GC/MS & LC/MS

Overview

GC-MS and LC-MS are considered the gold standards of the drug testing industry and there are a few variations of the technology that further advance its usefulness (e.g., tandem mass spectrometry or MS/MS).  Stated simply, GC or LC-MS utilize gas or liquid chromatography to separate the molecules within a sample and mass spectrometry to detect and identify each molecule, or its fragments.  GC-MS and LC-MS have the broadest range of detectable drugs of abuse and provide the greatest specificity regarding levels of each drug detected in the sample.  As would be expected, these benefits come at a cost.  GC-MS and LC-MS are more expensive tests to complete and are generally reserved for confirming samples that have already tested positive via EIA, POC, or another method.

The majority of our clients’ geographic markets do not have the volumes necessary to support a local GC-MS or LC-MS laboratory and it is not a cost effective solution to use for every sample where it is not required.  We typically use GC-MS and LC-MS for confirmation and synthetic drug testing in combination with a more comprehensive local EIA test or screen.  This process enables our clients to have access to results more quickly and reduces their overall testing costs.

GC/MS & LC/MS Summary Information