📞844-573-8378
Order a Test

5-Panel Drug Test and other Employer Drug Testing

Your Guide to the 5-Panel Drug Test & Workplace Screening

Maintaining a safe and productive workplace is a top priority for any employer. One crucial element in achieving this is a comprehensive employee screening program, which often includes drug testing. For many, the term “drug test” brings to mind the standard 5-panel drug test, a widely used method for pre-employment and ongoing screening. But what exactly does it test for, and how does it fit into the broader landscape of employer drug testing?

Navigating the world of employee screening can feel complex. From understanding different test types to ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, there’s a lot for employers to manage. This guide will walk you through the essentials of the 5-panel drug test, explain the differences between DOT and non-DOT requirements, and clarify the roles of key processes like physicals and Medical Review Officer (MRO) verification.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to implement an effective drug testing program that protects your business, ensures compliance, and fosters a secure environment for your employees. Let’s get started.

What Our Customers Say about Us

John L gave us a 5 star google rating and said, From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspects of the DOT random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledgeable and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.

For more 5-star reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/

Need a Customer First Company to manage your employee screening program or to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Need to order a drug test or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

For More Google Reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/

What is a 5-Panel Drug Test?

The 5-panel drug test is one of the most common forms of drug screening used by employers. It’s a foundational test designed to detect the presence of five specific categories of commonly abused substances. This test is popular because it’s cost-effective, fast, and covers drugs that have a high potential for abuse and can significantly impair an individual’s ability to perform their job safely.

The five “panels” or drug classes typically screened for are:

  1. THC (Marijuana): Detects Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component in cannabis.
  2. Cocaine: Screens for cocaine and its metabolites, such as benzoylecgonine.
  3. Amphetamines: Includes amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and MDA.
  4. Opiates: Detects heroin, morphine, and codeine. It’s important to note that many standard 5-panel tests do not detect synthetic opioids like fentanyl or oxycodone unless specifically added.
  5. Phencyclidine (PCP): Also known as “angel dust,” this hallucinogenic drug can cause severe psychological effects.

These tests are usually conducted using a urine sample, but can also be performed on hair, saliva, or blood, depending on the desired detection window and testing requirements. A Non-DOT 5-panel drug screen is a popular choice for many employers looking for a baseline test.

Expanding Beyond the 5-Panel Test

While the 5-panel test is a solid starting point, many employers opt for more comprehensive screening. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers a variety of options to meet different needs, including:

  • 10-Panel Drug Screen: This test includes the five substances from the 5-panel test plus five additional drug classes, often including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone (Quaaludes), methadone, and propoxyphene.
  • Hair Follicle Testing: A hair test provides a much longer detection window (typically up to 90 days), making it useful for identifying long-term patterns of drug use. We offer 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14-panel hair tests.
  • Tests with No THC: With evolving state laws regarding marijuana, some employers choose a 5-panel or 10-panel drug screen that excludes THC.
  • Instant Tests: For faster results, an Instant 5-Panel or 10-Panel test can provide preliminary results within hours.

Choosing the right panel depends on your industry, company policy, and any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. For more info on Drug test: Employee Drug Testing

DOT Drug Test vs. Non DOT  Testing: What’s the Difference?

When setting up a drug screening program, it’s critical to understand whether your employees fall under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The distinction between DOT and non-DOT testing is one of the most important aspects of compliance.

For more info on DOT Drug Test: https://workplacescreening.com/dot-drug-alcohol/

DOT Physical and Drug Testing

The DOT mandates strict drug and alcohol testing for individuals in safety-sensitive positions across industries like trucking, aviation, and public transit. These regulations are designed to protect the public by ensuring that operators of commercial vehicles and equipment are not impaired.

A DOT Physical is a comprehensive health examination that a certified medical examiner must perform. This exam confirms that a commercial driver is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. The physical assesses vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health.

For more info on DOT Drug Test: Dot Drug Alcohol

The DOT 5 Drug Screen is a mandatory part of the screening process for these roles. It follows a highly regulated procedure from collection to reporting and is always reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). The DOT has a zero-tolerance policy for drug use in these positions.

Need to order a drug test, alcohol test or other employee screening service? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Non DOT Physical and Drug Testing

A Non DOT Physical or drug test refers to any screening that is not federally mandated by the DOT. These programs are established by individual employers based on their company policies and state laws. While non-DOT testing offers more flexibility, it’s essential to create a clear, consistent, and legally compliant policy.

Employers can customize their non-DOT programs, choosing which drugs to test for (e.g., a Non-DOT 5-Panel Drug Screen or a more extensive 10-panel test) and when to test (pre-employment, random, post-accident). Even without a federal mandate, following best practices—like using a certified lab and having results verified by an MRO—is highly recommended to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Menu of NON DOT Physical Services:

The Role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO)

A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results from a drug testing program. The MRO acts as an independent and impartial “gatekeeper” to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the drug testing process.

