The 10-panel drug test detects traces of ten different types of substances that are often associated with drug abuse. The test is normally conducted with a urine sample and may involve secondary testing to confirm any positive results. Testing may be performed as a condition of employment or when a person is suspected of abusing prescription or illegal drugs.

The 10-panel drug test is most often performed on a urine sample. Drug screening tests can also be done on hair, saliva, blood, and sweat.

Before the test

Before the test, you should inform your employer or the lab taking your urine sample of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs that you have recently taken because these can in some cases affect your test results.

During the test

For a urine test at a clinic, you should receive a plastic container that is sealed in tamper-proof packaging. You will normally be directed to a private bathroom where you fill this container with urine up to a specifically marked level. At-home testing involves collecting and testing urine according to instructions provided with the test kit.

After the Test

A urine test does not have any side effects and does not involve any post-test restrictions on your activity. If a positive result is found on an at-home test, it’s helpful to send the sample to a certified laboratory for a final result. The second, more specific laboratory test is important because some foods, supplements, and medicines can affect the results of at-home testing.

Test results from a 10-panel drug test are usually reported as positive, negative, or inconclusive:

A positive test result means that the initial screen and the confirmatory testing found drug residues in your sample that exceeded the allowed limit. A positive result typically specifies which drug or drugs were detected.

A negative test result shows that no drug residues were found in your sample.

An inconclusive result indicates that the testing was not able to confirm whether drug residues were or were not present.

At-home testing offers only a preliminary result for the presence of specific drugs. Only a certified laboratory certified can confirm the preliminary test and offer a final result.