got her shot

Maureen,

Fr Chuck's question is very relevant... How? Was the medication administered orally or by injection. The route of administration helps to answer your question "how long".

Is Haldol detectable in blood? Of course! So long as we know what we're looking for (type test). Will it be detected in a standard laboratory screen? Probably not! Shouldn't be.

More importantly, Haldol (Haloperiodol) is used very selectively and inappropriate administration can have life-threatening consequences. (See as examples: 1) Warning (http://www.rxlist.com/haldol-drug.htm), 2) Haldol Facts and Comparisons at Drugs.com (http://www.drugs.com/cdi/haldol.html), 3) NIH (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000604)

Given the circumstances you explain, the hospital wherein this misadventure occurred should be rushing to answer your questions and abate any emergent problems.

In the meantime if there are any further questions about the clinical applications of the drug, please provide necessary detail and I will do my best to locate the appropriate resources.

Also what is the issue or trouble with it being in the system, is there a drug interaction issue or worry ?

If it is because of a possible drug test for probation or for a job, merely tell them the drug that was taken and where. Since the hospital gave it to you, you have proof how and where it came from, so there will be no issue for it showing up in a test