Definition - What does 12 Panel Drug Test mean?
A 12 panel drug test is an expanded variation of a 10 panel urine drug test involving comprehensive analysis of a urine specimen to identify and confirm the presence of specific drug metabolites in the system. A routine 12 panel drug test covers amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, common opiates (codeine, morphine, etc.), marijuana, methadone, methaqualone, phencyclidine (PCP), propoxyphene, and additional opiates/stimulants (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Ecstasy). Applicants and/or employees may submit to a 12 panel drug test screening for safety-sensitive positions, for example, operating heavy machinery and/or motor vehicles at company discretion.
SureHire explains 12 Panel Drug Test
Standard drug testing procedures helps employers to deter the epidemic of drug abuse for individuals serious about receiving gainful employment opportunities. However, many businesses continue to combat rising occurrences of addiction compromising health and safety in the workplace. For instance, opiate drug use is a prevalent concern that affects personal behaviour coupled with professional conduct and productivity causing financial drawbacks for employers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A 12 panel drug test is administered by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) who coordinates the procedure with a standing physician to evaluate and verify test results. Based on clinical findings, the MRO is responsible for ascertaining any prescriptions to justify legitimate use of opiates and/or opioid medications for pre-employment and/or random drug screen purposes. The primary method for 12 panel drug test screens requires collecting a urine specimen, but tampering with the liquid is a repeated circumstance that laboratories contend with. Some employers are adopting 12 panel hair drug test as an alternative solution that helps defeat the chances of adulterating or substituting authentic urine samples with fake urine.
For safety-sensitive positions, for instance occupations in the automotive and oil and gas industries, 12 panel hair drug testing might be a more favourable approach. In contrast to urine specimens, a hair sample carries an ample time window, tracing back ninety days to facilitate the process of eliminating suspected drug abusers.
