The 12-panel drug test is the most extensive form of drug testing that can detect drugs of abuse apart from the drugs tested under a standard 5-panel drug test. Employers and hiring managers who are not bound by the standard DOT (Department of Transportation) testing might go for an extensive 12-panel drug screening to test their candidates and employees. The 12-panel drug test is a comprehensive drug test that is cost-effective and detects more drugs commonly abused today in the United States. This blog will shed light on the 12-panel drug test and what shows up in a 12-panel drug test.
Drugs screened in a 12-panel drug test
- COC
- MMJ (THC, cannabinoids)
- PCP
- AMP (including mAMP)
- Opiates
- Barbiturates
- Meperidine
- Tramadol
- Propoxyphene
- Methadone
- Benzodiazepines
- Oxycodone
Detection time of a 12-panel drug test
The 12-panel drug test is available to test using two specimen kinds – Urine and Hair. The detection time for a 12-panel drug test is not a constant parameter and differs on various factors based on the drug concentration in the sample. But one thing is for sure. If the drug levels are below the cut-off levels, you may test negative for 12-panel drugs and vice versa.
The 12-panel urine drug test can detect the drugs for 3 to 30 days based on the type of drug and intake frequency. A 12-panel hair drug test has the most extended period of detection that can go up to 90 days. That means the hair test can detect the drugs after 90 days of previous use.
Factors that determine the retention of drugs in your body
- Type and the amount of drugs used
- Body mass
- Metabolism rate
- Hydration
- Weight
- Gender
- Physical activity
- Medical conditions
- Kidney function
Does Alcohol show up on a 12-panel drug test?
Alcohol is not one of the drugs that can be detected in your standard 12-panel drug test. You might go for a hair alcohol drug test to see your employees’ or candidates’ long-term alcohol abuse. For short-term abuse detection, you may go for a breathalyzer test to detect alcohol usage. Make sure that your company has alcohol drug testing policies in place before testing your employees for alcohol.
Chances of False positives on a 12-panel drug test
A 12-panel drug test has significantly fewer chances of showing false positives. But false positives might occur if the individual is using prescription drugs or substances that have the potential of showing up as abusive drugs. For instance, vitamin B supplements like Riboflavin might show up as THC as they are present in considerable amounts in the hemp seed oil.
How to prevent false positives during a 12-panel drug test?
False positives might not be the end after all. Ensure that the individual takes any prescription drugs and reports their usage with proof of medical prescription. You can send the sample to the laboratory for GC/MS testing to get clarified results.
Concluding words
The 12-panel drug test is the best drug testing method for those employers and hiring managers who are not bound under DOT guidelines. The test is comprehensive, quick, and provides instant results within minutes without compromising accuracy.
