Urinalysis for drug detection, often referred to as a urine drug screen, is a common laboratory procedure used to identify the presence of specific substances in a person’s urine. These substances can include illicit drugs, prescription medications, and their metabolites. The test typically involves analyzing a urine sample using immunoassay or chromatography techniques. Results can be qualitative (positive or negative) or quantitative (measuring the concentration of a substance). For example, a workplace drug screening might utilize immunoassay for initial screening, followed by confirmatory testing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for positive results.
Drug testing through urinalysis plays a vital role in various settings. In healthcare, it assists in monitoring patient compliance with prescribed medications, diagnosing drug overdose or toxicity, and supporting addiction treatment programs. Workplace drug testing programs contribute to maintaining safe working environments, while in the legal system, it provides objective evidence in cases involving drug-related offenses. The development and refinement of analytical techniques over the past several decades have significantly improved the accuracy and reliability of urine drug testing, allowing for more precise detection and quantification of a wide range of substances.
