A standard five-panel drug screen is a common type of drug test that analyzes a urine sample for the presence of five specific classes of drugs. These typically include amphetamines, opiates, PCP (phencyclidine), cocaine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolites. THC metabolites are the compounds produced when the body metabolizes marijuana.
Drug testing serves various purposes, including pre-employment screening, workplace compliance, legal or forensic investigations, and monitoring substance abuse treatment programs. Historically, drug testing has evolved from simple observation to sophisticated laboratory analysis capable of detecting minute traces of substances. The selection of a five-panel test reflects a balance between cost-effectiveness and the detection of commonly abused substances.
