Drug Testing Explained: How Chemistry Finds Substances

Drug testing detects chemicals in the body, identifying both legal and illegal substances.
Samples include urine, blood, saliva, and hair, each providing different detection windows.
Analytical chemistry is key, turning tiny molecules into measurable signals.
Immunoassays provide quick screening, showing the presence of drugs in minutes.
Confirmatory tests like GC-MS or LC-MS pinpoint exact substances with high precision.
Metabolites are tracked, revealing how the body breaks down drugs over time.
Workplace testing ensures safety and compliance, especially in high-risk jobs.
Sports organizations rely on it, detecting performance-enhancing substances in athletes.
Forensic labs use drug testing in investigations, confirming substance use or poisoning.
At its core, drug testing turns invisible chemicals into clear evidence, using chemistry to protect health and justice.