Introduction
In certain professions where individuals are responsible for the safety of others, a 10-panel drug test may be required. This comprehensive drug test aims to detect the misuse of both prescription and illegal drugs. In this article, we will explore the substances screened, their detection times, who typically takes this test, what to do before the test, the process of taking the test, and the possible results.
Substances Screened
The 10-panel drug test screens for a variety of controlled substances, including both frequently misused prescription drugs and illegal substances. Here are the substances included in the screening:
- Amphetamines:
- Amphetamine sulfate (speed, whizz, gooey)
- Methamphetamine (crank, crystal, meth, crystal meth, rock, ice)
- Dexamphetamine and other drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy (dexies, Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, Focalin, Concerta)
- Cannabis:
- Marijuana (weed, dope, pot, grass, herb, ganja)
- Hashish and hashish oil (hash)
- Synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic marijuana, spice, K2)
- Cocaine:
- Cocaine (coke, powder, snow, blow, bump)
- Crack cocaine (candy, rocks, hard rock, nuggets)
- Opioids:
- Heroin (smack, junk, brown sugar, dope, H, train, hero)
- Opium (big O, O, dopium, Chinese tobacco)
- Codeine (Captain Cody, Cody, lean, sizzurp, purple drank)
- Morphine (Miss Emma, cube juice, hocus, Lydia, mud)
- Barbiturates:
- Amobarbital (downers, blue velvet)
- Pentobarbital (yellow jackets, nembies)
- Phenobarbital (goofballs, purple hearts)
- Secobarbital (reds, pink ladies, red devils)
- Tuinal (double trouble, rainbows)
- Benzodiazepines (benzos, normies, tranks, sleepers, downers):
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Other screened substances:
- Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust)
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes, ludes)
- Methadone (dollies, dolls, done, mud, junk, amidone, cartridges, red rock)
- Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvon-N, PP-Cap)
It’s important to note that the 10-panel drug test does not screen for alcohol. However, employers have the discretion to test for any legal or illegal substances, including medications taken with a legitimate prescription.
Detection Window
The detection window for drugs in the body varies depending on several factors such as the drug type, dose, sample type, and individual metabolism. Here are the approximate detection windows for some of the substances screened in the 10-panel drug test:
- Amphetamines: Up to 2 days
- Barbiturates: 2 to 15 days
- Benzodiazepines: 2 to 10 days
- Cannabis: 3 to 30 days (depending on frequency of use)
- Cocaine: 2 to 10 days
- Methadone: 2 to 7 days
- Methaqualone: 10 to 15 days
- Opioids: 1 to 3 days
- Phencyclidine: Up to 8 days
- Propoxyphene: Up to 2 days
It’s important to remember that drug testing has its limitations. While it can detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites, it cannot evaluate the current state of impairment. The concentration of these compounds must reach a certain threshold to be detected.
Who Takes the Test?
The 10-panel drug test is not as commonly used as the 5-panel drug test in most workplaces. Typically, employers conduct a 5-panel drug test to screen applicants and current employees. However, professionals in certain positions that involve the safety of others may be required to undergo the 10-panel drug test. This can include individuals in law enforcement, medical professionals, and federal, state, or local government employees.
It’s important to note that the requirement for drug testing may vary depending on state laws. Some states prohibit employers from conducting drug tests on employees in non-safety-dependent positions. Additional restrictions may apply for employees with a history of alcohol or substance use disorder. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your state regarding drug testing in the workplace.
Preparing for the Test
To prepare for a 10-panel drug test, it’s advisable to avoid consuming excessive fluids prior to providing a urine sample. Ideally, your last bathroom break should be two to three hours before the test. Remember to bring an official ID to the testing facility.
Your employer will provide you with any specific instructions regarding the test, including the time, location, and any additional requirements.
Taking the Test
The 10-panel drug test can take place at your workplace, a medical clinic, or another designated testing facility. A trained technician will guide you through the process and provide instructions.
For a urine test, a single-stall bathroom with a door that extends to the floor is usually preferred. You will be provided with a cup to provide a urine sample. In some cases, someone of the same gender may be present to monitor the collection process.
To ensure the integrity of the urine sample, technicians may take additional precautions such as:
- Turning off the tap water and securing other water sources
- Adding blue dye to the toilet bowl or tank
- Removing soap and other substances
- Conducting a site inspection before sample collection
- Measuring the temperature of the urine sample
Once you have finished providing the urine sample, securely close the container and hand it over to the technician.
Receiving the Results
Depending on the testing facility, you may receive immediate results or have the urine sample sent for further analysis. Typically, results are available within a few business days.
Drug test results can be categorized as positive, negative, or inconclusive:
- A positive result indicates that one or more of the screened drugs were detected at a specific concentration.
- A negative result means that the screened drugs were not detected at the cut-off concentration or not detected at all.
- An inconclusive or invalid result suggests that the test did not successfully check for the presence of the screened drugs.
If a drug test result is positive, it is usually not immediately reported to your employer. The sample will likely undergo additional testing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to confirm the presence of the detected substance. If the second screening confirms the positive result, a medical review officer may communicate with you to determine if there is a legitimate medical reason for the result. At this point, the results may be shared with your employer.
On the other hand, if you receive a negative result, it will typically be sent directly to your current or prospective employer. Further testing is usually not required.
Conclusion
The 10-panel drug test is a comprehensive screening method used in certain professions to detect the misuse of prescription and illegal drugs. By understanding the substances screened, their detection times, and the testing process, you can better prepare for this type of drug test if required. Remember to comply with any specific instructions provided by your employer and familiarize yourself with the relevant drug testing regulations in your state.
