Which molecule is primarily detected when testing for benzodiazepines?

When testing for benzodiazepines, the primary molecule detected is often oxazepam. This is because oxazepam has a specific metabolic pathway that can be readily identified in urine drug screenings, which are commonly used for detecting benzodiazepines. Oxazepam is a metabolite of several other benzodiazepines and is often used as a benchmark marker in drug testing due to its reliability and consistency in certain testing methods.

While other benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and lorazepam, may also be detected in such tests, oxazepam stands out due to its clarity in distinguishing between various compounds within the benzodiazepine family. Testing often focuses on metabolites that provide a clearer picture of recent use, which is why oxazepam can be especially relevant in certain contexts.