Types of Drug Test Panels and Screenings
Drug test panels are classified by the substances being screened. They range from 5 panel tests up to 25 panel tests. The more panels a test includes, the greater its scope.
Companies that require employee drug testing often choose a drug panel based on the requirements of their workplace drug policy. Whether you are legally required to conduct drug screenings, or you've decided to establish a drug-free workplace, you'll need to do some research to find the right drug tests for you.
About Our Drug Panels
Customizing a Drug Panel
Marijuana and THC related drugs can be excluded from many of our drug panels. This is recommended for those being tested in states where marijuana has been legalized. Testing for certain substances can be added on as well, such as alcohol, nicotine, or oxycodone.
Certified Medical Review Officer
Health Street uses only the most reputable, highly respected laboratories for drug testing analysis. The results are reviewed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory by a Medical Review Officer, who is also a licensed physician.
Panel Breakdown
5 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $75)
The 5 panel drug test is the most common and least expensive drug test. Originally, it was equivalent to the DOT drug test, but DOT has since updated its requirements.
Collection Method(s)
The 5 panel drug test is most commonly ordered as a urine drug test. We can also test hair follicles.
List of drugs tested
6 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $84)
The 6 panel drug test is often referred to as the MDMA/Ecstasy drug test. It screens for all the drugs in the 5 panel with the added screening for MDMA.
Collection Method(s)
The 6 panel drug test is available as a urine drug screen.
List of drugs tested
7 Panel DOT Mirror Drug Test
(starting at $95)
The 7 panel drug test, or DOT mirror drug test, is a non-DOT panel that matches the current DOT drug test requirements. It detects the basic drug-set, expanded opiates, and Ecstasy (MDMA).
Collection Method(s)
The 7 panel drug test is available as a urine drug screen or a hair follicle test.
List of drugs tested
8 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $84)
The 8 panel drug screen adds in testing for commonly abused prescription drugs, such as Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, and Methadone.
Collection Method(s)
The 8 panel drug test can be ordered as either a urine drug test or a hair follicle drug test.
List of drugs tested
9 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $85)
The 9 panel drug test is an expanded drug screen panel which includes additional pain relievers like Propoxyphene.
Collection Method(s)
The 9 panel drug test can be conducted using a urine or hair follicle sample.
List of drugs tested
10 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $89)
The 10 panel drug test looks for the basic street drugs found in a 9 panel, plus Methaqualone (Quaaludes) and commonly used opiates.
Collection Method(s)
Available as a urine drug test.
List of drugs tested
11 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $99)
The 11 Panel Drug Test is the same as the 10 panel, plus it also adds testing for ecstasy (molly, MDMA).
Collection Method(s)
The 11 panel drug test is available as a urine drug test.
List of drugs tested
12 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $149)
The 12 panel drug test offers comprehensive screening and great value for employers. It builds on the basic 10 panel test by adding prescription opiates, such as oxycodone, and ecstasy/MDMA.
Collection Method(s)
The 12 panel drug screen can be done as urine or hair follicle test.
List of drugs tested
14 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $199)
The 14 panel drug test is best known for its ability to detect Tramadol and Demerol. Used to treat severe pain, extended use can lead to dependency and addiction.
Collection Method(s)
A 14 panel drug screen can be done using a urine or hair follicle sample.
List of drugs tested
16 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $250)
The 16 panel drug test screens for nearly all opioids. This panel tests for all the drugs found in earlier panels, with the addition of Suboxone and Fentanyl.
Collection Method(s)
A 16 panel drug test can be performed as a urine drug test.
List of drugs tested
20 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $299)
The comprehensive 20 panel drug test offers extensive screening that includes virtually all opioids, plus Ketamine, Naloxone, Butorphanol, and Naltrexone.
Collection Method(s)
For a 20 panel drug test, the collection method is urine.
List of drugs tested
22 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $399)
The 22 panel drug test is an ultra-comprehensive panel that screens for virtually every opiate and narcotic substance, plus sleeping medicines, including Ambien.
Collection Method(s)
The 22 panel drug test can be performed as a urine drug test.
List of drugs tested
23 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $429)
The 23 panel drug test includes testing for Carisoprodol, GHB, and extended benzodiazepines. This is one of the most comprehensive drug testing options
Collection Method(s)
The 23 panel drug test is performed as a urine drug test.
List of drugs tested
25 Panel Drug Test
(starting at $499)
The 25 panel drug test covers more substances than any other test that we offer. This panel adds testing for OTC appetite suppressants, Pentazocine, Nalbuphine, and Meprobamate.
Collection Method(s)
A 25 panel drug test is offered as a urine drug screen.
List of drugs tested
Frequently Asked Questions
What about alcohol?
Many of our drug panels include the option to also screen for alcohol use. When combined with a traditional panel, adding alcohol screening to the drug test saves money. A drug test that includes alcohol is commonly ordered for court related purposes such as probation, child custody, and pretrial services.
Which drug panel test should you choose?
Now that you know what each panel picks up on, you might be wondering what drugs you should screen for and which you don't. The right drug panel test for your company's screening process depends on factors like your legal requirements, your industry, and your geographic location.
Are there any regional considerations?
With today's opiate crisis, a 5 panel test isn't enough to screen for prescription drugs that are abused, like oxycodone, ecstasy, and fentanyl. When deciding on a test, you may want to research which drugs are the biggest problems in your state. For example, Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee have the largest number of opioid prescriptions per capita, making them ground zero for the opioid crisis. Likewise, Michigan, New York, and Indiana have the highest rates of crystal meth use.
What are some industry-specific concerns?
Besides taking your region's drug problems into consideration, you also want to look at industry-specific concerns. If you're in the health care or veterinary industry, where employees have access to prescription drugs, it's important to be as comprehensive in your testing as possible.
If you're in the construction industry or your employees operate heavy machinery, a lack of alertness caused by drug abuse is a safety concern, so consider a test with 12 or more panels. If your employees are white-collar workers in stressful positions, you may want to consider tests that include cocaine, ecstasy, and expanded opiates.
How long do drugs last in your system?
In general, the average window of detection for drugs in any panel drug test is approximately one week. However, it is important to note that this is an approximation that varies depending on several factors. In most situations, "harder" drugs - such as cocaine - exit the human body faster, while "softer" drugs like marijuana will remain in the system longer. Other factors that can impact detection time are:
How long does it take to get back drug test results?
Results take about one business day for negatives, and three to five business days to confirm non-negatives.