10-Panel Drug Test: What to Know

There are a variety of drug tests available that check for different types of drugs. A 10-panel drug test checks for prescription drugs likely to be misused or abused as well as recreational drugs. It’s often done with a urine sample but can also be done with a hair sample, and, less commonly, blood or saliva.

This article will explore more about the test itself, the specific drugs it detects, how the test works, and what you can expect when you take the test.

What Does a 10-Panel Drug Test Test For?

The 10-panel drug test looks for five commonly abused or misused prescription drugs, as well as five recreational drugs.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines can refer to drugs such as methamphetamine, speed, or MDMA, but the test can also detect abuse of prescribed amphetamines such as the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications Ritalin (methylphenidate) or Adderall (dextroamphetamine).

Barbiturates

Usually prescription drugs, these can include sleeping pills and sedatives.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs like Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam). These are typically used to treat anxiety.

Cannabis

The drug test screens for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in cannabis (marijuana), although it may also pick up other compounds like cannabidiol (CBD).

Cocaine

The test will likely screen for all forms of cocaine, including crack cocaine.

Opioids

The opioid drugs include heroin, morphine, and codeine.

Phencyclidine

This drug is better known as PCP or angel dust, and can cause hallucinations and altered perceptions.

Methadone

Although this is used in the treatment of heroin addiction, it can be abused, which is why the test screens for it.

Methaqualone

Also known as quaaludes, methaqualone was originally formulated as an alternative to barbiturates. Unfortunately, it is similarly addictive.

Propoxyphene

Also known as Darvocet, this is a prescription painkiller with the potential for abuse. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) pulled Darvocet from the market in 2010, but it can still be purchased from drug dealers.

Detection Times for Some Substances

In many cases, a drug test will only be able to detect recent drug use. The detection window varies depending on whether the test is done with a sample of urine or hair. It can also depend on whether someone is a chronic or occasional user of the drug.

Amphetamines

For a urine test, this is detectable for one to three days; in hair, up to 90 days.

Barbiturates

The detection window in urine depends on the type of barbiturate taken. In urine, short-acting barbiturates are detectable for two days; long-acting ones are detectable for one to three weeks. In hair, up to 90 days.

Benzodiazepines

For urine tests, detection times vary. A regular, therapeutic dose can be detected for three days, and extended dosage or chronic use for a year or more can be found for up to four to six weeks. For hair, up to 90 days.

Cannabis

For urine tests, detection times depend on how frequently the person smokes. A single joint can be detected for two to three days. If the person smokes four times/week, the detection window is five days. Daily smoking can be detected for up to 10 days. In hair, cannabis can be detected up to 90 days.

Cocaine

Cocaine is detectable for two to four days in urine; in hair, up to 90 days.

Opioids

Opioids are detectable in urine for two to three days; in hair, up to 90 days.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

In urine, PCP can be detectable between 14 days and, for a chronic user, 30 days. In hair, it's detectable up to 90 days.

Propoxyphene

Propoxyphene can be found in as little as six hours and up to two days in urine, and up to 90 days in hair.

Methadone

Methadone is detectable for about three days in urine, and up to 90 days in hair.

Quaaludes

Quaaludes are detectable for about 14 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair.

Who Takes a 10-Panel Drug Test?

Some employers or sports teams require a 10-panel drug test. If you are part of a police investigation or court case, you may be ordered to take a drug test; or if your healthcare provider sees signs or symptoms of drug abuse or addiction, they may order a 10-panel drug test. A provider might also order the test if you’re being prescribed amphetamines or opioids to ensure you’re taking the prescribed amount and not giving it away or selling it to others.

How and When to Get a 10-Panel Drug Test

If the test is ordered, you will likely have to go to a lab to provide a urine sample. You may be asked to come back at a later date or on the same day it’s ordered.

What to Expect From a 10-Panel Drug Test

Knowing what to expect from the drug test can help ease your nerves and help you be prepared for it.

Before the Test

Tell the testing lab or healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, or supplements. Some of these may lead to a false positive, so the staff should know about them ahead of time. Avoid any poppy seeds, which may show up as opioids. Follow the specific instructions given to you, and don’t over hydrate.

During the Test

You will be told to wash your hands and clean the genital area with the given cleansing cloth. Begin urinating, and then place the collection cup under the urine stream, collecting at least 1 or 2 ounces. Remove the cup and finish urinating, and give the sample to the lab technician. Follow the directions you are given, and if you have any questions, ask the technician.

Getting the Results From the 10-Panel Drug Test

A urine test can sometimes provide the results immediately, whereas the hair test will take some time to be sent out to a lab.

What Do Results Mean?

The results can be positive, negative, or inconclusive. Here's what those terms mean:

• Positive: One or more of the drugs was found in your sample, above a certain level. Sometimes confirmation with additional tests is done to make sure the finding is correct.
• Negative: No drugs or drug metabolites were found in your sample.
• Inconclusive: The testing could not determine if the drugs or drug metabolites were or were not in the sample.
  

What to Expect if You Got a Positive Result

If your result is positive in the initial screening, the sample may be sent out to a lab to confirm the result. Many workplace testing programs also provide you with the option to have your sample analyzed by a second lab, to ensure the results are correct.

Summary

The 10-panel drug test screens for 10 different drugs, both recreational and prescription. The drug detection window varies depending on several factors, including the type of sample that is used to do the test (for example, urine vs. hair). With an instant point-of-care drug test, the results can be immediate.

A Word From Verywell

If you are struggling with drug addiction or abuse, you’re not alone. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and there is help out there. Talk with your healthcare provider honestly about your usage. They can help you figure out a treatment and rehabilitation plan that will help you with your recovery.