Drug Screening Technologies and Their Impact on Public Health, Workplace Safety, and Clinical Practice
Drug screening, also referred to as drug testing or toxicology screening, involves the detection and quantification of substances in biological samples such as urine, blood, saliva, or hair. This practice plays a critical role in healthcare, workplace safety, legal compliance, and rehabilitation programs.
Modern drug screening utilizes advanced analytical techniques, including immunoassays, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods offer high sensitivity and specificity, enabling detection of a wide range of substances, including prescription medications, recreational drugs, and emerging synthetic compounds.
In clinical settings, drug screening aids in monitoring patient adherence to prescribed therapies, preventing adverse drug interactions, and managing substance use disorders. In occupational environments, screening ensures safety compliance, reduces workplace accidents, and supports employee wellness programs. Additionally, legal and forensic applications, such as DUI cases and criminal investigations, rely heavily on accurate drug testing. As substance use patterns evolve, ongoing technological innovations in drug screening continue to enhance reliability, speed, and accessibility, benefiting public health and safety on a global scale.