Whether you’re preparing for a pre-employment screening or coordinating workplace drug testing as an employer, it’s important to understand what a standard 5-panel drug test includes. This type of test is widely used in both private and government sectors and remains a common requirement in Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, hiring processes, and safety-sensitive industries.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly what substances are detected in a 5-panel drug test, how it works, and how National Background Check, Inc. (NBCI) can help simplify your drug screening process.
What Is a 5-Panel Drug Test?
A 5-panel drug test is a screening method that detects the presence of five common categories of illicit substances in a person’s system. It is often administered via a urine sample, though hair, saliva, and blood samples may be used in certain cases.
This test is the industry standard for:
- Pre-employment screening
- DOT-regulated positions (e.g., truck drivers, pilots)
- Workplace safety programs
- Post-accident or random testing
What Substances Are Tested?
Here are the five drug categories typically screened in a 5-panel drug test:
1. Marijuana (THC)
- Common forms: cannabis, hashish, edibles
- Detection window: up to 30 days (urine)
2. Cocaine
- Common forms: powder, crack
- Detection window: 2–4 days
3. Opiates
- Includes: morphine, heroin, and codeine
- Detection window: up to 3 days
4. Amphetamines
- Includes: Adderall, methamphetamine (meth)
- Detection window: 2–5 days
5. Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Street name: angel dust
- Detection window: 7–14 days
Note: Some expanded drug panels also test for benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and prescription painkillers.
Why Employers Use the 5-Panel Test
- Meets DOT compliance (required for transportation and safety-sensitive industries)
- Cost-effective for large-scale pre-employment screening
- Quick results—many labs return results in 24–72 hours
- Customizable options available through NBCI for broader testing needs
NBCI Drug Testing Services for Employers
At National Background Check, Inc., we make drug testing simple, secure, and compliant. Our services include:
- DOT & non-DOT drug testing
- 5-panel, 10-panel, and custom drug panels
- Electronic results with fast turnaround
- Convenient scheduling and mobile testing options
Learn more: Drug Screening Services »
Need to Schedule a Drug Test?
Whether you’re an employer building a screening program or an individual preparing for a job offer, NBCI provides nationwide drug testing services with fast results and expert support.
Contact us or find a location near you »
National Background Check, Inc. — Trusted for Background Screening and Drug Testing Since 1999