Employer use panel drug testing to test for different kinds of drugs, all in one go. The benefits of drug screening are crystal clear in that companies implementing regular, random, or scheduled drug tests, ensure that the workplace remains trustworthy. A 10 panel drug test excluding THC, (Tetrahydrocannabinol) the main psychoactive component in marijuana. And this is what many employers now seek to utilize in the workplace.

What we are seeing in the United States today is 22 states with legal recreational marijuana use. Because the use of cannabis is becoming normalized, some employers are less interested in testing for THC. 

5 Panel Drug Test

This drug test examines the five most commonly abused substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP (Phencyclidine). Remember that commercial names for opiates include Morphine, Heroin, and Codeine. Amphetamines include MDMA, meth, molly, extract, rocket fuel, and angel dust.

10 Panel Drug Test

This drug test is more comprehensive because it tests for all of the above drugs, plus five more. There is a wider range of drugs that can be tested with the 10 panel drug test including:

• Individual drugs (PCP, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone) 
• Barbiturates (secobarbital, phenobarbital, phenobarbital, and amobarbital) 
• Amphetamines (meth, speed, Ritalin, and Adderall) 
• Benzodiazepines  (Valium, Xanax, and Ativan)
• Opioids (smoked opium, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin) 
• Cocaine  

Both 5-panel and 10-panel drug tests can be conducted via urine samples, saliva, or hair follicles. The most commonly used type is urinalysis involving the collection of samples that are then sent to the laboratory for testing. 

Employers that choose to apply random drug testing warrant less chance that a person with substance abuse issues will tamper with the results. While panel drug testing is extremely accurate, workers who know that it’s coming may sneakily fake results by detoxing intensely days before.

12 Panel Drug Test

Let’s review. The 5-panel drug test screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, and PCP. The 10-panel drug test screens for all of the above plus barbiturates, benzodiazepine, methamphetamine, ecstasy/MDMA, and methadone. Testing for THC can be excluded from the 10-panel drug test, making it a suitable option for employers looking to include other drug testing.

The 12-panel drug test screens for all the substances included in the 10-panel test, as well as oxycodone and buprenorphine. The other drugs that may be included in this more extensive test are methaqualone, propoxyphene, nicotine, K2 synthetic marijuana, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), fentanyl, and bath salts. This may be a more cost-effective option for employers who want to test for a specific drug not included in the 5 or 10-panel drug tests.

Which Panel Drug Test To Choose

Because illicit drugs impair thinking and functioning and lead to behavioral issues, the reputation of an organization may suffer if its people suffer from substance abuse problems. 

Company morale is a defining factor in the feasibility of an organization. Screening employees results in higher productivity, reduced employee turnover rate, and encourages people to deal with their addictions head-on. 

The 5 panel drug test is becoming less common than the 10 and 12, now that one of the most commonly abused drugs, marijuana, is not illicit in many states. What is a 10 panel drug test again? It can test for the same drugs as the 5 panel (without THC), plus barbiturates, benzodiazepine, methamphetamine, ecstasy/MDMA, and methadone. 

An organization that screens its staff will avoid common workplace issues related to substance abuse issues. You can expect a lower risk of working accidents and fewer employee absences. A drug-free workplace is made easy with simple and accurate drug screening tests.

Visit Soteria Screening Laboratories (over 10,000 facilities) for affordable and accessible drug tests as well as real-time status updates of your test.