This type of diagnostic assessment is a laboratory analysis that screens for the presence of nine different classes of drugs or their metabolites in a biological sample, typically urine. It serves as a tool for detecting substance use within a defined timeframe prior to sample collection. For example, such a test may identify the presence of opioids, cannabinoids, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, phencyclidine (PCP), methadone, and propoxyphene.
The utility of this assessment lies in its ability to provide information crucial for various applications, including pre-employment screening, workplace safety monitoring, clinical diagnostics, and legal or forensic investigations. By identifying specific substances, it contributes to maintaining safety standards, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting informed decision-making in healthcare and legal contexts. Its development represents an evolution in drug testing technology, offering a broader spectrum of detection compared to earlier, more limited screening methods.