A Drug Screening Panel is a medical test used to detect the presence of prescription medications, illegal drugs, and substances of abuse in a person’s system. It is commonly used for employment screening, medical monitoring, legal requirements, or personal health evaluations.
These tests help determine whether an individual has recently used specific drugs, either intentionally or unintentionally, by analyzing urine, blood, saliva, hair, or nails.
✅ Employment Screening – Many employers require drug testing for new hires or random testing for workplace safety
✅ Clinical Monitoring – Healthcare providers monitor medication compliance in pain management or behavioral health
✅ Legal & Court-Ordered Testing – Required in probation, custody, or DUI-related cases
✅ Rehabilitation & Recovery – Helps support addiction treatment programs
✅ Personal Awareness – Individuals may request testing for peace of mind or verification
Drug screening panels vary in the number of substances they test for (e.g., 5-panel, 10-panel, or custom panels). Below is a breakdown of common substances included:
Drug Class | Examples Detected |
Amphetamines | Methamphetamine, Adderall, Dexedrine |
Barbiturates | Phenobarbital, Secobarbital |
Benzodiazepines | Valium, Xanax, Ativan |
Cannabinoids (THC) | Marijuana, Hashish |
Cocaine | Cocaine and its metabolites |
Opioids | Heroin, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone |
Methadone | Used in opioid addiction treatment |
Phencyclidine (PCP) | Hallucinogen known as “angel dust” |
Propoxyphene | Pain reliever (withdrawn from U.S. market) |
Synthetic Drugs | Bath salts, K2/Spice (in expanded panels) |
Alcohol (ETG/ETS) | Ethanol and its long-term metabolites |
Tramadol | Synthetic opioid used for pain |
Gabapentin / Pregabalin | Commonly misused nerve pain medications |
✔ 5-Panel Test – Common for employment (tests for THC, Cocaine, Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines)
✔ 10-Panel Test – Includes additional drugs like Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, etc.
✔ Custom Panels – Tailored to include specific medications or substances (e.g., pain management compliance)
✔ Expanded Panels – Detect synthetic cannabinoids, designer drugs, and alcohol
- Urine – Most commonly used; detects recent drug use
- Saliva (Oral Fluid) – Non-invasive; detects very recent use
- Hair – Detects drug use over the past 90 days
- Blood – Highly accurate; detects current intoxication
- Nail or Sweat Testing – Used in special circumstances (longer detection windows)
1️⃣ Sample Collection – A technician collects urine, saliva, blood, or hair in a secure setting
2️⃣ Laboratory Analysis – The sample is tested for targeted substances using advanced techniques (including immunoassay and confirmation via mass spectrometry)
3️⃣ Results Reporting – A medical review officer (MRO) may interpret results and contact you for medication verification if needed
Drug Class | Urine Detection Time (Typical) |
THC (Marijuana) | 3–30 days (depending on use) |
Cocaine | 2–4 days |
Opiates | 2–3 days |
Benzodiazepines | 2–7 days |
Amphetamines | 2–4 days |
Methadone | 3–7 days |
Alcohol (ETG/ETS) | Up to 80 hours |
Note: Detection times may vary based on usage frequency, dose, metabolism, and test type.
- Negative Result – No targeted substances detected
- Positive Result – Drug detected; further review or confirmation test may be required
- Inconclusive or Invalid – May require repeat testing due to sample issues
If a prescription drug is detected, you may be asked to provide proof of a valid prescription for confirmation purposes.
All drug screening is performed under strict HIPAA compliance. Results are confidential and shared only with authorized individuals or agencies with patient consent.
We follow SAMHSA and DOT guidelines for federally regulated testing.
✔ CLIA-Certified & CAP-Accredited – Ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability
✔ Fast Turnaround Time – Most results available within 24–48 hours
✔ Comprehensive Panel Options – Standard and customized panels available
✔ Chain of Custody Services – For legally defensible results
✔ Supportive Medical Review – Consultation with licensed physicians available
What is a Drug Screening Panel?
