Despite recent trends in the legalization of cannabis, drug testing remains a fairly common practice in many industries. Drug tests can test for more substances than just marijuana, after all. Often, those other substances are of greater concern to employers anyway. If you are somewhat familiar with drug testing, you may have heard of 10 Panel drug tests and 5 Panel drug tests. But you may not be sure what either of these terms mean, or what differences exist between different types of drug tests.

If you are trying to decide which option is right for your business, this post should answer any questions you might have.

What Is a 10 Panel Drug Test?

As the name suggests, a 10 Panel drug test can test for 10 common types of drugs. Knowing that, you can probably guess what the difference is between a 10 panel drug test and a 5 panel drug test. A 5 Panel drug test tests for five common types of drugs.

At first glance, you may assume that this means 10 Panel tests are the superior option in all cases. While some companies and industries do prefer 10 panel tests, this is not always the case.

What Does a 10 Panel Drug Test Test For?

These tests are used in a range of industries to test for some of the most common recreational and prescription drugs that people use. These drug types include: 

  • Cannabis/THC
  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Opioids
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines

In addition to these substances 10 Panel tests can also detect the following illicit substances:

  • PCP
  • Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
  • Methadone
  • Propoxyphene

The range of a 5 Panel drug test is obviously more limited than 10 Panel tests. A 5 Panel drug test tests for cannabis, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP.

Drug Test Advantages

Now that you know which drugs can be tested for in each test, you may be wondering which is right for your company. While 10 Panel drug tests cover a wider range of substances, 5 panel tests are actually more widespread. This is because 5 Panel tests are usually easy to administer, and still cover the range of substances that employers are most concerned about.

However, some industries require a more strict and more broad range of substances for their drug tests.

For instance, government employees and transportation workers often face much stricter drug policies. In these industries, employers want to ensure that their employees are not abusing any drugs whatsoever. Thus, a 5 Panel test would be insufficient for their needs.

Choosing which type of drug test to use for your business comes down to your needs. In the case of transportation workers, for instance, impaired faculties and judgment can create a tremendous public safety risk.

A 10 Panel test gives you greater assurance that an employee is not abusing drugs. But other businesses are comfortable with the coverage provided by 5 panel drug tests. They are cheaper and easier to administer, and thus are the more efficient option. But if your industry requires thorough drug testing, then a 10 Panel drug test may be preferable.

10 Panel Drug Test Near Me

Timely test results are critical for both employers and employees. That is why Soteria Screening Laboratories is a great option for many businesses.

Our easy delivery and access to thousands of facilities nationwide mean you can get your 10 Panel drug test results quickly, no matter where you are in the country. Contact us or read more about our 10 Panel drug tests to learn more.

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