Last updated : May 19, 2025
Denver employers often administer a 5 panel drug test for physically dangerous jobs, like construction, or jobs where the employee is responsible for the safety of others, such as transportation.
Why drug test?
Even off duty drug use, has a negative impact on employers through reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, workplace theft, lower moral, increased accidents, and higher workers comp costs. But these problems can be reduced or even eliminated with drug testing. Pre employment drug testing can help screen out potential employees with substance abuse problems in the first place, and random drug testing helps discourage current employees from using drugs.
What does a 5 panel drug test include?
A 5 panel drug test screens for commonly abused drugs. Although there isn’t a universal standard, a 5 panel drug test usually tests for:
- cocaine
- marijuana
- PCP
- amphetamines
- opiates
How is a 5 panel drug test conducted?
When an employee has been selected for drug testing, they must immediately go to the collection site to provide a sample. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, any time an employee spends taking a mandated drug test is considered working hours and they must be paid for that time. USAMDT can set up a collection site either at your location, like a job site, manufacturing plant, or office, or any location of your choice throughout Denver, so there is minimal downtime and employees won’t have the opportunity to cheat the test.
We generated a random selection pool using specialized software to prevent tampering or “favors” that might help employees avoid testing.
Any recognized testing method, including urinalysis, saliva, or hair can be used for a 5 panel drug test unless it’s for DOT testing, which mandates urinalysis. A urinalysis requires a secured, private bathroom, while a saliva or hair drug test can be conducted anywhere.
Who can see the results of a 5 panel drug test?
Drug test results are considered private medical information, so if and how the information can be shared with others is tightly-controlled by HIPAA regulations. Because of this, employers need a release form signed by employees prior to drug testing. More information about these restrictions can be found on the HIPAA Web site or by contacting your USAMDT representative.