Several detection systems are utilized in toxicology, including:
Immunoassays: These are biochemical tests that use antibodies to detect specific substances. They are widely used for drug testing and biological monitoring. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): This method combines gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and quantify volatile compounds. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): Similar to GC-MS but used for non-volatile and thermally labile compounds. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): Used for detecting metals in samples, crucial for assessing heavy metal toxicity. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): This technique identifies chemical bonds in a molecule by producing an infrared absorption spectrum.
