Working for 8 hours for 5 days is not a joke. You have to be clear and sober to maintain the work safety rules and adhere to the requirements of the workplace. However, to get into the status of working for a company, you have to pass the 5-panel drug test. This drug has become a major requirement at workplaces in the USA. In addition, there are some other drug tests that you might have to pass. However, this test is the standard and accurate test that proves whether you are abusing the prescribed drug or not. In this article, we will explain the process of drug testing and its benefits.

What is a 5-panel Drug Test?

A 5-panel drug test is a drug test screen for the five major types of most commonly abused substances. The process of testing is easy and painless. There is no use of injections or any other invasive procedure. Many employers and agencies have put this test into requirements for initial screening. The 5 substances include the following: 

• Amphetamines also include methamphetamine, MDMA, which is ecstasy, and other substances of this category. 
• This test screens for cocaine and its metabolites, including benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester. 
• It also screens for Marijuana or cannabis. It includes THC, which is one of the active ingredients of marijuana.
• The fourth substance is Opiates, which includes heroin, morphine, and codeine. 
• The last substance is PCP or Phencyclidine, which is a dissociative anesthetic that tends to have a hallucinogenic effect. 

These days, drug testing has become a condition of employment. This is to ensure a safe and secure workplace environment and avoid accidents. It is not only a pre-employment requirement but also a post-accident requirement. Some organizational sports also require their athletes to undergo drug testing. In addition, in some cases, drug testing is also part of the infidelity test. 

What is the Procedure for a 5-Panel Drug Test? 

The procedure of a 5-panel drug test is simple, and it includes the following steps. 

• First, the person being tested must submit a urine sample. The labs have designated private areas for sample collection. 
• The sample is placed in a sealed container to protect it from external factors and avoid contamination. The container has a label with relevant information, such as the sample's name, age, and sample collection time.
• The sample goes to the lab, where it is kept safe until testing is complete. 
• The testing includes two steps: initial screening and confirmation testing. The initial screening consists of an immunoassay test, which is a sensory test that detects the presence of substances. If initial screening detects the presence of the substance, then there is another more detailed and sensitive test, such as gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. 
• The next process is analyzing the results. In the end, the results are reviewed by the medical review officer, who is a licensed physician who reviews all results and interprets them. Thus, the results are highly accurate. 

What are the Benefits of a 5-Panel Drug Test? 

It is one of the most widely used screening methods for drug detection. It offers many benefits. Some of them include the following:

• It is an effective tool for comprehensive drug detection.
• The drug test is cost-effective as compared to other drug tests for comprehensive screening. 
• This drug test has a fast turnaround, which means you may get the results as quickly as within 3 to 5 days. This is particularly effective for screening in legal cases and the workplace. 
• This drug test is versatile because it is used in different scenarios, including pre-employment screening, during accidents, and in legal cases. 
• The drug tests have a high accuracy rate. 

How to Select the Right Lab for Accurate Drug Testing?

The reliability and accuracy of the tests depend upon the lab as well. You must have noticed that people prefer to go to labs that have a good reputation and good reviews on social media platforms or websites. Therefore, before finalizing the lab, go to Google and read the lab reviews. There are dedicated medical sites on Google where people leave reviews about certain testing or doctors. Furthermore, one of the most important factors that ensure the accuracy of the lab is accreditation with a famous organization.  

Conclusion 

A 5-panel drug test is one of the most comprehensive drug tests as it screens for the five most commonly abused drugs. The purpose of screening is to maintain workplace safety and implement the rules and regulations at the workplace. The testing helps avoid accidents at the workplace. However, the accuracy of the results depends upon the lab as well. You must choose a lab that has a good reputation, such as Choice DNA testing lab. With that, you would not have to wait long for the results.