Many employers require pre-employment, random and other drug screening as a requirement of employment. Though other testing procedures are available, most companies will opt for a five-panel urinalysis drug screen that tests for five commonly abused drugs.
Testing Standards
An employer who obtains federal contracts with agencies such as the Department of Transportation is required by law to establish drug testing policies and procedures, including pre-employment, post-accident, suspicion and random drug testing. These standards include a method for disputing a positive sample, such as providing proof of having had a prescription for the tested drug. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which follows DOT rules, the standard 5-panel urinalysis includes: marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP). Though not required to follow these regulations, most non-DOT employers will also opt for the 5-panel urinalysis, as it is the most common and easily obtainable at nearly any medical lab, and DOT testing costs are established by law.
Marijuana
Marijuana, hash or THC metabolites can be detected for a minimum of 3 to 5 days and up to 30 days or more for chronic users. Marijuana and hash are illegal drugs , but a legal, synthetic THC derivative known as dronabinol may also cause a positive urine screen. Dronabinol is used for nausea related to AIDS or chemotherapy, so it can be obtained with a prescription.
Cocaine
Though cocaine is available as a topical anesthetic in some hospitals, its use is rare. Consequently, most cocaine use is illicit and not excusable on a urine test. Cocaine can be detected in urine for 1 to 4 days depending upon method of use, frequency and amount.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines such as methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine or other forms of amphetamine, including prescription products, are generally cleared from the urine within 1 to 4 days, depending upon the form. Methamphetamine and several other forms are commonly abused street drugs, but there are several different forms of amphetamine that are available with a prescription generally for the treatment of ADHD or as an appetite suppressant.
Opiates
Opiates such as heroin, morphine, codeine and synthetic pain relievers like oxycodone and hydrocodone can be detected for 1 to 4 days, depending upon the form, its metabolites and amount and duration of use. Heroin use is, of course, illegal, but other opiate pain medications are quite common and available by prescription.
PCP
Phencyclidine (PCP) use is rare. Since it has no known medicinal use, a positive result will not be dismissed on a urine test. PCP can be detected for 3 to 7 days for a single use or up to 14 days in chronic use.
Other Drugs
Though most companies use the 5-panel screen, any employer or other agency may also opt for a single-agent drug test for only one drug, a smaller panel with fewer drugs or a larger test, such as a 10-panel test that would include not only the five-panel screen but also barbiturates such as secobarbital, benzodiazepines such as diazepam or alprazolam, methadone, methaqualone and propoxyphene. All of these medications, except methaqualone, are available by prescription.
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