If you’re looking for a Saint Clair County, IL 10-panel drug test service, you’re likely an employer or business owner seeking to implement a comprehensive drug testing plan for your workplace. But what exactly is a 10-panel drug test, and why do so many employers utilize them in their pre-employment screening practices?

A 10-panel drug test can be used for pre-employment screening as well as random drug testing. In this article, we’ll discuss what a 10-panel drug test is, which drugs it looks for, and why pre-employment drug screening is so important.

A 10-panel drug test is an analysis of biological matter, usually urine or alternatively hair, that tests for 10 major types of drugs. If traces of any of the 10 drugs are found in a prospective employee’s system, they may be subject to further drug screening by the employer. Additionally, supplemental analysis of the applicant’s urine may include monitoring pH and other traits in order to be sure that the sample was not tampered with in any way to alter the results of the test.

A 10-panel drug test is often the watermark for drug screening that most employers opt to use; this is because it screens for 10 common types of illicit drugs, including but not limited to:

·      THC like cannabinoids and hash

·      Cocaine and crack

·      Amphetamines like meth, ecstasy, and speed

·      Opiates like heroin and morphine

·      Phencyclidines like PCP or angel dust

Other types of drugs covered by a 10-panel drug test include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, methadone, and propoxyphene.

If you are looking to screen candidates for employment for drug use, it’s important for you to know how to read the results of the drug test. There are generally three outcomes for a 10-panel drug test: negative, positive, or inconclusive.

With a negative test result, an employer can conclude that it is unlikely that a candidate has abused illicit drugs, as no drug residues were detected.

In contrast, a positive test result typically indicates that illicit drugs were detected, or that drug residues in the collected sample exceeded the allowed limit.

Inconclusive test results indicate just that—a test that cannot conclusively confirm or deny a person’s illicit drug use. In this case, typically further testing is required.

While a 10-panel drug test is considered the standard for most employers, it is not the only form of drug test readily available. Here are some of the other types of drug tests that an employer might utilize:

·      6-panel drug test: This typically searches for barbiturates, cocaine metabolites, marijuana metabolites, amphetamines, PCP, and opiates.

·      7-panel drug test: This type of drug test searches for the above six drugs while also screening for abuse of prescription drugs.

·      12-panel drug test: This type of drug test screens for the major drug groups from the 10-panel drug test while also searching for the presence of prescription painkillers and other controlled substances.

A 10-panel drug test is the most common test employers use to screen potential employees before hiring—but there are other reasons why a person may be subjected to a 10-panel drug test. These include:

·      Athletics testing

·      Forensic or legal cases

·      Medical examinations

·      Monitoring pain medication use

Once an employee is hired, there are still further instances when a drug test may become relevant. Here are some instances in which 10-panel drug tests may be appropriate:

·      Reasonable suspicion: If an employer is able to observe symptoms of drug use in the workplace, it may be time for a drug screening. This type of drug screening occurs when an employer has reasonable reasons to suspect someone may be abusing drugs.

·      Random drug testing: By instating a policy of random drug testing, an employer may deter their employees from using drugs that may interfere with their ability to do their work.

·      Post-workplace accident: If there has been an accident or injury in the workplace, an employer may choose to administer a drug test to determine if illicit substances may have been used prior to the accident.

·      Periodic drug testing: This form of regular drug testing may occur quarterly or during a yearly fitness test.

·      Re-employment after absence: If a previously-hired employee takes a leave of absence or resumes work after being away, an employer may choose to administer a drug test; these are particularly likely especially if an employee has ever tested positive or even inconclusive on a drug panel test in the past.

Pre-screening your candidates for any criminal history or drug use is the first step towards maintaining a safe workspace for all your employees, but it also has several legal benefits as well. For example, if an employee were to do drugs on company property, the employer would be liable. Also, if an employee were to come to work under the influence of illicit drugs and cause an accident, the business owner would likewise be liable.

Additionally, increases in workplace injury claims are nearly five times more likely to occur after the use of illicit drugs. Almost half of all worker’s compensation claims stem from workplace substance abuse, including alcohol. Substance abuse also plays a role in employees missing more than one week from work, and they are also associated with lower workplace productivity.

Pre-screening your employees by using a 10-panel drug test not only protects your employees from accidents and misconduct, it also protects you financially as well. With the financial health, productivity, and safety of your workers at stake, it’s no wonder so many employers realize that pre-employment drug screening is not a luxury, but a necessity. Whether you have a large corporation or a local business in Saint Clair County, IL, a 10-panel drug test is a simple, cost-effective way you can help to rule out unnecessary problems in the workplace. Are you looking for a professional background screening service near you that can help you with your pre-employment screenings? Contact Alpha and Omega Background Screening Solutions today!