Understanding Different Types of Drug Tests: All You Need to Know About Drug Test 5
Drug abuse is a major problem that affects individuals, families, employers, and society at large. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million people aged 12 and older in the United States abused illicit drugs in 2019. In addition to the social and health consequences, substance use disorders can also lead to workplace accidents, absenteeism, and decreased productivity. The one way employers and regulatory bodies can address this problem is through drug testing. This post focuses on Drug Test 5, a common type of drug test used in many workplaces.
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Drug Test 5, also known as a 5 panel drug test, is one of the most popular types of drug tests used in the workplace. It screens for five classes of drugs: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). These five drugs are among the most commonly used illegal drugs in the United States. An employer may require a Drug Test 5 as part of pre-employment screening, random drug testing, or post-accident drug testing. Some employers may also require it as part of their drug-free workplace policy or as a requirement for certain safety-sensitive positions.
In addition to the 5-Panel Drug Test, there are other types of drug tests that an employer may use, depending on their needs. A 10 panel drug test screens for ten classes of drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene in addition to the five drugs screened in a Drug Test 5. A DOT drug test is required for those who hold safety-sensitive positions in industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), such as commercial truck drivers or pilots. A non-regulated drug test, on the other hand, is not required by any regulatory body but is conducted at the employer’s discretion.
Drug tests can be administered using different samples, including urine, hair, and oral fluids. A urine drug test is the most common method used for Drug Test 5. This type of drug test is cost-effective, easy to administer, and provides accurate results. The sample is collected in a urine specimen cup and analyzed in a laboratory. However, it has a shorter window of detection than hair follicle testing. A hair follicle drug test can detect drug use for up to 90 days, compared to 2-3 days for a urine test. This method is more expensive and takes longer to complete, but it may be necessary for certain industries or positions. An oral fluids drug test is a less invasive option that involves collecting a saliva sample from the mouth. This test is also quick and easy to administer and provides accurate results. Oral Fluids and Hair testing provides a major benefit of providing dignified observed collections which thwarts cheating in the drug screen process.
Once a drug test is completed, the results are sent to a Medical Review Officer (MRO) for review. The MRO is a licensed physician who specializes in drug testing and is responsible for interpreting the results and ensuring the integrity of the testing process. The MRO may contact the employee to discuss any positive results and investigate any legitimate medical explanations for those results before releasing them to the employer. The MRO also provides safety sensitive issues by providing safety sensitive letters when the employee or applicant has a valid prescription, however, the narcotic may cause the MRO to believe there is a safety sensitive concern with person taking the narcotic and at the same time perform safety sensitive duties.
In January 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched the FMCSA Clearinghouse, a national database that requires employers, medical review officers, and substance abuse professionals to report drug and alcohol violations of commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. The Clearinghouse aims to improve road safety by keeping CDL holders with drug and alcohol violations off the road, ensuring they complete the return-to-duty process before driving. Employers are required to perform a pre-employment query on each new driver and an annual query on every driver. For more information on FMCSA Clearinghouse, visit https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/
Employers can take steps to prevent drug and alcohol use in the workplace by providing Drug and Alcohol Awareness Supervisor Training to their management team. This training provides supervisors with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and deter substance use in the workplace and ensure compliance with the employer’s drug-free workplace policy.
Drug testing is an essential tool for employers to maintain a drug-free workplace and ensure the safety of employees and the public. Drug Test 5 is a popular type of drug test that screens for five classes of drugs, including amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). Other types of drug tests include 10 panel drug testing, DOT drug testing, and non-regulated drug testing. Drug testing can be performed on different samples, including urine, hair, and oral fluids. Employers can take steps to enhance their drug-free workplace policies, such as providing supervisor training and using the FMCSA Clearinghouse to identify and deter drug use in safety-sensitive positions.
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