5
Panel Drug Test What is it?
The
most popular sort of drug test offered to both individuals and companies is the
five-panel test. A 5-panel drug test is a great choice for employers wishing to
implement a trustworthy drug testing program because it is frequently utilized
by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other Federal tests. The five-panel drug test is frequently used
for random drug testing.
The following drugs are detected by five-panel drug screens:
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Phencyclidine, popularly known as PCP or
angel dust, is a lawfully produced animal tranquilizer that is frequently
stolen or illegally manufactured in laboratories. Either a clear, yellowish
liquid or a powder form is available. There are numerous ways to consume PCP,
including sniffing, smoking, and injecting. Dangerous hallucinations are the
side effects, and long-term use can lead to schizophrenia-like conditions. The
federal government classifies PCP as a Schedule 2 drug.
Cocaine,
sometimes known as coke, is a potent stimulant typically used for recreational
purposes. It is made from the South American native cocoa plant's leaves, which
are then processed. Cocaine typically takes the shape of a white powder and is
frequently combined with fillers that have a similar appearance, like baking
soda. It is typically injected, snorted, or breathed to achieve its numbing
and/or wakefulness effects. It can also be used to suppress hunger.
Cocaine is classified by the federal government as a Schedule 2 substance, meaning it has a significantly higher potential for addiction and misuse than narcotics on Schedule 1. Cocaine is regarded as extremely harmful and tested for because it can lead to physical or psychological dependence if used frequently.
Amphetamines
How to Perform a 5-Panel Drug Test?
Saliva
(oral fluid) can be used in 5-Panel Drug Tests in addition to hair follicles
and urine. A lab-based test or point of care testing (POCT), also known as
express testing, can be used for these. Samples are collected for lab-based
testing, after which they are delivered to the lab for analysis.
Although
lab-based testing is thought to be more accurate, POCT tests can provide
answers rapidly, frequently in a matter of minutes, which is crucial in some
employment circumstances. However, the time between sending samples to a lab
and getting the findings back could be 2 to 5 business days. Additionally, POCT
tests are typically less expensive for businesses to administer and more
practical for employees.
To rule out the potential of a false positive and help ensure
the legal justification of any actions taken by the employer, a laboratory test
must confirm a positive POCT result. A Medical Review Officer (MRO) can also safeguard
the business.