Several non-invasive techniques are utilized in toxicology, each leveraging different biological samples or technologies:
Saliva-based Testing: Saliva can be used to detect various substances, including drugs and alcohol, providing a quick and easy sample collection method. Breath Analysis: This method involves analyzing exhaled breath for volatile organic compounds, which can indicate exposure to certain chemicals or drugs. Urine Testing: Although typically considered less invasive, urine testing is a mainstay in toxicology for detecting metabolites of drugs and toxins. Hair Analysis: Hair samples can provide long-term exposure profiles for various substances, offering a historical record of exposure. Wearable Devices: Recent advances in technology have led to the development of devices that can monitor physiological parameters and detect chemical exposure in real-time.
