Most Fortune 500 companies use drug testing as a means of screening potential or current employees to ensure they aren't abusing illegal drugs, according to employmentdrugtesting.com. Naturally, having a quick, dependable way to do this is important, which is why many use a five-panel drug screen.

Types

A five-panel drug screen measures the presence of amphetamines (including methamphetamine), cannabinoids (including marijuana), cocaine, opiates (such as heroin, Vicodin and oxycodone), and phencyclidine (PCP) in an individual's urine.

Features

An employer usually instructs a job applicant or staff member to go to a collection site and provide a urine sample under controlled conditions. The sample is then tested by a technician at a certified laboratory that follows rigorous quality assurance standards.

Considerations

While there are over-the-counter kits that employers can use to test urine for these substances, positive results still require laboratory confirmation. Many employers contract with a drug screening company to handle the procedure.

Functions

The screening company will complete the steps involved in the five-panel drug screen, which includes the sample collection, transport, analysis, confirmation by a certified laboratory and test review by a medical review officer.

Benefits

According to employmentdrugtesting.com, screening reduces the effects of drug abuse in a workplace, which can cause absenteeism, theft, tardiness, lower productivity, violence, criminal behavior and attitude problems.

Source:

Employmentdrugtesting.com: Intro to Drug Screening

Universalbackground.com: Five Panel Drug Screen

More Information:

Accusearch: Drug Screening---Drug Test Types