A method for detection in urine of narcotic drugs, quinine, barbiturates, amphetamines, and some tranquillzers appears to be applicable to a wide range of diagnostic problems and epidemiological studies. The drugs are first absorbed on ion-exchange paper and then eluted with a series of buffer-solvent systems. An aliquot of the solvent phase is concentrated and chromatographed. A series of detection sprays have been developed to provide both sensitive detection and confirmation of positive results.