Diagnostic tests in toxicology detect toxins through various mechanisms, such as:
Immunoassays: These tests use antibodies to detect the presence of specific toxins. They are widely used for screening purposes due to their specificity and sensitivity. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): A powerful analytical method that separates and identifies compounds based on their mass and charge. GC-MS is considered the gold standard for confirming the presence of specific drugs and toxins. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): This technique is used to separate, identify, and quantify each component in a mixture, making it valuable for detecting a wide range of substances. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Used primarily for detecting metals, this technique measures the concentration of metal ions in samples.
