Drug Panel
A predefined group of substances tested for in a single drug screening, ranging from the standard 5-panel to expanded panels with 12 or more substances.
Key Facts
- A defined set of substances screened in a single drug test
- Standard panels: 5, 7, 10, 12, and expanded panels
- DOT requires 5-panel only — employers may choose wider panels for non-DOT
- Panels can be customized to add synthetic opioids, fentanyl, or ETG
- SAMHSA sets standard substance groups and cutoff levels
A drug panel defines the specific substances or substance categories included in a drug test. The standard 5-panel (THC, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines) is the DOT-mandated minimum. Expanded panels add categories: 7-panel adds benzodiazepines and barbiturates; 10-panel adds methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone; 12-panel may add oxycodone, fentanyl, and EtG (alcohol metabolite). Employers select panels based on regulatory requirements (DOT = 5-panel), industry risk profile, and drug-free workplace policy goals. Non-DOT employers have flexibility to customize panels to emerging drug threats. Each substance in the panel has SAMHSA-established screening and confirmation cutoff concentrations.
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