Test Panels: What are they?

WHAT DOES “PANEL” MEAN ON A DRUG TEST?

A “panel” refers to the family of drugs or substances that are included in a test. For example, the opioids drug family includes heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. A panel test can be customized to screen for specific drugs if our lineup of drug screening tests doesn’t match your needs.

 
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY TEST VARIATIONS?

A standard four-panel drug test makes sense for most employers, athletic boards, or even parents. There are many variations to meet other situations and screening requirements. In order to provide our customers with the best service possible, we have screening tests from 4 panels through 14 panels, as well as single panel tests. The more panels on a test, the more substances and their metabolites can be tested for. Countrywide Testing offers single 5, 7, and 11-panel tests available on the market to meet other situations and screening requirements. As the number of panels increase, so does the extent of the tests.

WHAT DOES A PANEL DRUG TEST SCREEN FOR?

Regardless of the profession, company culture, the purpose(s) of the drug test, and applicable state and local laws within an industry, a drug screening test can be used to detect a wide range of abused substances - everything from marijuana, opiates, and PCP to methadone, ecstasy, and barbiturates. That said, there is generally no concrete definition for a panel test, whether it is a 4-panel test, 7-panel, 11-panel, or 14-panel drug test.

For instance, a four-panel test typically screens for opiates, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamines. But that is not the only set up a four-panel test can screen for. Instead, a four-panel test could screen for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, Percocet, and propoxyphene.

The same goes for other panel tests - there is no right or wrong combination of drugs prescribed to a specific panel. While there are best practices and industry standards, any drug can be tested on any panel.

Countrywide Testing’s convenient, FDA-cleared 4 panel drug test specifically screens for methamphetamines, marijuana, opiates, and cocaine.

Choosing the right panel drug test that best suits your needs will take a little evaluation, but a 4-panel drug test may be a reasonable choice, as they are generally reliable for most drugs. If you need help or wish to order a screening test tailored to your needs, please contact us by phone at 469-389-2120 or by email at chelsea@countrywidetesting.com.