What does a 10 panel drug test check for?

Ah, the age-old question. You’ve landed that dream job and now you have to undergo a drug test – sigh. Never fear though, we are here to guide you through what exactly is going on with this whole ’10 panel’ malarkey.

The Introduction

Let’s start at the beginning: What even is a 10 panel drug test? Essentially it’s a urine test which screens for different types of drugs. Now when we say “different types”, we don’t mean the various strains of marijuana (although that would make life much more interesting). Instead, these tests detect ten specific classifications of substances:

Table 1:

Classifications
Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Cocaine

Are these sounding familiar yet? Maybe like things you want to avoid putting in your body generally? Just us then… moving on.

Table 2:

Classifications
Marijuana
Methadone
Opioids (including heroin)

Wait, was that one heroine or heroin-e – it’s not all clear cut up there but just reassure yourself again how important passing this test is!

These tests typically also check for other commonly used recreational drugs such as methamphetamine and PCP (scary), however there may be some variation between testing labs. Got all that so far? Good. Onwards….

So what does each substance do?

Okay grandmaster flash, let me break it down for ya: Each substance identified by one of those fancy classification names will have varying effects on your brain chemistry which can adversely affect both work and home life if taken without discretion.

Amphetamines: This broad category includes things like Adderall – an ADHD medication that’s taken recreationally by many people hoping to gain an “edge”. The main effect? Enhanced concentration. However, misuse can lead to things like insomnia and mood changes.

Barbiturates: These substances are often prescribed as sedatives or sleeping pills, but can also be abused because they produce a relaxing high. Fun fact: accidentally overdosing on barbiturates was one of the hazards of pulling all-nighters while studying in the 70s.

Benzodiazepines: They’re a group of tranquilizers often used to treat anxiety or sleep disorders (think Valium). Like the other drugs in this list, they carry with them some major side effects including addiction and decreased breathing.

How do I prepare for the test?

Good question! First off – stop doing drugs right now. Like seriously, put down your beer/waterpipe/vaping pen and listen up:

The way drug tests typically work is by detecting metabolites within urine samples which have formed after chemical breakdown of specific compounds found in given drugs classes (see Table 1&2 above). As a rule of thumb most testing labs suggest abstaining from using these substances at least 48-72 hours prior to taking the test, ideally longer i.e upto several weeks beforehand depending on usage.

However if you’re not sure about when you last indulged that urge……Better play it safe than sorry mofo – Abstain for at minimum couple weeks… until you think even your grandma would pass with flying colours given she didn’t pop any weird looking pills during her bingo night!

But I digress…where were we again…

Oh yeah! FYI – The lab technician will also take measures such as checking temperature levels before accepting each sample (for all kinds’a reasons …if y’know what Im sayin’). So don’t get cocky thinking that sneaky aunty who pees behind the shed will outsmart the highly trained and experienced professionals (respect folks!).

What happens if I fail the drug test?

There’s no getting around this one, kiddo – a failed 10-panel drug test could be pretty catastrophic: No job, driving license gone… not to mention an awkward dinner conversation. If your results come back positive for any of the above-mentioned substances then usually you’ll have some explaining to do – which let’s face it is not generally known to improve employer confidence.

In some cases failing may affect existing probation or parole terms as well with serious legal repercussions that even Perry Mason couldn’t solve in two ‘cocktail’ episodes!

But hey…try answering “no comment” on repeat just like they do in movies…besta’ luck with that though.

And there we are! Now you know what a 10 panel drug tests checks for and what each substance does – knowledge really is power here folks. It doesn’t take much; simply learning about how drugs can affect both physical health and professional life can help someone become more aware of their actions.

So until next time folks : Keep safe , stay off those controlled listed chemicals……Or at least put them down long enough till ya pee clean 😉 .

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