Understanding Drug Screening Panels: A Comprehensive Guide by Central Drug Testing
What’s tested for in a Drug Screen?
Welcome to Central Drug Testing, your trusted partner in ensuring a safe and drug-free workplace environment. In today's blog post, we delve into the intricacies of drug screening panels, shedding light on what substances they test for, how long these substances remain detectable in someone's system, and how they contribute to maintaining a secure workplace.
The basic 5-panel drug screen is a cornerstone of workplace drug testing protocols. It tests for five commonly abused substances:
Marijuana (THC): THC can be detected in urine for up to 3-30 days after use, depending on factors such as frequency of use and metabolism.
Cocaine: Cocaine typically stays in the system for 1-4 days, with metabolites detectable in urine for up to 2-3 days.
Opiates (including heroin, morphine, and codeine): Heroin and morphine are detectable in urine for 2-4 days, while codeine can be detected for up to 2 days.
Amphetamines: Amphetamines have a shorter detection window of 1-3 days in urine.
Phencyclidine (PCP): PCP can be detected in urine for 7-14 days after use.
This standard panel provides a comprehensive overview of substance abuse among employees. However, as drug trends evolve, employers may opt for more extensive screening panels to capture a broader spectrum of substances.
Beyond the Basics:
Employers may choose to expand their drug screening panels to include additional substances based on their specific needs and concerns. Here are some commonly adopted panels:
6-Panel Drug Screen: Includes the substances from the basic 5-panel screen plus benzodiazepines, which can be detected in urine for 1-10 days depending on the specific drug.
7-Panel Drug Screen: Incorporates the drugs from the 6-panel screen and adds methadone, which has a detection window of 2-7 days.
10-Panel Drug Screen: Expands the screening to include barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone. Barbiturates can be detected for 1-2 days, while methaqualone has a detection window of 10-14 days.
12-Panel Drug Screen: This extensive panel covers all substances from the previous panels and adds synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and oxycodone. Fentanyl can be detected for 1-4 days, while oxycodone has a detection window of 1-4 days.
Employers may select the appropriate panel based on factors such as industry regulations, prevalence of specific substances in their region, and organizational policies.
Specimen Validity Testing or SVT
In addition to detecting the presence of drugs, specimen validity testing (SVT) ensures the integrity of the collected sample. SVT assesses the sample for signs of adulteration, dilution, or substitution, which may indicate attempts to cheat the test.
Common parameters evaluated in SVT include:
pH levels: Normal urine pH ranges from 4.5 to 8, and deviations may indicate tampering.
Creatinine levels: Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism excreted in urine. Abnormally low creatinine levels suggest dilution of the sample.
Specific gravity: This measures the concentration of urine. Extremely low or high specific gravity values may indicate adulteration or dilution.
Temperature: Urine samples should be within the body temperature range (90°F to 100°F) to ensure sample validity.
By incorporating SVT into drug testing protocols, employers can confidently interpret results and maintain the integrity of their testing program.
Conclusion:
At Central Drug Testing, we understand the importance of implementing robust drug screening protocols to safeguard your workplace and employees. Whether you opt for a basic 5-panel screen or a comprehensive 12-panel analysis, our customizable solutions cater to your specific needs, ensuring accuracy and compliance every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take proactive steps towards a drug-free workplace environment.