Drug Testing Panels: 5 Panel, 10 Panel & 12 Panel Drug Tests
Learn what is tested in common drug testing panels, how 5 panel, 10 panel, and 12 panel drug tests compare, and which collection method may be right for employment, court, personal, school, or compliance testing.
What Is Tested in a Drug Test?
A drug test panel identifies the drug classes or substances included in a test. The most common options are the 5 panel drug test, 10 panel drug test, and 12 panel drug test. Each panel is designed to screen for specific categories of drugs and can be ordered for many reasons, including pre-employment testing, random testing, court-ordered testing, personal testing, and workplace policy compliance.
Accredited Drug Testing offers nationwide drug testing services through a large network of testing locations. You can order a drug test online or call (800) 221-4291 for assistance choosing the right panel.
Drug Test Panel Comparison
| Drug Test Panel | Common Use | Typical Drug Classes Tested |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Panel Drug Test | Common for workplace and DOT-regulated testing. | Amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and PCP. |
| 10 Panel Drug Test | Often used by employers, courts, schools, and professional programs seeking broader screening. | Includes the common 5 panel drug classes plus additional substances such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene. |
| 12 Panel Drug Test | Used when a more comprehensive drug screening panel is requested. | Includes many substances found in a 10 panel test plus additional drug classes such as tramadol and expanded opiate-related substances, depending on the laboratory panel ordered. |
5 Panel Drug Test
The 5 panel drug test is one of the most commonly ordered drug testing panels. A urine 5 panel drug test is also commonly associated with Department of Transportation drug testing.
Common substances tested in a 5 panel drug test include:
- Amphetamines, including methamphetamines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana / THC
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine, also known as PCP
Expanded Opiates Add-On
Expanded opiate testing may be added to certain drug testing panels when additional prescription pain medication categories are requested.
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Codeine
- Morphine
- 6-AM, a heroin metabolite
10 Panel Drug Test
The 10 panel drug test is commonly selected when a broader drug screening panel is needed beyond the standard 5 panel test. It is often used for employment, court, school, probation, and professional licensing purposes.
Common substances tested in a 10 panel drug test include:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana / THC
- MDA / MDMA-related substances, depending on the panel
- Methadone
- Methaqualone, laboratory-based testing only where available
- Opiates
- PCP
- Propoxyphene, where available
12 Panel Drug Test
The 12 panel drug test is a more comprehensive testing option and may be requested when additional drug classes are needed. Panel configuration can vary, so it is important to verify the exact substances included before scheduling.
Common substances tested in a 12 panel drug test may include:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana / THC
- MDA / MDMA-related substances
- Methadone
- Methaqualone
- Tramadol
- Meperidine / Demerol, where available
- Opiates and expanded opiates
- PCP
- Propoxyphene, where available
Expanded opiate-related substances may include:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- 6-AM heroin metabolite
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
Drug Testing Collection Methods
Drug testing may be performed using several collection methods. The best option depends on the reason for testing, detection window needed, employer policy, and whether the test is regulated or non-regulated.
Urine Drug Testing
A urine drug test is one of the most commonly used testing methods. The donor provides a urine specimen, the collection specialist completes the chain of custody process, and the specimen is securely sent to a laboratory for testing.
Hair Drug Testing
A hair drug test uses a small hair sample collected from the head or body. Hair testing is often selected when a longer detection window is desired.
Blood Drug Testing
Blood drug testing is less common than urine or hair testing, but may be used by certain government agencies, legal programs, or medical-related situations when recent use or current presence is being evaluated.
Which Drug Test Panel Should You Choose?
The right drug testing panel depends on your reason for testing. Employers may choose panels based on company policy, industry requirements, or safety-sensitive job duties. Individuals, courts, schools, and professional programs may request a specific panel based on their own requirements.
If you are unsure which drug testing panel you need, call Accredited Drug Testing at (800) 221-4291 and a testing specialist can help you choose the appropriate test.
Schedule a Drug Test Today
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient drug testing options nationwide. Order online or call now for assistance.
Drug Testing Panels FAQ
What is a drug testing panel?
A drug testing panel is the list of drug classes or substances included in a drug test. For example, a 5 panel drug test screens for fewer drug classes than a 10 panel or 12 panel test.
What does a 5 panel drug test test for?
A common 5 panel drug test screens for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana / THC, opiates, and PCP.
What is the difference between a 5 panel and 10 panel drug test?
A 10 panel drug test generally includes the drug classes tested in a 5 panel test plus additional substances such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene, depending on the laboratory panel.
Is a 12 panel drug test more comprehensive?
Yes. A 12 panel drug test is generally considered more comprehensive than a 5 panel or 10 panel test, although the exact substances included can vary by lab and test order.
Can I schedule a drug test online?
Yes. You can schedule a drug test online through Accredited Drug Testing or call (800) 221-4291 for help selecting the correct panel.