The MRO’s primary function is to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed positive, adulterated, or substituted drug test result. When a lab reports a non-negative result, the MRO contacts the employee or applicant to conduct a confidential interview.

During this interview, the individual has the opportunity to provide a valid prescription or medical reason for the substance found in their system. For example, a positive opiate result might be due to a legally prescribed pain medication. The MRO will verify any provided medical information with the pharmacy or prescribing physician. If a legitimate medical reason is confirmed, the MRO will report the result to the employer as “negative.” If not, the result is reported as “positive.”

Using an MRO is mandatory for all DOT drug tests and is a best practice for all non-DOT programs. This crucial step protects both the employer and the employee by preventing false positives and ensuring the final result is fair and medically sound.

Streamlining Your Screening with Workplace Screening Intelligence

Managing an employee screening program can be a significant administrative burden. Keeping track of federal and state regulations, scheduling appointments, and following up on results takes time and expertise that you might not have in-house.

This is where Workplace Screening Intelligence can make a difference. We help you become an expert without needing to be one. Our services are designed to simplify the entire process from start to finish.

Electronic Ordering and Tracking: Our platform gives you complete visibility into the screening process. You’ll know when an applicant schedules their test, when they arrive at the collection site, when the specimen is received by the lab, and when it’s in the MRO review process. This removes all guesswork and helps you make timely hiring decisions.

Nationwide Drug Test Locations: We offer access to over 20,000 electronically enabled collection sites across the country. Whether your employees are at the office or working remotely, they can find a convenient location nearby. You can order a drug test today, and your applicant can often complete it on the same day.

Compliance Management: Federal and state rules can be challenging to navigate, especially as they change. Let us handle the compliance so you can focus on running your business. We ensure your screening program adheres to all relevant regulations, minimizing your legal risk.

Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training

A key component of a drug-free workplace is having supervisors who can recognize and respond to potential substance abuse issues. Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training is mandated by the DOT for all supervisors of safety-sensitive employees.

However, this training is a best practice for all employers, including those not regulated by the DOT. Educated supervisors are your first line of defense in maintaining a safe environment. This training teaches them to identify signs of impairment, understand the company’s drug and alcohol policy, and know the correct procedures for reasonable suspicion testing.

We recommend that all new supervisors complete this training upon hire and undergo a refresher course annually. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers a comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Supervisor Training program that can be completed online with unlimited use  for just $99.99 per year. This includes all supervisors.  For more information on Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training: Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training

Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions

You might have some specific questions that aren’t always covered in a standard FAQ. Here are some answers to less common but equally important queries.

What if an employee refuses to take a drug test?

For DOT-regulated positions, a refusal to test is treated the same as a positive result. This has serious consequences, including immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties. For non-DOT positions, the consequences should be clearly outlined in your company’s drug-free workplace policy. Typically, it can lead to termination or the withdrawal of a job offer. Every positive including refusals must perform Return to Duty Process.  For more info on Return to Duty Process: Return To Duty Process

Can an employee challenge a positive drug test result?

Yes. For a DOT test, the employee has 72 hours to request that their split specimen (a second sample collected at the same time) be tested at a different certified laboratory. For non-DOT tests, the right to a re-test depends on state law and company policy, but it is a good practice to allow for it.

How are instant/rapid drug tests different from lab-based tests?

Instant tests provide a preliminary, non-negative, or negative result within minutes. However, all non-negative results from an instant test must be sent to a certified laboratory for confirmation testing to be legally defensible. Lab-based tests are more accurate and are the standard for DOT testing and most legally compliant non-DOT programs.

For more info on Instant Drug Test: Poct Testing

Need to order an instant drug test, alcohol test or other employee screening service? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Does a DOT physical include a drug test automatically?

No. While they are often done at the same appointment for pre-employment use, the DOT Physical and the DOT 5 Drug Screen are separate procedures. An employer must specifically order both services.

Let Us Handle Your Screening Needs

Implementing and managing a comprehensive, compliant, and effective employee screening program is a major undertaking. You need a partner who understands the complexities and can provide reliable, streamlined solutions.

Workplace Screening Intelligence is here for you when you need us. We offer the tools, expertise, and support to build a program that protects your business and fosters a safe work environment. From a simple 5-panel drug test to a fully managed DOT compliance program, we have you covered.

Ready to simplify your employee screening? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or visit our website to order a test today.

What Our Customers Say about WSI

Dara gave us a 5 Star Review and said, “I have only been dealing with Workplace Screening Intelligence for a short period and I am completely satisfied thus far. I have had several questions that needed prompt attention and LISA FRIEDMAN has answered immediately and if she’d been unavailable she has returned my call within minutes. She has the most uplifting and positive attitude and has handled all of my questions as if I’m the only customer. I’ve not ever felt rushed or like any question has been unnecessary. Lisa is a pleasure to do business with.

For More Google Reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/

Need to order a drug test, alcohol test or other employee screening service? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Order a Test Today

Posted

in

by

Philip Dubois

Tags:

5-Panel Drug test, drug test, Employer Drug Testing