Drug Testing: FAQ For Employers And Employees

Drugs are the legal or banned chemical substances. Drug abuse alters human physiological and psychological functions resulting in abnormal behaviors.  Drug abusers consume prescription drugs for pleasure as they are comparatively cheaper than street drugs and are easily available across the counter.

Contents

• How dangerous are medication drugs?
• How are the people lured to the world of drugs?
• What are the drug panels?
• Why do employers need a drug test?
• What drugs are detectable?
• How accurate are drug testing results?
• Why is Drug Testing Important?
• What type of drug test is possible with drug panels kit for the employers?
• Can drug panel check for adulterants of human body (detox products)?
• What is the downside of the Drug Testing panels?

How dangerous are medication drugs?

Methamphetamine popularly known as Meth is sold in pharmacies as pills. The drug abusers crush the pills to snort it.  These pills are also mixed with water after crushing to make a solution as drug injection.  Some abusers make crystallized methamphetamine into a solid, crystal-like form and smoke it.  Crystallization is a specific chemical structure (shape) of any substance.

Meth is a very dangerous substance that an overdosed person would be at a greater risk even after few minutes of taking it.  An overdose abuser cannot be treated at treatment homes or even hospitals, because heavy doze intake could result in cardiac arrest, stroke and even permanent damage to the organs.  These severe complications may even lead to death.

The drugs give momentary relief from the stresses and strains at the cost of one’s health, but in the long run, it seriously affects the person’s health, career, marriage, family relations etc, ultimately the substance abuser end up at final resting place.

How are the people lured to the world of drugs?

It’s the old story once again; first a person is introduced to the drugs by his or her friends, peers, or colleagues usually in parties, campuses or celebrations.

The person makes a choice to try the drug once, then twice and thrice. Then the person in question starts feeling sick when he doesn’t satisfy his physical and psychological needs by using drugs. Exactly at this point of time, the devil of drugs takes over all the aspects of the person’s life. This is the usual path to the drug abuse and addiction.

What are the drug testing panels?

The term ‘drug testing panel’ refers to the number of drugs or family of drugs that can be detected with the particular drug panel.  For example, five-panel drug detects five types of drugs in a given specimen; seven-panel drugs can detect seven types of drugs.  All the drug panel kits are available in nearby pharmacies and stores.

We are in the age of advance technologies. The medical sciences have advanced so much that a large variety of drugs can be detected with drug panel right at the point of collection, and the results are out in few minutes. The drug test is an essential deterrent at the hands of employers to ensure full potentials of employers at the work place.

Why do employers need drug test?

Although most employers feel that the drug testing is meant for new recruits, these days more and more employers have started testing the employees on roll through various testing programs.

Employers would be surprised to know the devastating effects of drug abuse on the American Economy. Every employer is a part of US Economy. It’s obligatory on the part of employers to realize how much damage is being done by drug abusers to the American economy and their businesses.

• Around 21 million Americans suffer from at least one addiction, but only 10% receive treatment.
• Fatalities due to drug overdose have gone three times up since 1990.
• From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 US citizens died due to drug overdose.
• The statistics of 2017 revealed that 34.2 million Americans committed DUI, around 21.4 million were alcohol addicts, and 12.8 million were drug abusers.
• Around 20% of Americans who experience depression or an anxiety disorder too have a substance use disorder.
• More than 90% of Americans who have an addiction disorder started the alcohol or drugs consumption well before they attained 18 years.
• The latest trend indicates people between the ages of 18 and 25 are more prone to drug abuse.

What drugs are detectable?

While there seems to be no limit when it comes to drug testing, number of drugs can be tested including:

Amphetamine, Antihistamines, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Carisoprodol, Cocaine, PC, Ecstasy, Opiates, Oxycodone, Methadone, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Buprenorphine, TCA, Propoxyphene, Tramadol, Fentanyl, Sufentanil, Zolpidem, Meperidine, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Designer Stimulants also called Bath Salts, Dextromethorphan, High Potency Opioids, Direct Ethanol Biomarkers, Ketamine, Ritalin and Propofol Glucuronide.

Do drug panels test all the drugs?

Though drug panels can detect a great variety of drugs, but mostly drug panels detect commonly abused drugs. At present, the drug panels can detect 20 plus drugs. Employers too prefer drug panels that detect common street drugs.

Does drug test include Alcohol?

There are so many handy devices to detect alcohol consumption that give result instantly, the most common being the alcohol breath test. Mostly alcohol is not included in the drug test as the traces of alcohol rapidly vanish from urine and bloodstream. So it’s usually tested randomly or when reasonable suspicion arises.

How far back can drugs be detected?

The selection of testing specimen and the substance in question determine how far back the drug can be detected. Further, weight, health status, medications, liquid intake, and other factors can affect drug detection periods.

Drug Detection Window

How accurate are drug testing results?

Drug test performed through drug panels is as accurate as the lab-based test, but this test can’t be cited as a reliable evidence in the court of law. Further, law enforcement agencies do not accept drug panel test. Federal and State agencies accept the drug test if the test is performed at SAMHSA and DOT certified labs. The results are also reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO).

