Which laboratory section analyzes plasma levels of drugs and poisons?

• A. Chemistry
• B. Hematology
• C. Immunochemistry
• D. Toxicology

Answer: (D)

In a clinical lab, the section that handles detecting and measuring drugs and toxins in plasma is toxicology. This area specializes in identifying therapeutic drugs (for monitoring effectiveness and safety) as well as poisonous substances, helping clinicians gauge overdose or poisoning and guide treatment. Technologists may use immunoassays, gas or liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, and other advanced methods to accurately quantify substances in the blood.

Chemistry covers a broad range of chemical analyses but isn’t focused specifically on drugs and poisons. Immunochemistry involves antibody-based tests and can be used for some drug screens, but its scope is broader than toxic substances alone. Hematology centers on blood cells and coagulation. So, for plasma drug and poison analysis, toxicology is the dedicated department.