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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.