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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Drug testing is often a routine step in the pre-employment screening process — and for a good reason. Drug use on the job can cause accidents, conflicts, and liability issues that could be avoided if companies are able to identify drug use early on. A 5-panel drug test is a type of drug test employers can use to detect prescription or illicit drugs. Read on to learn how the test works, what it screens for, and drug testing laws that candidates and employers should know. What Is A 5-Panel Drug Test?A 5-panel drug test screens for five types of illegal substances and commonly abused prescription drugs. Typically, a urine sample is collected for the 5-panel drug screening, but sweat, hair, blood, or saliva may also be tested. A 5-panel drug test may be used as part of a pre-employment background check, such as for positions regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). However, 5-panel drug tests are not typically used for other regulated industries, such as law enforcement, healthcare, or government, where more in-depth screenings are often required. Employers that use 5-panel drug testing can choose to work with a qualified background check provider, like GoodHire, for background checks. This not only helps ensure efficient and accurate testing, but can help employers stay compliant with all federal, state, and local drug testing laws. What Does A 5-Panel Drug Screen Test For?A 5-panel drug test identifies metabolites in an individual’s system, which are chemicals that remain after your body metabolizes certain substances, such as food or drugs. They typically screen for metabolites linked to the following drug types:Amphetamines, such as ecstasy, crystal meth, or RitalinPhencyclidine, also called PCP or angel dustCocaine and crack cocaineOpiates, such heroin, oxycodone, or hydrocodoneMarijuanaAlthough 5-panel tests do not screen for the presence of alcohol, labs may offer an add-on to include alcohol detection. Before using a 5-panel drug test, employers in states where marijuana is decriminalized or legalized should be aware of any local regulations regulating testing for marijuana – especially with rapidly changing legislation. How Far Back Does A 5-panel Drug Test Go? How far back a 5-panel drug test can go depends on the type of sample taken, the type of drug used, and the frequency of use. Some types of drugs may have a longer detection period when used frequently. For example, people that smoke marijuana occasionally may have no detectable THC in their system after only a few days. However, in heavy marijuana smokers, THC may be detectable in urine for several weeks. Alcohol can also have an effect on the metabolism of drugs and vary drug detection time frames. How Far Back Does A 5-panel urine Test Go? Below is an approximate breakdown of how long a drug may be detectable in a urine drug test. SubstanceDetection Time FrameAmphetamines48 hoursCocaine2-4 daysMarijuana2-3 days for light smokers; 5 days for moderate smokers; 10 days for daily smokers; up to 28 days for chronic smokersOpiates2-3 daysPhencyclidine~8 days, or up to 30 days for chronic
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