10 Panel Drug Test

A 10-panel drug test is a type of drug screening that tests for the presence of ten different substances in a person’s system. These substances include commonly abused drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines, among others.

What Is A 10-Panel Drug Test?

Are you familiar with workplace drug tests? There are two main types: the 5-panel and the less common 10-panel.

The 10-panel drug test checks for ten substances, including five frequently misused prescription drugs and five illegal drugs. It’s usually conducted using urine samples, but other fluids may be used.

If you’re looking for information on what the test screens for, the detection window for each substance, and more, our guide can help. Stay informed and know your options with our comprehensive guide to the 10-panel drug test.

What Does A 10-Panel Drug Test For?

A 10-panel drug test is a type of drug test that screens for ten different substances in the body. This type of drug test is less common than a 5-panel drug test, which only tests for five substances. The 10-panel drug test is often used for workplace drug testing or in legal cases.

The 10 substances that a 10-panel drug test screens for include:

  1. Amphetamines, which are stimulants that can be prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, but are also frequently abused.

  2. Methamphetamines, which are highly addictive stimulants that can cause long-term health problems and have no medical use.

  3. Cocaine, a powerful stimulant that is highly addictive and can cause severe health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and respiratory failure.

  4. Opiates, which are narcotics that can be prescribed to manage pain but can also be highly addictive and lead to overdose.

  5. Phencyclidine (PCP), a hallucinogenic drug that can cause intense mood changes, delusions, and violent behavior.

  6. Marijuana, a drug that is becoming increasingly legal in certain parts of the world, but is still considered illegal in many places and can impair judgment and motor coordination.

  7. Barbiturates, which are sedatives that can be prescribed for anxiety or insomnia but can be highly addictive and cause physical dependence.

  8. Benzodiazepines, which are also sedatives that can be prescribed for anxiety or insomnia but can also be highly addictive and cause physical dependence.

  9. Methadone, a synthetic opioid that can be used to treat pain or opioid addiction, but can also be highly addictive and lead to overdose.

  10. Propoxyphene, a narcotic pain reliever that is no longer approved for use in the United States due to its high risk of overdose and death.

If you need to take a 10-panel drug test, it’s important to be aware of the substances it screens for and their respective detection times in the body. 

It’s also important to note that while drug tests can be useful tools for detecting substance abuse, they have their limitations and should always be used in conjunction with other assessments to make informed decisions about treatment and care.

How Is A 10-Panel Drug Test Done?

If you need to take a 10-panel drug test, here’s what you need to know about how it’s done:

  • Sample Collection: A urine sample is typically collected under supervision to prevent tampering or substitution. Other sample types, such as blood, saliva, or hair, may also be used.

  • Testing Process: The sample is sent to a laboratory where advanced equipment and techniques are used to screen for the ten different substances. Results are analyzed and recorded one by one.

  • Reporting Results: Results are reported as positive or negative for each substance screened. A positive result indicates recent use or exposure within a certain detection window.

  • Follow-Up Testing: In some cases, a positive result may be followed up with additional testing to confirm the presence of the substance and rule out false positives.

To prepare for a 10-panel drug test, be aware of the substances screened and their detection times. Follow any instructions given by the testing facility for accurate sample collection. With the right knowledge, you can take a 10-panel drug test with confidence.

How Long Does A 10 Panel Drug Test Take?

If you’re wondering how long a 10-panel drug test takes, here’s a breakdown:

  • Sample Collection: Collecting a sample takes a few minutes.

  • Testing Process: The lab testing process usually takes 1-5 business days.

  • Reporting Results: Results are reported 1-5 days after the testing is complete.

Overall, a 10-panel drug test can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the situation. However, results for some substances may be available sooner due to shorter detection windows.

To prepare for a 10-panel drug test, allow enough time for the entire process to be completed. Follow all instructions from the testing facility and ask any questions you may have to be fully prepared. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can take a 10-panel drug test with confidence.

How Long Does A 10 Panel Drug Test Take?

Drugs have a limited period of time in the body after ingestion, and drug detection times can vary depending on several factors, including the type of drug, the dose, the type of sample being tested, and the individual’s metabolism. The approximate detection times for drugs screened in a 10-panel drug test are as follows:

  • Amphetamines: 2 days
  • Barbiturates: 2 to 15 days
  • Benzodiazepines: 2 to 10 days
  • Cannabis: 3 to 30 days, depending on the frequency of use
  • Cocaine: 2 to 10 days
  • Methadone: 2 to 7 days
  • Methaqualone: 10 to 15 days
  • Opioids: 1 to 3 days
  • Phencyclidine: 8 days
  • Propoxyphene: 2 days

It’s important to note that drug testing has limitations. It cannot evaluate an individual’s current state of impairment; instead, it tests for the presence of the drug or other compounds created during drug metabolism. These compounds must be present at a certain concentration in order to be detected.

Who Takes This Test?

The 10-panel drug test is not the standard drug test used by most employers, who typically use a 5-panel drug test to screen job applicants and current employees.

Professionals who are responsible for the safety of others may be required to take the 10-panel drug test. This includes individuals such as law enforcement officials, medical professionals, and federal, state, or local government employees.

If you are asked by your current or prospective employer to take a drug test, you may be required by law to comply with the request. In some cases, your employment or continued employment may depend on passing the drug test, depending on the laws in your state.

Some states have laws that prohibit employers from conducting drug testing on employees who are not in safety-dependent positions. Additionally, there may be restrictions on drug testing for employees who have a history of alcohol or substance use disorder.

How To Prepare

To prepare for a urine sample drug test, it’s recommended to avoid drinking excessive amounts of fluids beforehand. Your last bathroom break should be two to three hours before the test. Additionally, you will need to bring an official ID to the test.

Your employer will provide you with any additional instructions on how, when, and where to take the test.

Getting The Results

Urine testing sites may offer immediate results, or the urine sample may need to be sent away for analysis. Typically, results are available within a few business days.

Drug test results are categorized as positive, negative, or inconclusive:

  • A positive result indicates that one or more of the panel drugs were detected at a certain concentration.
  • A negative result indicates that the panel drugs were not detected at the cut-off concentration, or not present at all.
  • An inconclusive or invalid result indicates that the test was not successful in checking for the presence of the panel drugs.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

*All recommendations are current with the latest CDC guidelines at the time of this writing. This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace consulting with a healthcare professional. Please consult with your primary care physician or healthcare provider before engaging in any services offered by Speedy Sticks.

** The CDC defines “close contact” as within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer within a 24-hour period.