Drug screening is a crucial process used to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in biological samples to identify substance abuse, monitor therapeutic drug levels, and ensure safety in various settings, including workplaces, sports, and healthcare. The history of drug screening dates back to the early 20th century when rudimentary methods were employed. However, with advances in technology and understanding of drug metabolism, drug screening has evolved significantly, providing more accurate and efficient results. This article aims to delve into the principles, methodologies, applications, challenges, and future prospects of drug screening. Drug screening relies on the principles of analytical chemistry and pharmacokinetics. The process involves collecting biological samples, such as urine, blood, hair, saliva, or sweat, from individuals and subjecting them to various testing techniques. These techniques aim to identify the presence of specific drugs, their metabolites, or biomarkers that indicate drug use. Immunoassays, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) are some of the widely used methods for drug screening.
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