A comprehensive analysis designed to identify the presence of twenty distinct substances or classes of substances within a biological sample, typically urine. This type of assessment is utilized in various settings, including employment screening, clinical diagnostics, and forensic investigations. For example, it can detect a wide array of prescription medications, illicit narcotics, and commonly abused substances, providing a broad overview of an individual’s recent drug use.
This thorough screening offers substantial advantages in maintaining workplace safety, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards, and supporting individuals in substance abuse treatment programs. Its historical roots lie in the increasing need for reliable and comprehensive methods to deter drug use and promote public health. The development of increasingly sensitive and specific testing technologies has driven the expansion of panels over time, enabling the detection of a wider range of substances.