Which type of drug test is typically considered the quickest to perform?

The color test is typically regarded as the quickest type of drug test because it involves a simple process requiring just a few reagents. In these tests, a sample is mixed with a chemical reagent that produces a color change depending on the substance present. This immediate visual reaction allows for rapid results, often within minutes, making color tests very efficient in preliminary screening.

In contrast, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and thin layer chromatography are more complex methods that require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and longer processing times. These techniques can provide more precise identification and quantification of substances but are not as quick to deliver results as a straightforward color test.