Evaluation and cost analysis in two groups of patients who had been randomized for toxicological monitoring

Background. The toxicological method plays a pivotal role in gaining a correct understanding of drug takers, whether they are occasional or regular users, depending on the capability of a single drug to generate tolerance and induce psychological or physical dependence. Aim. The purpose of this study was to compare voluntary toxicological (“tox”) tests in two different groups by analysing the direct and indirect costs in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) paradigm. Materials and Methods. Patients were randomly enrolled in two groups. In Group 1, 12 patients underwent two urine tox tests per week. In Group 2, 12 patients underwent a single keratin matrix test three months after they had initiated their participation. Results. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of direct and indirect costs. In particular, the tox test implemented by using keratin matrix turned out to be cheaper in terms of: the cost of each substance used in the screening phase; costs arising from lost productivity because of absence from work; fuel costs, and those due to wear and tear depreciation of the value of the car used to access the service. Conclusions. On the basis of this evidence, in terms of effectiveness, utility and approval by all the parties concerned, the keratin matrix method could be incorporated in innovative schemes to improve treatment procedures.