A drug-free workplace increases the productivity and performance of the employees. When conducting a drug test, there are different panels of drug tests to choose from.
Here "panel" refers to either a drug or a family of drugs included in a drug test. The panel ‘opioids’ can include different drugs like hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, propoxyphene, buprenorphine, and more.
Let's learn more about the different drug test panels and how it is significant for the employers to conduct a drug test for their employees and candidates.
Table Of Contents:
- What are the different types of drug test panels?
- 5-panel drug test
- 6-panel drug test
- 7-panel drug test
- 8-panel drug test
- 9-panel drug test
- 10-panel drug test
- 12-panel drug test
- 14-panel drug test
- What is a 13-panel drug test?
- Drug detection window
- Interpreting a 13-panel drug test result
- Positive results
- Negative results
- Inconclusive results
- Summary
What are the different types of panel drug tests?
It is common to come across a standard 5-panel drug test in workplace drug-testing, which screens for five illicit drugs and sometimes alcohol. However, if you are concerned about the abuse of illicit drugs and other prescription drugs in the workplace, an extensive panel drug test may be the way to go.
A more extensive panel drug test can help expand the scope of the test and the range of drugs tested. Here is a quick look at some of the different panel drug tests.
4-Panel Drug Test
A 4-panel drug test screens for four specific substances commonly abused. It typically includes tests for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamines. This comprehensive test provides a snapshot of an individual's recent drug use, offering insights into different classes of substances.
Employers, probation offices, and healthcare providers often utilize 4-panel drug tests for routine screenings due to their efficiency and coverage. This test aids in maintaining safety in various environments by quickly identifying potential substance abuse concerns.
The 4 panel drug test serves as a practical tool for ensuring a secure and drug-free atmosphere in workplaces and other controlled settings
5-Panel Drug Test
The 5-panel drug test is the most common workplace drug testing standard. It is also the standard currently approved and recommended by the SAMHSA. A 5-panel drug test for employee screening looks for MMJ, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, and amphetamines.
The transportation and safety-sensitive employers may conduct a 5 panel DOT standard drug test for the employees and candidates during the notified circumstances.
6-Panel Drug Test
A 6-panel drug test looks for MMJ, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and benzodiazepines.
7-Panel Drug Test
A 7-panel drug test looks for the presence of MMJ, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
8-Panel Drug Test
An 8-panel drug test tests for MMJ, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
9-Panel Drug Test
A 9-panel drug test tests for the presence of MMJ, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and methadone.
10-Panel Drug Test
Compared to the 5 panel drug test, A 10-panel drug test typically tests for the presence of MMJ, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene.
12-Panel Drug Test
A standard 12-panel drug test is administered to test for MMJ, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine, methadone, methaqualone, propoxyphene, Ecstacy/MDA, and oxycodone. Check out the different Panel Drug Test Kits.
14-Panel Drug Test
The 14-Panel Urine Drug Test tests for everything a 12 panel drug tests for plus Tramadol and Demerol. These narcotics are generally available to the staff at hospitals and veterinarians. Anyone with access to these drugs should be tested.
What is a 13-Panel Drug Test?
A 13-panel drug test is performed to detect the presence of 13 highly abused prescription and illicit drugs. A 13-panel drug test is performed for screening employees in safety-sensitive positions such as those operating heavy machinery and motor vehicles.
A 13-panel drug test typically screens for MMJ/ tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine, methadone, methaqualone, propoxyphene, buprenorphine, oxycodone, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCA).
A 13-panel drug testing involves a comprehensive analysis of a urine specimen to confirm the use of controlled substances included in the panel. A urine test can lead to manipulation and contamination of the sample as it cannot be monitored.
Urine adulteration, dilution, and substitution are common occurrences that many laboratories contend with. Considering this, a 13-panel is best administered by a medical review officer for proper handling of the specimen, validation, and verification of the drug test results.
Drug detection window
Drug detection window may vary according to the type and dose of the drug, type of sample used, and internal metabolism of an individual.
|
Drug |
Detection Window in Urine |
|
THC 11-Nor-9-carboxy-9-tetrahydrocannabinola(THC -COOH)- (MMJ primary metabolite) |
THC- 1-3 days THC-COOH- 5-7 days |
|
Cocaine, Benzoylegonine(Cocaine primary metabolite) |
Cocaine- 1 day Benzoylegonine 2-4 days |
|
Amphetamines |
48 hours |
|
Opioids |
Oxycodone 2-4days Methadone 3 days Propoxyphene- 6 hrs to 2 days Buprenorphine- up to 6 days |
|
Opiates |
Morphine- 48-72 hrs Codeine- 48 hrs |
|
Barbiturates |
1 day to 3 weeks depending on the type and dose of a Barbiturate |
|
Benzodiazepines |
Lorazepam- 3 days Diazepam- 1 month |
|
PCP |
8 days |
|
Methaqualone |
72 hrs |
|
TCA |
5 days |
Interpreting a 13-panel drug test result
A 13-panel drug test uses a simple urine screening procedure to provide a reliable estimate and accurate interpretation of the results. Test results can be obtained and interpreted on site, with results available within minutes.
With that said, most companies and workplaces will generally send the samples to a lab for analyzing the results. Drug test results can be positive, negative, or inconclusive.
Positive results
A positive result means that one or more of the panel drugs and their metabolites were detected at a particular concentration.
Negative results
A negative result means that the panel drugs weren’t detected at the cut-off concentration or a not present in a high enough quantity determined for the study.
Inconclusive results
An inconclusive result is an invalid test which suggests that the test was not successful in detecting the panel of drugs. In this case, labs may ask to repeat the test.
Summary
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) survey, 70% of illegal drug users are employed. This has led employers to enforce workplace drug policies for disciplining and discharging employees under the positive influence of controlled substances.
Each drug has its detection window, which depends on the type and dose of the drug, sample, and individual metabolism. Drug test results can be positive, negative, or inconclusive.
Labs may check positive test results to confirm the detection of substances. However, individuals have the right to lab test their specimen for the second time if they hold the positive results to be false or inaccurate.