10-Panel Drug Test: What Drugs Does it Detect?
If you’ve ever applied for a job, joined the military, or been placed on probation, you may have submitted to a 10-panel drug test. Employers, legal organizations, and recovery programs often require drug testing to screen for substance use. The 10-panel drug test is a common testing method that checks for ten types of drugs in a urine, blood, saliva, or hair sample.
Are you or a loved one struggling with substance abuse? Zinnia Health is here to help. Reach out to our intake specialists today by calling (855) 430-9439.
What Is a 10-Panel Drug Test?
A 10-panel drug test screens for ten classes of drugs. It can detect multiple illegal drugs as well as prescription drugs that can be abused.
The 10-panel test is more thorough than a 5-panel drug test, which checks for five types of drugs. A 10-panel screening provides employers and organizations with a broader overview of an individual’s possible substance use.
What Drugs Are Included in a 10-Panel Test?
A standard 10-panel drug test screens for the following ten drug classes:
- Amphetamines:Methamphetamine (crystal meth), MDMA (ecstasy), MDA, MDEA, Adderall, Ritalin
- Barbiturates: Amobarbital, butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital
- Benzodiazepines: Alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam, temazepam (Restoril)
- Cocaine: Crack cocaine
- Marijuana (cannabis, THC): cannabinoids, CBD
- Methadone
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
- Opiates: Codeine, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone
- Phencyclidine: PCP (angel dust)
- Propoxyphene: (Darvon)
However, some 10-panel tests may check for slightly different substances depending on the organization requesting the screening. It’s important to check what specific drugs will be tested for if you are required to take a 10-panel drug test.
How Long Can Drugs Be Detected?
Detection windows vary widely based on the drug, dosage, individual metabolism, body mass, frequency of use, length of time used, and testing method.
Here are estimates for detection times in some drugs that may be included in a 10-panel test:
- Amphetamines: 1-4 days in urine drug test, around 12 hours in blood
- Barbiturates: 2-4 weeks in urine sample, 1-3 days in blood
- Benzodiazepines: 3-7 days in urine, 1-3 days in blood
- Cocaine: 2-5 days in urine, 1-2 days in blood
- Marijuana: 1-30 days in urine, 2-7 days in blood
- Methadone: 2-4 days in urine, one day in blood
- Methaqualone: 14-60 days in urine, unknown in blood (Methaqualone was taken off the market in 1983, and current research is unavailable. It continues to be manufactured illegally.)
- Opiates: 1-3 days in urine, one day in blood
- PCP: 8-14 days in urine, 2-4 days in blood
- Propoxyphene: 6-48 hours in urine, unknown in blood
Do Prescriptions Lead to Positive Results?
So, what kind of drug use is allowed? Many people take prescription drugs every day, which are not illicit drugs. Legally prescribed medications could lead to a positive result on a drug test.
For example, prescribed opioid pain relievers or benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drugs may show up as positive for opiates or benzodiazepines on a 10-panel test.
However, if you have a valid prescription for a medication, you can provide proof to explain the presence of that substance. Make sure your prescribing doctor is aware of any required drug screenings.
Are you worried that you or someone you love has a substance use disorder? Zinnia Health offers individualized treatment programs at rehab centers located throughout the U.S. If you’re ready to start your recovery journey and get your life back, call our 24-hour helpline at (855) 430-9439.
Understanding Your 10-Panel Test Results
If your 10-panel test comes back positive, it means trace amounts of that drug or its metabolites were detected. However, results are not necessarily conclusive evidence of addiction or illegal use.
If your test comes back negative, it means the test did not detect the drugs screened for. A negative result does not guarantee that a person is not using drugs, as false negatives are also possible.
Inconclusive results may require retesting or additional analysis.
False positives and false negatives are possible with urine and saliva testing. Confirmation testing via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) can help validate urine test results if needed.
Discuss your test results with a medical review officer or employer representative. You will have the opportunity to explain any prescribed medications or other factors that could have affected your results.
A positive drug test does not automatically lead to termination or removal from a program. There may be additional steps before final decisions are made. Be prepared to actively participate in your review process.
Workplace Drug Testing
Many employers require pre-employment drug screening and random workplace drug testing of current employees. The 10-panel test is commonly used to comply with federal laws and regulations around workplace drug testing programs.
Employers must follow a chain of custody procedures and have testing performed at certified laboratories. Workplace drug test results are confidential.
If an employee tests positive, they will have a chance to explain the findings and discuss options like retesting, counseling, or rehabilitation. Disciplinary action up to termination is possible for a positive drug test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are questions many people ask about drug tests, prescription drugs, and substance abuse.
What type of drugs are detected most often on a 10-panel test?
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines such as methamphetamine (crystal meth)
- Opiate pain relievers
- Benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medications
Marijuana is the drug most frequently identified in workplace drug screening. Positive amphetamine and opiate results also remain relatively high.
Knowing the most common drugs found in drug tests can help individuals make fully informed choices about substance use prior to a required screening.
Should I tell my employer about prescription medications I’m taking?
If you’re taking any legally prescribed medications, it’s a good idea to proactively disclose this to your employer or drug testing administrator prior to an employment drug test. Providing documentation of current prescriptions upfront can help avoid confusion if those substances show up on a drug test.
What are some signs of drug abuse to look out for?
While drug testing can detect some forms of substance abuse, outward signs are also important to identify possible drug misuse.
Signs of drug abuse to look for include:
- Frequent fatigue and red eyes
- Dilated or pin-point pupils
- Frequent sickness, headaches, or sweating
- Confusion, memory issues, or slurred speech
- Irritability, aggression, or mood instability
- Financial or legal problems
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Heal for Good with Zinnia Health
If you are struggling with drug addiction, help is available. The compassionate team at Zinnia Health is ready to discuss the treatment options that are right for you.
Our evidence-based addiction treatment programs can help you break free from dependency and reclaim a healthy, fulfilling life in recovery. We handle everything from medically-managed detox to customized aftercare.
Don’t wait to seek the treatment you deserve. Take the first step and contact Zinnia Health today. Call us 24/7, seven days a week, at (855) 430-9439.