5 Panel Urine Drug Test Kits for ScreeningEmployees

The Testing Times @uritox · Oct 22, 2021

Drug tests have become prevalent in almost all sectors to protect employers and employees against drug abuse and to promote a healthy and safe workplace.

Every organization runs on critical decision making skills. Being under the influence significantly affects employees’ ability for critical thinking and directly impacts their productivity and company’s growth and development as a whole.

There are several drug testing panels conducted by organizations including 1 panel, 4 panel, 5 panel, 6 panel, 10 panel, and 12 panel. The 5 panel drug test is the standard and most sought drug testing panel in the United States. We have compiled the best resource for employers and recruiters to know more about the 5 panel drug test.

What Is A 5-Panel Drug Test?

The 5-panel drug test generally screens for five illicit substances. The primary analysis can be done using an instant drug testing kit. The specimen might be sent to the SAMHSA-certified laboratory for further analysis. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) will review the results.

The 5 panel urine drug test kit is a viable option for most employers. It is best to know the complete list of all the different panel urine drug tests that you can choose as per your company policies. Before conducting your 5 panel drug test, make sure you know the Employer Drug Testing Guidelines.

The most commonly screened drugs through a 5-panel drug test are:

Marijuana (THC)
Cocaine (COC)
Opiates (OPI)
Amphetamines (AMP) and Methamphetamine (mAMP)
Phencyclidine (PCP)

Individuals abusing these substances may lose their job, risk workplace accidents, and threaten workplace safety.

Who Uses The 5 Panel Drug Tests Kits?

The majority of the workplace in the United States rely on the 5-Panel Drug Test Kit. The 5-panel drug test is also deemed the standard panel and used by many private and government agencies.

5-Panel Drug Tests are used by:

Department of Transportation (DOT)
Non-DOT
Federal Government
Private Agencies
Non-Regulated Companies

Drugs-Screened-During-The-5-Panel-Drug-Test?

Drugs Screened During The 5 Panel Drug Test

Cocaine

Cocaine is analogous to a white powder, commonly mixed with other look-alikes to create artificial fillers. It can be injected, snorted, or inhaled to get the feeling of high. Cocaine is a Schedule II drug due to its high susceptibility towards psychological or physical dependence. Cocaine users may feign for the drug and cross barriers to reach out for the drug. Similar to opiates, this drug also has a very high potential for addiction.

Amphetamines and Methamphetamines

Amphetamines come in pill forms and sometimes crushed and snorted. Amphetamines are also mixed with the other fillers to increase the quantity and the weight. Patients with ADHD and ADD are prescribed amphetamine in the form of Adderall and Ritalin. Amphetamines is a Schedule II drug with a potential for abuse, including psychological and physical dependence.

Methamphetamine is another form of amphetamine consisting of a similar base of chemicals as in amphetamines. It is commonly known as the "meth," which is either found in powder or crystal form. Methamphetamine gives a sudden rush of euphoria, increased senses, and sudden rise in energy and focus.

Meth is quite strong. Every time one consumes meth, one would require higher amounts to get the same high. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug and is typically tested in the 5-panel drug test.

Opiates

Opiates are used for medical and recreational purposes and a derivative of the opium poppy plant. Codeine, Morphine, Vicodin, etc., have opiates/opium alkaloid extracts prescribed to help relieve pain and acts as an relaxer. When taken more than the prescribed dose, it may potentiate physical dependence and psychological addiction.

Heroin is a hard drug that is derived from morphine. It is a Schedule I drug and highly addictive. When injected intravenously, it provides the fastest and most intense rush. Opiates are also snorted and smoked.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a plant's dried flower buds usually made into hash or included in the baked food consumed as brownies and cookies. Marijuana users consume it either by smoking or as an edible. People with different preferences also take it as tea.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is an active chemical found naturally in the marijuana plant. Marinol is the synthetic form of THC.

Cannabis products, when consumed, produce mild-to-moderate analgesic effects, including euphoric feelings and relaxation. Consuming weed also leads to anxiousness or paranoia.

