LSDTest

LSDTest is a term used in toxicology and forensic science to refer to laboratory assays designed to detect lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in biological specimens. There is no single standardized test by this name; rather, LSD testing typically combines an initial screening with confirmatory analysis. The screening stage commonly uses immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), which can indicate the possible presence of LSD but may cross-react with related compounds. Positive or inconclusive results are typically confirmed by instrumental methods, most often gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Specimens: Urine is the most frequently tested matrix in routine settings, but LSD testing may also be performed on blood or plasma, oral fluid, or hair depending on the context, required detection window, and legal considerations.

Applications and interpretation: LSDTest results are used in clinical toxicology, forensic investigations, and workplace drug testing. Because LSD is potent and present at low concentrations, method sensitivity and proper calibration are essential. Immunoassay screens may yield false positives or negatives, so confirmatory LC-MS/MS or GC-MS results are used to establish a definite finding. Results must be interpreted with regard to timing of use, possible cross-reactants, and specimen quality.

History and development: Detection of LSD evolved with general drug-testing technologies in the 1960s and 1970s. Modern LSD testing relies on advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques to provide specific identification and quantification.

See also: Drug testing, Immunoassay, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, Forensic toxicology, Lysergic acid diethylamide.