Source: Addiction Centre 

https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-statistics/

Why is Drug Testing Important?

Employers are the major sufferers of the drug abuse and its consequences. Every year, US economy loses around 750 billion dollars as a result of drug abuse. Nearly 75% of workforce is under the influence of drugs; this statistics include tobacco consumption too. The main reasons for the employers to frame workplace drug policies are:

• To comply with Federal and State drug regulations
• To ensure safety of workplace, products, property, and lives
• To prevent recruiting employees with drug-abuse history
• To avail the benefit from Workers’ Compensation premium
• To prevent hiring of drug abusers
• To increase performance and productivity
• To prevent workplace accidents
• To save on court’s and attorney’s expenses
• To minimize employees’ impairments
• To minimize absenteeism without any resonate cause
• To boost employees morals
• To boost customers confidence
• To reduce medicals costs due to drug abuse
• To reduce turnover rate
• To avoid accidents
• To minimize workplace conflicts
• To enhance business image
• To create healthy and violence free workplace
• To help employee’s enjoy quality life

What type of drug test is possible with drug panel kit for the employers?

• Pre-hiring drug test
• Random drug abuse test
• Post-accident drug test
• Return-to-duty drug test
• Test on reasonable suspicions
• Scheduled drug test

Are the drug panels cheaper than lab tests?

Drug testing panels are more cheaper than lab-based drug tests. Employers can save a lot on drug testing if they opt for drug panels.

A drug panel costs around $10 to $20 compared to lab-based test that costs around $20.

It holds true for the businesses that do not come under the control of DOT and other sensitive industries’ governing body.

Advantages of drug testing for the employers

• Drug testing panels can detect a variety of common street drugs, besides prescription drugs.
• Instant result is obtained at the point of collection
• A complete invasive procedure
• Can be done anywhere and at any time
• Test accuracy is almost 99%
• Can be administrated before the drug effect fades out
• Random tests serves as a deterrent for habitual abusers

Apart from employers who do drug panels useful for?

Employers are the major consumers of the drug panels. Other places like doctor’s office, schools, nursing schools, universities also use drug panels for their specific purposes.

For example, doctors can detect drugs instantly and prescribe medication based upon the result; universities need drug panels to keep their premises violence free and healthy, as students are more prone to drug abuse.

Can drug panel check for adulterants in human body (detox products)?

Drug panels can detect more than 20 types of drugs. Apart from these drugs, the drug panels also detect common body adulterants. Detection of these adulterants would be very helpful for the home bound patients. Home bound patients often need detection of their body adulterants, to send
tele-report to the health service providers for medication advice. The more common adulterants are:

• Creatinine
• Nitrites
• Glutaraldehyde
• Specific Gravity
• Bleach
• Pyridinium chlorochromate

What are the three categories of drug testing?

The three categories of drug testing for the employers and others are listed below:

• Instant drug test (using drug panel kits)
• Same-day drug test
• Lab-based drug test

What drug panel should I opt for my workplace?

Before selecting a drug panel, employers should consider the following aspects:

Selection of right drug panel

Choosing a right drug panel for your workplace is the first step in the right direction. Most of the employers are confused a lot when it comes to selecting the drug panel test that best suits their businesses.

Your business needs

You need to consider various federal and state regulations that govern your business. Outside the government agencies, you should also think if your business follows corporate culture. The best option in this regard is to consult a drug testing company or professionals to discuss this issue.  You could consult with your chosen drug-testing company to discuss your issue.

Drug panel option

Drug testing comes with a lot of drug detection options. I would suggest you to do a research on drug abuse with the help of your department heads. You can also find what drug panels are used by similar businesses. This guide explains you the various drug panels.

What are the different drug panels?

The drug panels list is increasing by as the traffickers come up with more complex drugs. When I say drug panels, I mean home testing drug panels and lab-based drug panels. Same drugs are tested in both the cases, but lab test is more comprehensive, involved, intensive, extensive and also expensive.

The drug panels are:

• Four panel drug test
• Five panel drug test
• Six panel drug test
• Seven panel drug test
• Eight panel drug test
• Nine panel drug test
• Ten panel drug test
• Eleven panel drug test
• Twelve panel drug test
• Thirteen panel drug test

Four-Panel Drug Test

Further, some companies may have a culture that doesn’t object to a typically tested drug.

Some states have expanded Marijuana legalization and some corporate cultures permit the consumption of some drugs like Marijuana. Companies that do object to Marijuana use can go for a four-panel drug test. This testing is similar to the five-panel drug test except that it excludes THC.

Five-Panel Drug Test

You should see if your company is under any legal requirements to test for drugs or drug-test compliance? If your answer is ‘no’ then five-panel test is a perfect choice to serve your company’s drug testing requirements. Generally, the 5-panel drug test is performed to detect commonly abused illegal drugs. Larger panel tests could detect prescription drugs and painkillers apart from street drugs. I strongly feel eight panel test is the best choice for home drug test.

