Drug testing is a common practice in various sectors, from pre-employment screening to legal monitoring. A drug test panel is a grouping of specific substances or drug classes screened for simultaneously using a single biological sample. The number associated with the panel (e.g., 5-panel or 10-panel) refers to the number of distinct drug classes or individual substances the test is designed to detect. While panels serve as standardized templates, they can be customized to suit the unique needs of an employer or organization.
The Standard 5-Panel Drug Test
The 5-panel drug test is the most common screening method, particularly in federally regulated industries. This standard test focuses on five core classes of historically abused illicit substances. The test screens for metabolites of Marijuana (THC), Cocaine, Amphetamines, Phencyclidine (PCP), and Opioids.
The Opioid class typically includes natural opiates like codeine, morphine, and heroin. This panel is the benchmark for safety-sensitive positions, with federal agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandating its use. The 5-panel test is often the default choice for workplace drug testing programs because it efficiently covers the most common substances of abuse.
Expanded Drug Panels: 10-Panel and Higher
Beyond the basic screen, expanded panels offer a broader analysis by adding more substances, often targeting prescription drug misuse. The 10-panel drug test is the most frequent expansion, including all five classes from the standard test plus five more drug categories. These additions typically include prescription classes like Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax and Valium).
The 10-panel also screens for synthetic opioids such as Methadone and Propoxyphene. Historically, Methaqualone (Quaaludes) was included, but as drug use trends change, laboratories often substitute older drugs with newer, frequently abused prescription opioids such as Oxycodone.
Panels can expand beyond ten, with 12-, 14-, and even 16-panel tests available. These higher-number tests may add substances like MDMA (Ecstasy), Buprenorphine, or Tricyclic Antidepressants. They are generally used in non-federally mandated private employment, clinical monitoring, or for individuals in addiction treatment programs requiring a more comprehensive screen.
Factors Determining Panel Selection and Customization
The selection of a drug panel is determined by a combination of external factors. The industry plays a significant role; high-risk environments like transportation or construction typically adhere to the 5-panel standard. Healthcare settings, however, may opt for a 10- or 12-panel test to screen for a wider range of prescription drug abuse.
Legal requirements also influence the decision, especially with evolving state laws regarding marijuana use. If testing for THC is prohibited, an employer may use a 4-panel test or substitute THC with another substance, creating a custom panel. The purpose of the test—whether pre-employment screening, random testing, or post-accident investigation—also dictates the panel size and the type of specimen collected. While the 5-panel and 10-panel serve as common templates, testing providers frequently create custom panels to match specific concerns and regulatory compliance needs.