5-Panel DOT Drug Test Cup

A rapid drug test can detect the presence of specific substances of drugs or a group of drugs existing in a person’s urine sample. The 5-panel reference means that the test can identify five different substances. Nevertheless, the unique drugs that the test measures may vary. Some drugs included in the five panel rapid drug test are:

Amphetamines (AMP): Stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and ecstasy.

Cocaine (COC): It is a potent stimulant obtained from the leaves of the coca plant.

Marijuana (THC): Cannabis or marijuana.

Opiates (OPI): Drugs derived from opium, which include heroin, morphine, and codeine.

Phencyclidine (PCP): A drug that is both a hallucinogenic and dissociative.

Drugs tested

5-panel drug screen in employment settings

As a screening method for new candidates and employees, a 5-panel drug test is increasingly becoming a popular tool in workplaces. The term ‘5-panel’ refers to five classes of drugs that one uses, and the test attempts to find traces of those substances within the employee’s system.

Follow below to see how a 5-panel drug screen works in a business environment:

Pre-Employment Screening:

Most employers perform a full background check on potential employees including a drug screen test. This protects the workplace and ensures all employees go through a predefined checklist before joining.

Random Testing:

Periodic drug screening tests can be performed on existing employees. This is one of the many ways to guarantee a drug-free work environment and to minimize the abuse of substances.

Reasonable Suspicion Testing:

In instances where the boss has a solid basis for believing that an employee uses drugs heavily or alcohol at work, a drug screening can be done to verify the suspicions. Usually, odd behavior and signs of an employee being impaired may trigger such suspicions.

Post-Accident Testing:

After a slip, fall, or injury in the workplace, employers may order a drug test on the employees involved to figure out if the incident is caused by substance use. This is especially common in facilities with heavy types of machinery.

Return to Duty Testing

Testing for drug use is carried out when a formerly occupied position is being resumed by an employee who has undergone treatment for substance abuse.

The process typically includes a urine sample collection which is analyzed for the presence of the specific drugs. These results are helpful to employers in making decisions regarding hiring, maintaining employment, and managing possible substance abuse cases at the workplace. However, the details of drug testing policies differ from one employer to another or even between industries.