The federal government doesn't recognize marijuana for any medical purpose, thus considering it for Schedule I drugs. However, many states in the US recognize the medicinal value of marijuana, which allows its use under legal prescription. Though they have legalized marijuana usage, there is no escape from its test as the THC is checked under 5-panel drug tests.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Phencyclidine is an illegally created synthetic chemical substance that is available in powder form or liquid. Users smoke, inject or snort it. Phencyclidine is used to tranquilize animals. It is also known as PCP or Angel Dust. It is one of the dangerous substances and distorts the senses, hallucinations, and feelings of detachment from the surroundings. It is labeled as a Schedule II drug by the federal government.

How To Read The 5 Panel Drug Test?

Let us put it in two categories - how to collect? and how to read?

How to collect?

As the first step, you need to provide a sample collection cup to your candidate/employee to collect the urine sample during the 5 panel drug screening.
If you are conducting a supervised drug test, your observer can assist the individual inside the restroom but he cannot enter the private stall where the individual is allowed to fill the sample.
Make sure that the individual had filled the sample at a level of at least 30 mL of urine to a maximum of 100 mL.
Check the temperature of the urine before testing. The urine sample should have a temperature range of 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit to be eligible for drug testing.
Once the candidate provides the sample, you can dip the 5 panel drug screening kit into the sample for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to read?

You can see two regions in your 5 panel drug test kit - Control region and Testing region.
You can find five white spaces below the indicated drugs in your 5 panel drug test kit.
The line in the control region indicates that your drug test kit is working fine.
The testing region line identifies whether the candidate is negative or positive for that drug.
If your candidate tests negative, you can find both the C and T line in your drug test. If your candidate is positive for any of the 5 panel drugs, the T line will not appear.
The intensity of the line does not have a say in your 5 panel drug test.
If your candidate considers that it might be false-positive, you can send the test to the SAMHSA authorized lab to analyze and confirm the results.

Reading the 5 panel drug screening results from the lab is entirely different from that of reading it from the 5 panel drug test kit.

5 Panel vs. 10 Panel Drug Tests

The 5 panel drug test is used to identify five major illicit substances whereas the 10 panel drug test helps tracking 10 drugs.

The 5 panel drug screening is the standard drug testing panel whereas the 10 panel includes other prescription drugs like benzos for drug testing candidates and employees.

There are several differences between the 5 panel drug test and the 10 panel drug test that includes detection time, similarities, and dissimilarities.

What Is A 5 Panel iCup Drug Test?

The 5 panel iCup is a type of drug testing kit that eliminates the handling of the urine sample and checks for adulteration. It checks for PH, nitrite, specific gravity, creatinine and other oxidants. The 5 panel iCup drug test provides instant and accurate drug test results with multiple security features. Only the collector can activate the drug test using a 5 panel iCup. This prevents donor manipulation. Also the label hides the drug test results to prevent leakage of test results.

The 5 panel iCup drug test is effective for pre-employment, random, post-accident, hospital and personal drug testing purposes. Before initiating the drug test, make sure that you know how to collect and read the 5 panel icup drug test.

DOT 5 Panel Drug Test

The DOT drug test is a standard 5 panel drug test that looks for 5 most illicit drugs. The United States Department of Transportation updated their drug testing policy recently in January 2018. As per the updated drug testing policy, they have decided to conduct a confirmatory test for 14 drugs in the 5 panel that include opioids and amphetamine groups. Know more about the DOT 5 panel drug screening notice before initiating your drug test for your employees and individuals in the safety sensitive positions.

Non-DOT 5 Panel Urine Test

The Non-DOT 5 panel urine test is a kind of test that employers can conduct on their norms without the regulation of the DOT. You can determine the timing, frequency, and the way of drug testing through your drug testing policy.

The Non-DOT drug test is the same as the DOT drug test with employer’s discretion benefits. The employer has to adhere to certain federal laws, but the state and local laws are more common and optional. For instance, it is not mandatory for you to conduct Non-DOT workplace drug testing as per DOT rules, but if you follow, you could earn workers comp discounts.

