10-panel drug test

When is a 10-panel drug test used?

A 10-panel drug test is most frequently used by employers to test for drug use in employees and prospective candidates for employment. Scenarios where employers may use a 10-panel drug test include:^[1]

• Pre-employment: Some employers will ask prospective applicants to test for drug use, often after a provisional offer of employment has been given.
• Suspicion of drug use: Employers may ask employees to take a drug test if they show symptoms of drug abuse.
• Post-accident: A drug test may be required after a workplace accident to determine whether substances were involved, though it may definitively prove it or exclude it, based on the timing and detection windows.
• Random/Periodic screening: Some employers will use random or scheduled drug tests to monitor drug use. This will often be clearly outlined in their drug policy guidance.
• Return-to-work: An employer may ask for a drug test to be performed after an extended absence from work, especially if the employee has been away for drug abuse treatment.

There are other situations where a 10-panel drug test may be used, such as:^[2]

• Medical screening: Your doctor may order a 10-panel drug test as part of your care.
• Legal or forensic information: You may be required to take a drug test if you’ve been arrested or are part of a surveillance program.
• Sports/athletics testing: Some athletic competitions require drug testing prior to competing.
• Monitoring controlled substance use: A 10-panel drug test can be used to monitor your treatment and the level of any medications in your system.
• A medical professional can help you determine when a 10-panel drug test is the right testing option for you.

What does a 10-panel drug test screen for?

A 10-panel drug test sample, most commonly in the form of urine, will screen for the following 10 substances:

• Marijuana (including THC and cannabinoids)
• Cocaine (including Coke and crack
• Opioids (including heroin, codeine, hydrocodone, and morphine)
• Phencyclidine (PCP, also called angel dust)
• Amphetamines/methamphetamines (including methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine)
• Barbiturates (including Amytal and butalbital)
• Benzodiazepines (including diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam)
• Methadone
• Propoxyphene (including the brand Darvocet)
• Methaqualone (also called Quaaludes, which are central nervous system depressants)

How can I get a 10-panel drug test?

Urinalysis 10-panel drug tests can be ordered to your home, and they come with detailed instructions about how to perform the test, store it, and return it for full testing. 10-panel urine tests can be ordered through your doctor or online retailers.^[1]

Other samples, such as blood tests, the person performing the test may need to visit a lab to have the sample collected by a medical expert. This will often be organized by the person asking for the test to be performed. Read here to find out more about how a drug test is taken.

Can I take the test at home?

Yes, 10-panel drug tests are regularly available for home ordering and from some retailers and medical service providers. At-home drug tests are urine tests that use a dipstick similar to an at-home pregnancy test that can detect accurately for illicit substances.

While at-home 10-panel tests are reliable for detecting above the cut-off presence of substances in the system, they are not 100% verifiable, and the integrity of the sample cannot be guaranteed. For the most accurate results, it is best to have drug tests performed by professionals in a lab or to send at-home tests away for further analysis.

Related: Types of drug tests