Which term describes minimal complexity of instrumentation?

Which term describes minimal complexity of instrumentation?

• A. Presumptive
• B. Definitive
• C. Screening
• D. Confirmatory

Answer: (A)

Presumptive tests describe the simplest, quickest analyses that indicate a substance may be present using minimal and readily available instrumentation. They’re designed as a preliminary check—easy to perform, often qualitative, and fast—so a lab can decide whether to pursue more complex, definitive testing. The idea is to flag possible positives with straightforward methods, rather than provide a final, definitive identification.

Presumptive tests describe the simplest, quickest analyses that indicate a substance may be present using minimal and readily available instrumentation. They’re designed as a preliminary check—easy to perform, often qualitative, and fast—so a lab can decide whether to pursue more complex, definitive testing. The idea is to flag possible positives with straightforward methods, rather than provide a final, definitive identification.