SAMHSA Drug Free Workplace Program

SAMHSA had designed Drug Free Workplace Programs especially for employees to cultivate a workplace free of drugs. Working under the influence of such harmful drugs at the workplace may negatively impact both the employees and their colleagues.

The drugs detected under the 5 panel are the most commonly used drugs that are not encouraged in the workplace. The Division of Workplace Program oversees the Drug Free Workplace Program and HHS certified laboratories who test for federal agencies and federally regulated agencies.

NIDA’s NIDAMED Program - NIDA 5 Panel Drug Test

NIDA 5 panel drug tests look for Opiates, PCP, AMP, COC, and THC. NIDA has started their NIDAMED program whose aim is to provide required education and resources to the healthcare professionals about screening, addressing, and treating addiction effectively. NIDA requires them to be the first line of defence against addiction.

Amazon Drug Test Policy

Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce companies in the entire United States. They strictly follow the federal guidelines in drug testing their employees and individuals. They conduct mandatory drug testing for their transportation workers and applicants. As per the Amazon drug testing policy, the corporate employees may not get drug tested unless there occurs any reasonable grounds for drug testing. Amazon conducts 5 panel drug test for their employees and individuals during their pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug test.

Does A 5 Panel Drug Test Look For Alcohol?

A standard 5 panel drug test does not look for alcohol. If you want to test alcohol, you might prefer the EtG Instant Urine drug test. You can also test alcohol through hair if you want to test long term alcohol abuse. Know more about the hair alcohol drug test facts before initiating your 5 panel hair follicle drug test.

Does Methylphenidate Show Up In The 5 Panel Drug Test?

There are chances that methylphenidate may show up in your 5 panel drug test if you take drugs like Ritalin without prescription. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that can show up for amphetamines. So, they may show up in a 5 panel drug screening.

Unless you are a heavy user or addicted, there is no need to worry as methylphenidate might get quickly metabolized and do not stay in your system for long.

Does CBD Show Up In A 5 Panel Drug Test?

CBD may not possibly show up on your 5 panel drug test. The 5 panel drug screening looks for THC in the Marijuana and not CBD. There are less chances that you might get positive results by consuming CBD products. It may depend on the product quality and composition. If you take huge amounts, CBD may ruin your 5 panel drug test.

Specimens Used In 5 Panel Drug Test

The most commonly administered 5 panel drug screening is the 5 panel urine test. Urine specimens are screened to detect drugs, and the 5 panel can show the five major drugs and their metabolites present in the provided specimen.

5 panel Urine Test

Easy to administer, non-invasive, and cost-efficient.
Detects the presence of drug(s) and their metabolites.
Detects a wide variety of drugs.
Results are immediate and accurate.
The drug-specific detection window; varies from a few days to a few weeks depending on the drugs.
Administered in various testing situations such as pre-employment, random, post-accident, follow-up, etc.
Difficult to cheat if administered under strict supervision.

5 panel Saliva Drug Test

It is easier to avail a saliva drug test kit and handy to store than the others.
Quick and easier to administer.
No intrusion of privacy, as in the case of urine drug tests.
Tamper-free since the oral fluids are collected under direct supervision.
Detects drug residues ingested orally in the last 24 to 48 hours after last use.
Detects metabolites at lower thresholds, which at times can be missed by urine test or remains undetectable.
Studies have shown that saliva tests are generally more accurate in detecting meth and opiates used illegally or prescribed.
Less reliable in detecting cannabinoids.

If you are looking for short term abuse, a 5 panel urine test and the 5 panel saliva test is reasonable. The 5 panel hair follicle drug test is the best option if you are looking for long-term abuse.

Drug Testing Statistics

Urine tests are done by around 90 percent of employers.
The saliva test is used by around 10 percent of employers.
Hair follicle test more or less around 7 percent of employers.

