Terminology

Note:  Definitions are expressed in terms applicable to the subjects of drug testing and pharmacology. Some terms may possess inherently different meanings when applied to other fields of study.

• Accuracy: 

  The ability of a test device to produce a reading that matches the known value for the sample.

• Amnestic: 

  An agent used for the treatment of impaired memory function.

• Analgesic: 

  An agent that relieves pain selectively without affecting consciousness or sensory perception.

• Anesthetic (General): 

  An agent that produces unconsciousness as well as diminishing or eliminating the sensation of pain.

• Anesthetic (Local): 

  An agent that diminishes or eliminates the sensation of pain on or in the specific region of the body where it is applied.

• Anorexic: 

  An agent that diminishes the appetite for food.

• Anticonvulsant: 

  An agent used to control convulsions and seizures, primarily in the treatment of epilepsy.

• Antiemetic: 

  An agent that relieves vomiting.

• Antihyperbilirubinemic: 

  An agent used for the treatment of antihyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) - a common disorder in newborns wherein the chemical "bilirubin" accumulates in the infant's blood and causes a yellow hue.

• Antitussive: 

  An agent that suppresses coughing.

• Anxiolytic: 

  A mild sedative used for relief of anxiety.

• Cannabinoid: 

  Any of the active principles of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), including, but not limited to, THC.

• Central Nervous System (CNS): 

  Body system comprised of the brain and spinal cord.

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant: 

  An agent that diminishes brain and/or spinal cord function or activity.

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant: 

  An agent that amplifies brain and/or spinal cord function or activity.

• Cross-reactivity: 

  The degree in which substances other than the target compound are shown to generate positive test results.

• Cutoff Concentration: 

  The specific concentration of drug or drug metabolite in the sample that is chosen as a limit to distinguish a positive from a negative test result. Samples with concentrations above the cutoff level are considered positive and results below are considered negative.

• Depressant: 

  An agent that diminishes a body function or activity.

• False Negative Test Result: 

  A test result which states that no drug is present when, in fact, a tested drug or metabolite is present in an amount greater the cutoff concentration.

• False Positive Test Result: 

  A test result which states that a drug or metabolite is present when, in fact, the drug or metabolite is not present or is present in an amount less than the cutoff concentration.

• Hallucinogen: 

  An agent that distorts sensory perceptions, sometimes resulting in sensory illusions which may be mild or extreme.

• Hypnotic: 

  An agent that induces sleep.

• Interference: 

  The effect that a compound (or group of compounds) has on the accuracy of test measurement.

• Metabolite: 

  A modified form or byproduct of a drug produced by the body's metabolic process.

• Narcotic (Narcotic-Analgesic): 

  An agent that relieves pain through depression of the central nervous system.

• Negative Test Result: 

  A test result which states that no drug or metabolite is present or no drug or metabolite is present in an amount greater the cutoff concentration.

• Positive Test Result: 

  A test result which states that a drug or metabolite is present.

• Precision: 

  The ability of a test device to produce the same value during repeated measurements.

• Quantitative Test Result: 

  A test result expressed in numerical terms in order to determine the specific quantity of drug or drug metabolite present in the sample.

• Qualitative Test Result: 

  A test result expressed in non-numerical terms in order to determine the presence or absence of drug or drug metabolite in the sample.

• Reproducibility: 

  The ability of a test device to produce the same value during repeated measurements in various laboratories which are participating in a collaborative study.

• Sedative: 

  An agent that calms nervousness, irritability, and excitement. In general, sedatives depress the central nervous system and tend to cause sluggishness and reduced mental activity.

• Sedative-Hypnotic: 

  An agent that calms nervousness, irritability, and excitement and/or induces sleep. In general, sedative-hypnotics depress the central nervous system and tend to cause sluggishness and reduced mental activity.

• Sensitivity: 

  For quantitative test devices: The smallest concentration of a drug or drug metabolite that produces a response distinguishable from the background or blank value. For qualitative test devices: The minimum concentration of a drug or drug metabolite that is capable of generating a positive test result. In qualitative test devices, this amount is generally the same as the cutoff concentration.

• Specificity: 

  The ability of a test device to determine exclusively the drug and/or drug metabolites that are claimed to be detected without cross-reacting with other related substances that are not intended to be detected.

• Stimulant: 

  An agent that amplifies a body function or activity.

• Target Drug/Metabolite: 

  The drug or metabolite that the test device is designed to detect.

• Tranquilizer: 

  An agent used for relief of anxiety.