What Is a 10-Panel Drug Test?

There are many types of tests used as part of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. A 10-panel drug test is frequently the preferred option used to screen a person’s body for the most commonly abused drugs. There are a few different types of collection methods used — including blood tests, oral fluid tests, or hair follicle testing —  but the most common 10-panel drug test checks urine samples either through a test cup or by using dip cards. Urine tests tend to be the most common, as they have been found to be the most accurate and likely to detect the presence of target substances.

What Types of Drugs Does a 10-Panel Drug Test Detect?

10-panel drug tests do not typically test for alcohol. So, depending on your situation, you may be asked to do additional testing for alcohol, and even sometimes nicotine testing.

10-panel drug tests will often test for both illicit as well as legitimate prescription drugs  and may include the following:

• Cannabis.
• Amphetamines.
• Cocaine.
• Opioids.
• Barbiturates.
• Benzodiazepines.
• Phencyclidine.
• Methadone.
• Methaqualone.
• Propoxyphene.

It is important to note that not all tests may provide accurate results and that different drugs may have different time limitations for testing. The following sections will provide examples of drugs tested for each category. 

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are typically detectable for 48 hours after use. Types of amphetamines commonly tested in a 10-panel test include:

• Amphetamine sulfate. Commonly known as:
  • Whizz.
  • Gooey.
  • Speed.
• Methamphetamine. Commonly known as:
  • Meth.
  • Crystal meth.
  • Rock.
  • Ice.
  • Crystal.
  • Crank.
• Dexamphetamine prescription drugs are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or narcolepsy. Generic names may include:
  • Adderall.
  • Ritalin.
  • Vyvanse.
  • Focalin.
  • Concerta.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis is typically detectable for three to 30 or more days after use, depending on how heavily it is used. Types of cannabinoids commonly tested in a 10-panel test include:

• Smoked cannabis. Commonly known as
  • Marijuana.
  • Weed.
  • Dope.
  • Pot.
  • Grass.
  • Herb.
  • Ganja.
• Hashish and hashish oil, commonly known as hash.
• Cannabinoid resins and extracts including:
  • THC oil.
  • Wax. 
  • Dabs.
• Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as spice or K2.

Cocaine

Cocaine can typically be spotted in a drug test for two to four days after use. Types of cocaine commonly tested in a 10-panel test include:

• Cocaine. Commonly known as:
  • Coke. 
  • Powder.
  • Snow.
  • Blow.
  • Bump.
• Freebase. 
• Crack cocaine.
  • Candy.
  • Rock.
  • Hard rock.
  • Nuggets.

Opioids

Opioids may be detected for two to three days after use. Types of opioids commonly tested in a 10-panel test include:

• Smoked opium. Commonly known as 
  • Big O.
  • O. 
  • Dopium. 
  • Chinese tobacco.
• Heroin. Commonly known as:
  • Smack.
  • Junk.
  • Brown sugar.
  • Dope.
  • H.
  • Train.
  • Hero.
• Morphine. Commonly known as:
  • Miss Emma.
  • Cube juice.
  • Hocus.
  • Lydia.
  • Mud.
• Codeine. Commonly known as:
  • Captain Cody.
  • Cody.
  • Lean.
  • Sizzurp.
  • Purple drank.
• Oxycodone may also be referred to as its prescription name:
  • Percodan.
  • Endodan.
  • Roxiprin.
  • Percocet.
  • Endocet.
  • Roxicet.
• OxyContin.
  • Hillbilly heroin.
  • Blues.
  • Kickers.
  • Oxy.
  • OX.
  • Oxycontin.
• Hydrocodone. 
  • Fluff.
  • Hydros.
  • V-itamin.
  • Vic.
  • Vike.
• Fentanyl.
  • Apace.
  • China girl.
  • China town.
  • China white.
  • Dance Fever.
  • Goodfellas.
  • Great Bear.
  • He-man.
  • Poison.
  • Tango.

Barbiturates

Depending on if the barbiturate is short or long-acting it may be detectable for one day to three or more weeks after use. Types of barbiturates commonly tested in a 10-panel test include:

• Amobarbital. Commonly known as downers or blue velvet.
• Pentobarbital. Commonly known as yellow jackets or nembies.
• Phenobarbitol. Commonly known as goofballs or purple hearts.
• Secobarbital. Commonly known as:
  • Reds.
  • Pink ladies.
  • Red devils.
• Tuinal. Commonly known as double trouble or rainbows.

Benzodiazepines 

Depending on if the benzodiazepines are short or long-acting, they may be detectable for three days to over a month after use. Types of benzodiazepines commonly tested in a 10-panel test include:

• Diazepam is commonly known under the generic name Valium.
• Alprazolam is commonly known under the generic name Xanax.
• Lorazepam is commonly known under the generic name Ativan.
• Chlordiazepoxide is commonly known under the generic name Librium.

Benzodiazepines may also be known for common street names including:

• Benzos.
• Normies.
• Tranks.
• Sleepers.
• Downers.

These drugs may be prescribed by a medical professional, but also include a risk of abuse. If you are currently prescribed one of these drugs for certain medical issues, you may need to inform the entity that is testing you and contact the medical professional who prescribed you.

Additional Substances

There are additional substances that do not necessarily fit into other categories. They are typically added as their own panel, and may include:

• Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP or angel dust.
• Methadone. Commonly known as:
  • Dollies.
  • Dolls.
  • Done.
  • Mud.
  • Junk.
  • Amidone.
  • Cartridges.
  • Red rock
• Methaqualone, commonly known as quaaludes and ludes.
• Propoxyphene. Commonly known as: 
  • Darvon.
  • Darvon-N.
  • PP-Cap.

What Are 10-Panel Drug Tests Used For?

10-panel tests are common for background screening and credentialing through the use of professional clinical testing services for the following:

• Employment with law enforcement.
• Employment in the medical field.
• Employment with the government including:
  • Federal entities.
  • State entities.
  • Local entities.

10-panel drug tests are not commonly used in tandem with background checks or pre-employment drug test screening for most employers, though some employers may choose to use them. If your current or prospective employer requests that you take a drug test, you may be legally required to do so and pass to be hired or continue your employment. 

However, some states prohibit employers from requiring drug tests for employees who are not employed in safety-dependent positions. Depending on state laws, there may also be additional drug testing restrictions or laws for employees who have a history of substance abuse disorder or alcoholism.   

Where Do You Get a 10-Panel Drug Test?

10-panel drug tests are widely available. You can request or order one through a doctor’s office or lab, or purchase one from a reputable drug test service provider or at a pharmaceutical specialist store. 

Analyzing the Results

Some tests may offer rapid results, while others may require that you send them to a lab for analysis, which may take a few days or longer. It is important to note that drug tests may be inaccurate or invalid, and need to be read carefully. Common reasons for inaccuracy include incorrect testing procedures or insufficient amount or volume of the specimen used for testing. Additionally, if a test result does not show a result for the control section, it may be an invalid test. You may be required to take multiple tests if the results are inaccurate.