2.11.1 Assessments Involving Methamphetamine Labs

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• Initiation of a methamphetamine (meth) lab allegation investigation should take place within four (4) hours.
• The SSW does not enter a meth lab location. If SSW encounters a meth lab during a case contact, the SSW leaves immediately and contacts law enforcement for assistance.
• The SSW cooperates with law enforcement regarding meth lab protocol. Law enforcement and a site safety officer may direct documentation of the scene and decontamination procedures. In the absence of coordination by law enforcement, the SSW may contact emergency medical services (EMS) as necessary to evaluate children found in a meth lab and decontamination procedures. When EMS are not required, the SSW ensures that all children that have been exposed to meth, or the chemicals used to produce meth, are taken to an emergency room or appropriate medical facility for a complete medical assessment and appropriate decontamination. If decontamination procedures are not available at the scene, the SSW does the following: 
• ​Leaves all of the child’s personal belongings (including shoes, blankets, toys, etc.) at the home, due to possible contamination by dangerous toxins;
• Uses gloves, if possible, to clean the child’s face, hands, and hair with water;
• Places a protective covering (paper suit), if available, over the child’s clothing for protection; and
• May use a blanket, if available, to cover the car seat prior to placing the child in a car for transportation. 
• ​The SSW utilizes the DPP-106I Methamphetamine Exposure Medical Evaluation and Follow-Up Form ​to document the physical health and care of an exposed child. Refer to the Meth Lab Protocol for CPS Workers-Intake and Assessment of Children in or Exposed to Meth Labs and Meth Lab Protocol-Medical Evaluation for Children and Adults.
• Methamphetamine testing should be completed, if possible, within two (2) hours, but no longer than twelve (12) hours, of removal because the drug may not be detectable after that time.  The SSW requests from the medical facility the following diagnostic testing: 
• Urine drug screening, including meth testing at a detection level;
• Diagnostic lab work to include the following:
• ​Complete blood count (CBC) with differential; and
• Chemistry panel including BUN/creatinine and liver functions.
• ​Additional tests should include the following:
• ​Vital signs;
• X-ray;
• EKG;
• Pulmonary function testing, if clinically indicated; and 
• A thorough lung examination, including respiratory rate and oxygen saturation on room air.