Which test would most likely be used first by a drug analyst?

The color test is often one of the preliminary analytical techniques used by drug analysts due to its simplicity, speed, and low cost. Color tests involve the addition of specific reagents to the sample, which will produce characteristic color changes if certain substances are present. This method allows for an initial screening that can quickly indicate the possible presence of particular classes of drugs, such as opiates, cocaine, or amphetamines.

Using a color test first is advantageous because it requires minimal sample preparation and can provide immediate results, guiding further analysis. If the color test indicates the presence of a specific drug category, the analyst may then proceed with more sophisticated techniques, like chromatography or mass spectrometry, for confirmation and quantification.

Other methods listed, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, and microscopic analysis, are generally more complex and time-consuming than color tests. They often require more specialized equipment and can take longer to yield results, making them less suitable as initial screening methods in a forensic context.