5-Panel Drug Test—What is It?

This is a drug test that has the ability to determine the presence of five substances with one test. The five substances that can be detected include:

• Amphetamines, like crystal meth
• Cannabinoids like marijuana
• Cocaine
• Phencyclidine (PHP_
• Opiates like codeine and heroi

When the 5-panel drug test is done the one administering the test will collect a sample. This is generally some type of bodily fluid like urine, blood, or saliva. The f-panel drug test is done using a urine sample. A common method that is used to analyze the samples is called a gas chromatography spectrometry (GCMS). This method is conducted in a laboratory so the test is sent away and the results are returned later, which could be a couple of days or long.

There are some instances the results from the 5-panel drug test will claim, “to be instant.” This does not mean that the results will be revealed immediately after the sample is taken but does mean that these particular drug tests are designed to give results without being sent out to a laboratory. This form of the 5-panel drug test uses the immunochromatographic assay method. It will take several minutes to get the results. This method may be used if a company is hiring to fill vacancies immediately and do not have time to wait for laboratory results.

When giving a drug test there are usually levels that have to be met or exceeded for the detection of any drugs. With a 5-panel drug test, the person could have one or more of the listed drugs in their system but they may be present in such small amounts that the results of the drug test shows that they are drug free. In many instances, a company will also use the instant 5-drug panel test for random drug testing conducted at the workplace. This test may also be used if an employee were injured on the job. If the drug tests prove that the employee was under the influence of a controlled substance when they got hurt the unemployment insurance, employer’s insurance company, and employer would not have to pay any compensation.

Although there are more thorough drug tests like the 10-panal drug test, most employers feel that the 5-panel drug test is sufficient. One reason that they are usually satisfied using the 5-panel drug test is because the types of drugs that this test can detect are the ones that are most often abused. The Federal government and the Department of Transportation also use the test. If, for some reason, you want to buy a drug test the 5-panel drug test is the most common at home test used. It is also used in school athletic programs.