Several analytical methods are employed to detect and quantify substances in urine, including:
Immunoassays: These are commonly used for initial screening because they are quick and cost-effective. They can detect a wide range of drugs and their metabolites. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): This is considered the gold standard for confirmatory testing due to its high specificity and sensitivity. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Often used for the detection of specific drug metabolites and other chemicals.