Which type of test is the initial process performed to detect drugs or poisons?

The initial process performed to detect drugs or poisons is known as the presumptive test. This testing method is designed to quickly identify the presence of a substance based on specific chemical reactions or color changes. Presumptive tests are typically performed at crime scenes or in preliminary laboratory settings because they are relatively quick and easy to administer.

These tests provide an initial indication of whether a certain drug or poison may be present, allowing investigators to narrow down their focus. If a presumptive test yields a positive result, it typically leads to further testing to confirm the identity and quantity of the substance.

Confirmatory tests, on the other hand, are used to definitively identify a substance and typically follow a presumptive test. Qualitative tests are also related to identifying the presence of a substance but do not quantify it, while quantitative tests measure the amount of substance present, which is not the focus in the initial detection process. Thus, the presumptive test is the appropriate choice as it serves to provide early evidence in investigations involving drugs or poisons.