A 10-panel drug test screens for 10 types of drugs, including legal prescription drugs. It is commonly used by employers and law enforcement agencies. Home drug testing may be less effective without a legitimate drug treatment program. There are concerns about potential employer discrimination based on the disclosure of sensitive medical information.
A 10-panel drug test is a urine screen for the presence of 10 types of drugs. While these are known drugs of abuse, some can also be used legally to treat legitimate medical conditions. Someone taking this test and legally using a drug that falls into this category should have medical records showing legal use. Many people find the 10-panel drug to be superior to other tests like the NIDA-5 because it screens for more drugs and can detect illegal use of many prescription drugs that are readily available.
The drugs typically tested in a 10-panel drug test are marijuana and hashish, cocaine, phencyclidine (also known as angel dust), opiates such as morphine and heroin, methadone, amphetamines and methamphetamines, barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Of these drugs, drugs such as morphine, barbiturates, amphetamines, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines can be used legally with a prescription, and the use of marijuana is legal to treat certain medical conditions in some regions.
The typical 10 urine panel drug test does not take long to run. Fresh urine is collected and placed on test strips and a reading is obtained in about 10-10 minutes. This may vary with individual tests. Instructions on reading a test to determine if the results are negative or positive can also vary by manufacturer.
There are a number of places that could use a 10 panel drug test. They are sometimes used by employers who want to screen candidates for a job. Some government agencies may use them, especially law enforcement agencies. They can also be used in law enforcement by probation officers to keep some people on probation from using illegal drugs.
Tests are readily available, and some purchase them for home use to test family members. Home drug testing runs the risk of being less effective if not used in conjunction with a legitimate drug treatment program. Also, the person being tested must be cooperative because testing generally relies on collecting urine in a clean container and using it immediately to perform the test.
Other tests screen for additional drugs of abuse, and there are several ways to test for these, including hair follicle or blood testing. Follicle testing may have some advantages over urine testing because it can show drug use over a longer period of time.
One area of concern with expanding the number of drugs sought in drug testing to 10 panels is the question of testing for drugs that can be legally prescribed. Positive results for benzodiazepines, amphetamines and antidepressants can reveal medical conditions such as attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorder or depression. Even if an individual provides documentation for the legal right to use a drug, there is concern about future employer discrimination based on the disclosure of sensitive medical information. It’s also not clear whether employers should continue to hire someone who uses marijuana, even if it’s prescribed, and some such cases have attracted national attention.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
