Last updated : November 18, 2024
Many Denver employers will conduct a 10 panel drug test when employees do physical work that may be dangerous, like construction, or for jobs where employees have an impact on the safety of other people, like aviation. Sometimes, it’s also used to make sure probation terms are adhered to.
Why drug test?
Even when drug use doesn’t take place during working hours, it can hurt employers because it increases absenteeism, accidents, workplace theft, and workers compensation costs, while reducing moral.
But you can reduce or even eliminate those issues by conducting pre employment drug testing to avoid hiring employees who use drugs, and conducting random drug testing to discourage drug use among current employees.
What does a 10 panel drug test screen for?
This drug test screens for frequently abused prescription and illicit drugs. While there isn’t one universal definition, a 10 panel drug test usually tests for:
- cocaine
- marijuana
- PCP
- amphetamines
- opiates
- benzodiazepines
- barbiturates
- methadone
- propoxyphene
- Quaaludes
How is a 10 panel drug test conducted?
An employee who has been selected for drug testing must immediately report to the collection site to provide a urine, hair, or saliva sample. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires that employees participating in a mandatory workplace drug test be paid for their time during the test—including any travel time. Fortunately, USAMDT can administer collections either at your location, like a construction site, shipyard, or office, or at any location you choose, so your employees won’t have much downtime, or a chance to cheat the test.
We use special computer software to generate a selection pool. This prevents tampering or employees covering for each other.
Urinalysis, saliva, or hair testing can be used to conduct a 10 panel drug test, however, urinalysis is mandated for DOT testing, which requires a secured, private bathroom. Saliva or hair drug testing can be conducted anywhere.
Who can see 10 panel drug test results?
Drug test results are classified as private health information, so it must be handled according to HIPPA guidelines. Employers must have a signed release form from each employee prior to drug testing. More information about these restrictions can be found on the HIPAA Web site or by contacting your USAMDT representative.