You might have encountered 5, 6, or 10 panel drug tests, but you are unsure what they mean. The drug test panels classify the substances being screened as a package. Depending on what is being tested, this can range from 5 to 10 or even more panels. Most employers will often choose a panel based on the requirement and needs of their workplace drug policy. Depending on their chosen panel, the employer can consider ft. Lauderdale pre-employment drug testing to get an accurate employee drug test and result. Whether you are following the set regulation by the state or it’s your workplace initiative, you need to ensure a drug-free workplace to boost even productivity and grow a great working culture. This blog will outline a guide to drug test panels and screening.

5 Panel Drug Test

When conducting the 5-panel drug test, the urine drug test is commonly used. However, you can consider a hair follicle test to detect drug and drug abuse. Some of the commonly abused drugs tested in this panel include:

  • Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most abused drugs and has a detection window of 3-7 days using the urine test. The basic opiated include morphine, codeine, and heroin, which have a detection window of 3-7 days.

  • Marijuana

Th marijuana will include both cannabinoids and THC. The detection window of marijuana will take up to 30 days from the last use, but it might vary depending on the person. Further might need to conduct a second test to ensure it’s not a false positive.

  • Phencyclidine (Angel Dust, PCP)

This is often tested through urine. Its detection window can vary depending on the individual and the use frequency. Most commonly, it will range from a few days up to 4-5 weeks.

  • Amphetamines (Include Adderall, Ritalin)

These drugs are commonly abused and can impact the central nervous system. There are commonly associated with ADHD/ADD conditions. The detection window for amphetamines is 3-7 days in a urine test.

  • Hydrocodone

This is a commonly prescribed painkiller that has many effects on an individual.

6 Panel Drug Test

The 6-panel drug test combines the 5 panel drug test with an inclusive MDMA component. The common method used to test this panel is a urine drug test. Some of the common drugs tested include Marijuana, Hydrocodone, Cocaine, Phencyclidines (Angel Dust, PCP), Amphetamines, and basic opiates. In addition, it tests ecstasy, which includes molly and MDMA, and has a detection window of 2-4 days.

7 panel DOT Mirror Drug Test

The 7 DOT mirror test has this name since it’s non-DOT, but its test matches the current DOT drug test requirement. It’s used to screen basic drug sets with the addition of Ecstasy (MDMA) and expanded opiates. Some of the drugs tested include all those in 6 panel drug tests. The test of 6-AM-6-acetyl morphine (6-AM) is a metabolite of morphine and heroin, making it detectable soon after heroin. The traces of 6-AM is often solid and indicates current heroin use.

8 Panel Dru Test

This test will include all the drugs tested in 7 panels, including methadone, Benzodiazepines, and Barbiturates.

It’s a Wrap

The drug test panel can exceed 25 panels, with different types of drugs tested in each stage. Always know the policy and nature of your work before choosing the right panel to use.