The DOT needs a standard five-panel test for all drivers. The DOT also mandates the drivers to take a pre-employment drug test, and an annual drug test and a random drug test.

Persons in civil services are required to pass a five-panel test. However, some states now insist them to pass a 10-panel drug test.

A five-panel urine drug test detects the presence of, most commonly

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• THC (Marijuana)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Higher panel tests add more drugs to their list of detection including prescription drugs and body adulterants (detox products). Some popular drug panels come with a unique combination of drugs. Let’s take a walk through higher panels.

Six-Panel Drug Test

A 6-panel drug test usually includes benzodiazepines, so the drugs detection numbers go up.

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• THC (Marijuana)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Benzodiazepines

Significance of this drug abuse

The most common side effects of benzodiazepine addiction include weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. Industry that needs alertness while operating heavy machinery should utilize this testing panel.

Seven-Panel Drug Test

A 7-panel drug test usually detects an additional drug, Barbiturates, when compared to the six-panel drug test.

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• THC (Marijuana)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates

Significance of this drug abuse

This drug is commonly called ‘downers.’ This drug has the same affect as that of alcohol or sleep-pills. This drug is one of the most dangerous drugs. The addiction of this drug leads to coma or death. Industries that are more concerned about safety must include this drug in their test panels. This is hypnotic-sedative in nature.

Eight-Panel Drug Test

The following drugs are examined by this drug panel. This drug has lost its importance recently. One could avoid this panel and instead go for higher or lower panel. The drugs include:

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• THC (Marijuana)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Methaqualone (Quaalude)

Nine-Panel Drug Test

The main feature of this drug is that it makes people prone to addiction. It is nicknamed as narcotic pain reliever, though its name is propoxyphene.  It’s also known as Darvon. The drug detection list is:

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• THC (Marijuana)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Methaqualone (Quaalude)
• Propoxyphene

Significance of this drug abuse

This drug is prone to chemical reaction with other drugs like alcohol. Abusing this drug can slow down heart beat; it can induce confusion, fainting and sometimes seizures. Workers who take this drug for pain relief can’t escape its very dangerous consequences including addiction.

Ten-Panel Drug Test

Following drugs are examined and tested with this drug panel. Heavy and construction industries usually opt for nine-panel or ten-panel drug test. Methadone is included in this drug panel.

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• THC (Marijuana)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Methaqualone (Quaalude)
• Propoxyphene
• Methadone

Significance of this drug abuse

This drug is mainly abused as a pain reliever. The side effects include extreme numbness and tiredness.

Eleven-Panel Drug Test

This drug panel is slightly different from other panels. Three new drugs added to Eight-panel drug to make it eleven-panel test. The detectable drugs with this panel are:

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• THC (Marijuana)
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Methaqualone (Quaalude)
• Methadone
• Oxycodone
• Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)

Significance of this drug abuse

This drug can cause severe tiredness, anxiety, and cognitive problems. It has lost its importance because of its addictive nature. Previously, it was used as an antidepressant.

Twelve-Panel Drug Test

This panel detects all the drugs included in Ten-panel test besides two more new drugs. The drugs included in this panel are:

• Marijuana
• Opiates
• PCP
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Methadone
• Methaqualone
• Propoxyphene
• Ecstasy
• Oxycodone

Significance of this drug abuse

This panel tests more number of opiates and painkillers. It’s not possible with lesser drug panels. This panel is the most comprehensive and is used by companies that need greater attention and responsibilities. Employers can also consider this drug panel for a total drug free work-place.

13-Panel Drug Test

This drug panel can detect the following drugs

• Methadone
• Oxycodone
• Phencyclidine
• Barbiturate
• Buprenorphine
• Benzodiazepine
• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine
• Marijuana
• Tricyclic
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Ecstasy

Salient Features of this drug panel

• High Accuracy rate
• Easy to handle
• Gives results in 5 minutes
• Conforms to SAMHSA cut-off features
• 24 months shelf life
• Can be stored at surrounding temperature

Significance of this drug abuse

Companies, who employ people for white-collar jobs, may want to test their employees for specifically designed drug panels, mostly to test the designer drugs. These drugs are commonly used to improve concentration.

Drug-Testing Panels – A Ready Reference

Methamphetamine is a stimulant within the Amphetamine class used to treat obesity and ADHD. While it can be a helpful medication for these conditions when taken as directed, methamphetamine has become a popular drug of abuse. This is especially abused in crystalline form.

What is the down side of the Drug Testing Panels?

The drug panels can’t find the time if the employee has abused it while on work. There is no clear legislation with regard to the use of Marijuana (of course out of the working hours). Even fifteen panel test can’t detect all the drugs, say LSD, that employees abuse. Drug test still has a long way to go.

Disclaimer

This site attempts to bring facts surrounding the drugs and drug testing panel kits to help employers, employees, individuals and anyone concerned with the prevention of drug abuses. We have done extensive research on drug panels, consulted labs, professionals, experts and healthcare providers. We assert that this material is like a piece of literature on drug test panels, and under any circumstances it should not be considered as final word or doctors’ advice.