The type of test used depends on two key factors: the specific drugs an employer wants to detect and the type of sample being tested.
Drug tests vary in the number of substances they screen for. For example, there are 5-panel, 8-panel, and 10-panel drug tests, among others. A 5-panel test screens for five substances, while a 12-panel test detects twelve. The type of test an employee undergoes will depend on the employer’s requirements and the specific drugs they are looking to identify.
- A 5-panel drug test screens for marijuana, copyright, amphetamines, heroin (including morphine and codeine), and PCP. This is the most commonly used test for safety-sensitive professions such as airline pilots, mechanics, and truck drivers.
- A 10-panel drug test detects all the substances in the 5-panel test, plus benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax), barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes. It is often used in the healthcare industry to identify potential misuse of prescription medications.
- A 12-panel drug test includes everything in the 10-panel test, with the addition of copyright (Molly/Ecstasy) and oxycodone/hydrocodone.
- A 14-panel drug test expands on the 12-panel by also screening for Demerol and Tramadol.
- A 20-panel drug test provides the most extensive screening, covering all the substances in the 14-panel test, along with buprenorphine, fentanyl, ketamine, naloxone, butorphanol, meprobamate, pentazocine, nalbuphine, and naltrexone.
When it comes to drug testing, employers have several options for sample collection:
Urine Drug Screening
Urine tests are the most common type of drug screening, which is why many people assume it’s the test they’ll receive. This method is widely used because it is easy to administer, provides quick results, and is cost-effective.
Hair Drug Screening
Hair tests are highly accurate and can detect drug use that occurred months prior. However, due to the higher cost, they are not as commonly used as urine tests.
Saliva Drug Screening
Saliva tests are inexpensive and simple to collect, but they have limitations. They only detect a limited range of drugs and can typically only identify substances used within the past few hours.
Blood Drug Screening
Blood tests fall between hair and urine tests in terms of cost. They are highly accurate and can detect drugs taken months earlier. However, because they require specialized collection methods and are more expensive than urine or saliva tests, they are typically reserved for specific situations.
In most cases, urine drug testing is the standard method due to its convenience and affordability. However, depending on the circumstances, employers may opt for alternative testing methods.
Drug screenings are typically conducted in various situations, including pre-employment, when there is reasonable suspicion of drug use, after a workplace accident, as part of a random drug testing program, during regular periodic testing, or when an employee is returning to work after previously testing positive and completing a required substance treatment program.
If you want to learn more about drug screenings and the requirements involved, visit New Era’s Compliant Drug and Alcohol Testing page. New Era Drug Testing is a DOT drug testing company that helps businesses stay DOT-compliant by offering tailored programs and solutions. If you have any questions about DOT drug compliance for employers, please contact us. Visit us at 801 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Suite 200, Burbank, CA 91502, or call us at 800-801-0966.