Drug Detection Window And Cut-Off Threshold

Drugs	Abbreviation	Detection Window	Cut-Off Threshold
Amphetamines	AMP	1 to 2 days, depending on type	1000 ng/mL
Methamphetamines	MAMP	Single Use: 1-4 days Heavy Use: Up to a wee	1000 ng/mL
Opiates	OPI	1 to 4 days	2000 ng/mL
Phencyclidine	PCP	8 days	25 ng/mL
Marijuana/Cannabis	THC	3 to 30 days, depending on use	50 ng/mL
Cocaine	COC	2 to 10 days	300 ng/mL

Drugs may be detected in the samples

Urine: Up to 48 hours

Saliva: Up to three days

Hair: Up to three months (90 days)

Benefits Of 5 Panel Drug Test

Increases the productivity of your workplace.
Reduces the workplace accidents.
Joining the Drug Free Workplace Program helps you get workers comp discounts.
Enhanced trust between the employers and employees.
Reduced Absenteeism.

Benefits Of 5 Panel Drug Testing Kits

Cost: The drug testing kit costs less when compared to the laboratory test.
Layman's Job: To understand and interpret the results is an easy process that doesn't have to be monitored by a specially trained person.
User-Friendly: Anyone can use a 5 panel drug testing kit.
Multitasking: A 5 panel drug test can detect multiple drugs as each of its panels is efficient in testing the five major groups of drugs discussed above, all at once.
Shelf Life: It is easy to store due to its longer shelf life.

Bottom Line

The 5 panel drug test has been around for a long time, and it's evolved over the years as the gold standard for drug screening employees. It assures the employer that the employee is sober at work and is not under the influence.

For employers, we recommend listing clear drug testing policies with adequate support for employees and options for treating substance abuse disorders.

Let's work together to promote a safe workplace!

For more resources regarding different panels, check our Different Drug Test Panels Blog.

Want to know more facts about Illicit Drugs? Here is our DRUG FACTS page for you!

Get our High-Quality Employer 5 Panel Drug Test Kits in bulk at discount rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a false positive drug test?

Although false positives are rare, there are possibilities of false positives as no test is ever 100% accurate. A drug screen can detect certain illegal drugs that are not even consumed. These can undoubtedly happen due to the consumption of over-the-counter medication, a particular food, or prescription medication.

It will be known to the person in question whether or not the results are accurate; in that case, one must consult with their healthcare provider and cut down on a few prescribed medicines that are known to cause false positives and repeat the test.

What kind of laboratories should be preferred for drug testing?

Any drug test specimens sent to laboratories should be certified by SAMHSA. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is amongst the US Department of Human and Health Services that promote public health efforts and advances in the nation's behavioral health. Their main motive is to monitor and reduce the impact of mental illness and substance abuse on American communities.

What is the time duration to check for the drugs?

The time frame for detection can vary based on several factors. A more problematic drug like cocaine will leave the body in a shorter time, whereas the softer ones like marijuana take longer to exit. In this process, metabolism, body fat, and weight play a significant role. The frequency of usage also determines the system's infiltration.

The human metabolism combined with the drug's period of retention in the body works differently. Some take longer than expected, whereas some may even escape the detection. There are specific guidelines to follow; the drugs other than THC can get detected in the urine test for 5-7 days.

How to cope with the THC in the States where marijuana is legal?

Excluding marijuana depends on the employers in states where marijuana is legalized. It is also equally important to cause deterrence against marijuana abuse since it may negatively impact both the employee and employer.

Since marijuana is a mind-altering drug, users may develop dependence or addiction to cannabis. It can affect an individual's ability to understand, handle difficult tasks and slow down the response time.

Does the menstrual cycle affect the 5 panel drug test?

A urine test conducted at the time of a menstrual cycle may contaminate the 5 panel urine test.

What temperature is required for the 5 panel drug test?

The urine temperature should be between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit within four minutes of the sample collection. If it is above or below the said temperature, it may be deemed adulterated or unfit.

What are the preventive measures taken before a drug test?

Usually, the drug test is a surprise check in the office, but if you know it beforehand, then there is a list of things that need to be avoided before the drug test commences. 24 hours before the drug test, one should avoid

Strenuous exercises such as working out in the gym, swimming, playing, etc.
Alcohol
Acetaminophen
Antihistamines
Vitamin B
Caffeine
Aspirin

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