What are the two primary factors used to categorize the evolution of detection tools mentioned?
Operational context versus underlying scientific principle
A helpful framework introduced for understanding the progression of drug detection tools involves categorizing them based on two distinct dimensions. The first dimension is the operational context, which dictates where and how the tool is used, such as field inspection or laboratory analysis. The second dimension is the underlying scientific principle that governs how the device functions, for example, relying on fluorescence versus advanced spectroscopy. Distinguishing between where a tool is used (context) and how it works (principle) provides clarity on the trade-offs inherent in deployment, such as balancing speed against specificity.

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