All You Need to Know About 5 Panel Drug Screening
Drug abuse is a serious and growing problem, with over 21 million Americans currently suffering from substance abuse. In response to this, many employers have begun conducting drug tests on their employees before and during their employment to mitigate any harmful effects of drug abuse in the workplace. Among the most popular and cost-effective drug tests, the 5 panel drug screen stands out due to its ability to detect the most commonly abused drugs. In this post, we will cover all you need to know about 5 Panel Drug Screening, including the various types of drug tests, such as Urine 5 Panel Drug Tests, Instant Drug Tests 5 Panel, Hair Follicle Drug Screening, and Oral Fluid Drug Testing. We will also examine the difference between DOT Drug Testing vs. Non-Regulated Drug Testing and the significance of reputable lab companies like Lab Corp and Quest Labs. Finally, we will introduce you to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) and why their role is so important in the drug screening process.
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1. Types of 5 Panel Drug Tests
Urine 5 Panel Drug Tests: This is one of the most common 5 panel drug screening methods. It involves using urine samples to detect the presence of drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP. It’s popular because it’s cost-effective and easy to administer.
Instant Drug Tests 5 Panel: These are also known as rapid or point-of-care tests. They are used to test for drugs in situations where time is of the essence, such as in emergency departments or at remote locations. Some examples of instant drug tests include urine cups, oral cavity swabs, and even breathalyzer tests. Employers also employ instant drug test when they need to know now. Workplace Screening Intelligence has over 20,000 collection sites nationwide near your employee’s home or workplace that offer instant testing so you know today and can start your new employee ASAP.
Hair Follicle Drug Screening: This is a non-invasive method of drug testing that involves using a hair sample to detect long-term drug use. Because hair growth is a slower process than drug elimination, a hair follicle drug test can detect drug use up to 90 days after the last drug use. It’s commonly used in sports, law enforcement, and other industries that require a longer detection window. Hair testing is also found to have more positives due to the collection of the specimen being observed without anyone removing clothing.
Oral Fluid Drug Testing: This is a quick and simple method of drug testing that involves swabbing the inside of the mouth to collect saliva. It’s non-invasive, easy to administer and has a short detection window. It can detect drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, PCP and others as well. Big news that DOT has approved oral fluid drug testing. DOT Employers can’t use it right now as a few items must be addressed before DOT use:
- FDA must approve Oral Fluid Split Specimen Container
- 2 labs utilizing the same device must be inspected and certified by SAMHSA
- DOT collectors must be trained, certified and perform mock specimens before testing can occur
2. DOT Drug Testing vs. Non-Regulated Drug Testing
The Department of Transportation (DOT) governs the transportation industry’s drug testing program. The DOT requires companies that operate commercial vehicles, including trucking companies, to follow specific drug testing protocols. DOT drug tests are mandatory and regulated, and non-compliance with the regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and disqualification from the transportation industry. Non-regulated industries have more flexibility in implementing drug testing protocols, but the protocols must adhere to industry-specific guidelines.
3. Lab Corp Drug Testing and Quest Labs Drug Testing
Lab Corp, Quest Labs and CRL are some of the biggest players in the drug testing industry. They both use advanced technologies to guarantee accurate and reliable results. They provide a wide range of testing services, including urine, saliva, hair, and blood tests. They are both accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is the gold standard for drug testing laboratories. Employers can rely on their testing services to protect their businesses from the negative effects of drug abuse. Workplace Screening Intelligence utilizes LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics as part of their strategy to provide the most collection sites and quickest turnaround time so you can hire your employees quickly, affordably and conveniently.
4. Medical Review Officer (MRO)
A Medical Review Officer or MRO is a licensed physician who is responsible for reviewing and interpreting drug test results. They act as an independent and neutral third-party in the drug testing process and ensure that the drug testing protocols are followed comprehensively. They also verify the test results and check for any medical explanations that could explain the positive result. Their main role is to protect the employee’s privacy and rights while making a factual and informed decision.
Drug screening is an essential tool for employers to eliminate drug abuse in the workplace. The 5 Panel Drug Screening is an affordable and effective way to achieve this result. We have covered the different types of 5 panel drug tests, including the Urine 5 Panel Drug Test, Instant Drug Test 5 Panel, Hair Follicle Drug Screening, and Oral Fluid Drug Testing. We have also distinguished between DOT Drug Testing vs. Non-Regulated Drug Testing and examined the significance of reputable lab companies like Lab Corp and Quest Labs. Finally, we have introduced you to the Medical Review Officer (MRO), a critical tool in the drug screening process. Employers can rely on these services to keep their employees safe and their businesses functioning at optimal levels.