The predominant style of drug test for workplace screenings is the 5 panel drug test. It covers a common range of tested substances and is generally fast and accurate. Today we’ll learn how to implement a workplace 5 panel drug test. In addition, we’ll go in-depth with the tests themselves and everything you’ll need to know about taking it.
5 Panel Urine Drug Test: Everything You Need to Know
Before administering or taking a 5 panel urine drug test, it’s natural to have questions about the process. Having that understanding will help you best navigate the drug screening process (or explain it to others). So, here are some of the most common answers about the process to answer any questions that might come up.
What is a 5 Panel Drug Test?
A 5 panel drug test is a test for five different prescription or illegal drugs in a collected sample. This can come from a subject’s urine, blood, hair, or oral fluid (saliva). Many employers now require potential job candidates to complete a 5-panel drug test as a condition for employment.
Depending on regulations and company policies, there are two options for drug testing. Onsite tests are done at the location but typically are restricted to saliva or urine samples. Conversely, lab-based tests require visiting a certified location to submit the sample and use any of the above methods.
What Does a 5 Panel Drug Test Screen For?
Drug screenings, including 5-panel ones, don’t test for the actual substance in the subject’s system. Instead, they screen for special substances called metabolites, which are the byproducts of the drug being metabolized in the body. These drug tests typically screen for the following drugs:
- Amphematines (including methamphetamine.)
- Cannabinoids or THC (including marijuana and derivatives.)
- Cocaine (including crack.)
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (or PCP).
Employers wanting more in-depth screenings may request broader tests to screen for more substances. Expanding to a 7 or 10-panel test (and screening for 2 to 5 more substances) is the most common solution.
How Long Do Substances Show Up in a 5-Panel Drug Screen?
This is the question that probably comes up most often, but also is the most complicated to answer. Drug tests can detect metabolites from past drug use, not just recent usage. How far back depends on the type of test, the drug, how frequently it was used, and the person’s metabolism.
A 5-panel urine drug test typically has a detection window varying from a few days to about a month. For urine tests, a general guideline is within a few days. Moreover, blood and saliva tests will show more immediate usage and hair samples showcase a more long-term history.
Marijuana
Marijuana can be detectable in hair samples for 90 days, and in urine for 30 days. Blood tests can only detect marijuana metabolites from 1 to 2 days ago, and saliva within 24 hours.
Cocaine
Cocaine metabolites are detectable in urine within 2 to 4 days of usage. In saliva or blood samples, those metabolites only last about 1 or 2 days. In hair samples, however, cocaine use can be detected up to 90 days from the last use.
Amphetamines/Methamphetamine
Amphetamines are detectable up to 2 to 3 days after a urine test. Blood and saliva tests only record amphetamine metabolites within the past 24 hours. Hair samples retain them for up to 90 days after using amphetamines.
Opioids
Opioid metabolites will last about 3 to 4 days in urine samples. In saliva or blood, this is reduced to 24 hours. Hair samples will show opioid use up to 90 days afterward.
Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCP can be detected in urine for up to 7 or 14 days, depending on if the user is a chronic or regular user. In saliva it can be detectable for up to 3 days, and in blood for 1 to 4 hours. Hair samples can contain detectable PCP metabolites up to 90 days after the fact.
Implementing a Five Panel Drug Test in the Workplace
With those questions out of the way, let’s look at how a five-panel drug test can be implemented. Tests should be randomly implemented to encourage accuracy but can be done either onsite or at a lab. Onsite testing typically offers a quicker turnaround, but lab testing can screen for more substances.
Most onsite testing can be done same-day, while lab testing usually needs a turnaround of 2 to 5 days. In either case, positive results may require additional time to see if additional confirmation tests are required.
Schedule Your Workplace’s 5-panel Drug Screen Today with Soteria
With all of those questions answered you should feel ready to implement a 5-panel drug screen in your workplace. If you work with the right screening service, this screening should be safe, easy, and effective. Soteria has been working with businesses since 2001 to bring the best in drug screening.
Whether looking at 5 or 4-panel tests, we can answer your questions and help contribute to keeping your workplace drug-free. Contact us today to get started!