A Drug Screening Panel is a medical test used to detect the presence of prescription medications, illegal drugs, and substances of abuse in a person’s system. It is commonly used for employment screening, medical monitoring, legal requirements, or personal health evaluations.
These tests help determine whether an individual has recently used specific drugs, either intentionally or unintentionally, by analyzing urine, blood, saliva, hair, or nails.
Why is Drug Screening Important?
Employment Screening – Many employers require drug testing for new hires or random testing for workplace safety
Clinical Monitoring – Healthcare providers monitor medication compliance in pain management or behavioral health
Legal & Court-Ordered Testing – Required in probation, custody, or DUI-related cases
Rehabilitation & Recovery – Helps support addiction treatment programs
Personal Awareness – Individuals may request testing for peace of mind or verification
What Substances Are Commonly Tested?
Drug screening panels vary in the number of substances they test for (e.g., 5-panel, 10-panel, or custom panels). Below is a breakdown of common substances included:
Drug Class | Examples Detected |
Amphetamines | Methamphetamine, Adderall, Dexedrine |
Barbiturates | Phenobarbital, Secobarbital |
Benzodiazepines | Valium, Xanax, Ativan |
Cannabinoids (THC) | Marijuana, Hashish |
Cocaine | Cocaine and its metabolites |
Opioids | Heroin, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone |
Methadone | Used in opioid addiction treatment |
Phencyclidine (PCP) | Hallucinogen known as “angel dust” |
Propoxyphene | Pain reliever (withdrawn from U.S. market) |
Synthetic Drugs | Bath salts, K2/Spice (in expanded panels) |
Alcohol (ETG/ETS) | Ethanol and its long-term metabolites |
Tramadol | Synthetic opioid used for pain |
Gabapentin / Pregabalin | Commonly misused nerve pain medications |
Types of Drug Testing Panels
5-Panel Test – Common for employment (tests for THC, Cocaine, Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines)
10-Panel Test – Includes additional drugs like Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, etc.
Custom Panels – Tailored to include specific medications or substances (e.g., pain management compliance)
Expanded Panels – Detect synthetic cannabinoids, designer drugs, and alcohol
Specimen Types for Drug Testing
- Urine – Most commonly used; detects recent drug use
- Saliva (Oral Fluid) – Non-invasive; detects very recent use
- Hair – Detects drug use over the past 90 days
- Blood – Highly accurate; detects current intoxication
- Nail or Sweat Testing – Used in special circumstances (longer detection windows)
How is the Drug Screening Test Performed?
Sample Collection – A technician collects urine, saliva, blood, or hair in a secure setting
Laboratory Analysis – The sample is tested for targeted substances using advanced techniques (including immunoassay and confirmation via mass spectrometry)
Results Reporting – A medical review officer (MRO) may interpret results and contact you for medication verification if needed
How Long Do Drugs Stay Detectable?
Drug Class | Urine Detection Time (Typical) |
THC (Marijuana) | 3–30 days (depending on use) |
Cocaine | 2–4 days |
Opiates | 2–3 days |
Benzodiazepines | 2–7 days |
Amphetamines | 2–4 days |
Methadone | 3–7 days |
Alcohol (ETG/ETS) | Up to 80 hours |
Note: Detection times may vary based on usage frequency, dose, metabolism, and test type.
Understanding the Results
- Negative Result – No targeted substances detected
- Positive Result – Drug detected; further review or confirmation test may be required
- Inconclusive or Invalid – May require repeat testing due to sample issues
If a prescription drug is detected, you may be asked to provide proof of a valid prescription for confirmation purposes.
Confidentiality and Compliance
All drug screening is performed under strict HIPAA compliance. Results are confidential and shared only with authorized individuals or agencies with patient consent.
We follow SAMHSA and DOT guidelines for federally regulated testing.
Why Choose Our Lab for Drug Screening?
CLIA-Certified & CAP-Accredited – Ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability
Fast Turnaround Time – Most results available within 24–48 hours
Comprehensive Panel Options – Standard and customized panels available
Chain of Custody Services – For legally defensible results
Supportive Medical Review – Consultation with licensed physicians available