A standard drug screen analyzes a urine sample for the presence of nine specific substances or classes of substances. This type of test is frequently utilized by employers, healthcare providers, and legal entities to identify potential drug use. The analysis detects not only the parent drug but also its metabolites, which are the byproducts produced as the body processes the substance.
The utilization of multi-panel drug screens provides a relatively quick and cost-effective method for determining if an individual has recently consumed illicit or prescription drugs. This information can be critical for workplace safety, adherence to treatment plans, or legal proceedings. Historically, drug screening has evolved from simple immunoassay tests to more sophisticated analytical techniques that offer increased accuracy and the ability to detect a wider range of substances.