Typically, a 5-panel drug test involves collecting a urine sample from the person or individual being tested and examining it for the presence of five specific drugs:
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
- Opiates (including heroin, morphine, and codeine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the active ingredient in marijuana)
The testing process usually involves the following steps:
- The individual being tested is asked to provide a urine sample in a sterile container, which is then sealed and labeled with their identifying information.
- The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where it is divided into two aliquots (portions) for testing.
- The first aliquot is screened using an immunoassay test, which can detect the presence of the five drugs listed above and is a quick and relatively inexpensive test. If the immunoassay test is negative, the test is considered negative, and no further testing is necessary.
- If the immunoassay test is positive or inconclusive, the second aliquot is subjected to confirmatory testing using a more specific and sensitive test, such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
- If the confirmatory test is positive, the individual is considered to have tested positive for the drug(s) in question. If the confirmatory test is negative, the individual is considered to have tested negative for the drug(s) in question
Overall, a 5-panel drug test is commonly used by employers, schools, and other organizations to screen individuals for drug use. The testing process is designed to be accurate, reliable, and confidential, and is intended to help ensure a safe and drug-free environment.