A 10-panel drug test uses a urine sample to check for the presence of drugs in an individual’s system. This test covers more prescription drug use than other similar 6-panel tests. It also shows the use of more illicit drugs, also commonly known as street drugs. 

Some of the drugs a 10-panel drug test looks for include the following. 

• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Opiates
• Barbiturates
• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines
• Methadone
• Propoxyphene
• Methaqualone or Quaaludes

How Do 10-Panel Drug Tests Work? 

Any time a drug is taken, our bodies break them down over time. Then byproducts are released, which are known as metabolites. The metabolites are excreted through the urine. That is why urine tests are so practical. Because we all metabolize drugs at around the same rate, the presence of the metabolites is a critical indicator that the person being tested has taken the drug recently. 

The 10-panel test is a urine test that offers several benefits over other forms of drug testing out there. Blood tests, while they may seem more accurate, are inferior compared to the speed and accuracy of urine tests. Urine tests are also the preferred method for many because they are a painless and non-invasive option. And they also have a much longer detection period for drugs before the metabolites begin to leave the body. If you are looking for a test that has a more extended detection period, hair follicle tests do, but they also cost much more than urine tests. 

Various Detection Windows for Common Drugs 

Every drug has a specific time frame when it becomes undetectable with tests. Some drugs take longer to leave the body than others. The dosage of the drug and the type of sample used and the person’s metabolism level, can all affect the results of the test. Since drugs do become undetectable after a specific period, drug tests can be ordered at random. Here are some of the approximate time frames for when the 10-panel tests can detect common drugs. 

• Amphetamines – 1 to 2 days 
• Barbiturates – 2 days for short-acting, 1-3 weeks for long-acting
• Benzodiazepines – 2 days for short-acting, five days for intermediate-acting, ten days for long-acting
• Cocaine – 4 days 
• Marijuana – this depends on the usage. A single-use may be detected up to 7 days however a person who uses the drug daily can test positive between 10 to 30 days following their last time using
• Methadone – 7 days 
• Methaqualone – 2 to 4 days 
• Opiates – 1 to 4 days 
• Phencyclidine – 8 days 
• Propoxyphene – between 6 hours and two days

How to Prepare for Testing and What to Expect 

The individuals taking the test should not drink any excessive liquids before providing the urine sample. Some think that drinking copious amounts of water before the test can either hide or reduce the chances of drugs being found in their system. But all it does is invalidate the test. 

When the person being tested is at the chosen lab to take the test, an official ID card will be needed. The lab tech who is responsible for performing the drug test will provide instructions. 

Understanding the Results 

It usually takes between one to two business days for the results to come back. A positive effect means that there are one or more drugs tested from the panel in the person’s urine. A negative result indicates that the drugs tested in the panel were either not found or not found in a high enough concentration to be considered a positive result.

Find Drug Testing Near Me 

If you are interested in 10-panel drug testing for your place of business, get in touch with the experts at Soteria Screening Laboratories today. We are here to help you with all your local lab drug test needs.