Drug Testing Solutions for Laboratories

Lab workers tend to feel safe in the laboratory but engage in unsafe practices even without drug use. In this type of workplace setting, it is essential to create a drug-free environment.

Laboratory drug tests can benefit employers and employees, but what are the different solutions, and are they effective? Keep reading to learn the answers to your questions and where to buy drug tests.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing

Laboratory drug tests can be used for pre-employment drug testing to determine whether or not a prospective employee uses illegal drugs and/or prescriptions medications. After a pre-employment drug test, an employer might choose to use drug tests randomly or after an employee's absence from work. Employers must have a reasonable suspicion that an employee is using drugs before testing them. Drug screens are often performed through urine because urine tests are simple to use and affordable for all industries. A lab drug test can protect workplace safety and help the illicit drug use problem in the United States. For industries that must conduct drug screens under the federal mandate, urinalysis is the only approved method. The laboratory drug test urine method is commonly chosen by non-regulated employers as well.

Urine Drug Laboratory Test Options

The drug test cup is the most common option for employers to choose because it tests for multiple substances with one urine sample. A panel drug test kit from 12 Panel Now comes with everything you need to administer a workplace test. Let's go over some of the different paneled cup drug test options and drug test strips:

5 Panel Drug Test Cup

The 5 panel drug test cup is a great option for industries under a federal mandate that requires them to drug test employees. The test includes every substance required for testing such as:

• Amphetamines (AMP)
• Oxycodone (OXY)
• Cocaine (COC)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

This test, along with each drug test offered by 12panelnow is 99% accurate and easy to use.

12 Panel Drug Test Cup

12panelnow.com offers four different 12 paneled drug test cup options because they are the most popular testing method for workplaces. The most commonly chosen test is the 12 Panel Drug Test Cup with TCA that tests for:

• Amphetamines (AMP)
• Barbiturates (BAR)
• Benzodiazepines (BZO)
• Buprenorphine (BUP)
• Cocaine (COC)
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Marijuana (THC)
• Methadone (MTD)
• Methamphetamine (MTD)
• Morphine (OPI)
• Oxycodone (OXY)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)

The 12 Panel Drug Test Cup with PCP tests for phencyclidine instead of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) while the 12 Panel Drug Test Cup with Adulterants (ADLTX) tests for nortriptyline instead. There is also a 12 Panel Drug Test Cup with Adulterants + EtG strip. EtG (Ethyl glucuronide) is a metabolite of ethanol. When someone consumes alcohol, EtG is produced as a byproduct. For employers who want to test for alcohol use on the job, this could be the best solution as it tests for additional illegal substances as well. Although this is the only 12 paneled test that comes with an alcohol strip as well, each drug test cup, no matter how many panels, comes with a built-in temperature strip. This can help employers identify falsified urine samples.

18 Panel Drug Test Cup

The 18 Panel Drug Test Cup tests for the most substances with one urine sample. If testing for only 12 or fewer substances is not right for your lab, this is the best drug test option. The 18 substances tested with this urine cup drug test are:

• Amphetamines (AMP)
• Barbiturates (BAR)
• Benzodiazepines (BZO)
• Buprenorphine (BUP)
• Cocaine (COC)
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Fentanyl (FYL)
• Marijuana (THC)
• Methadone (MTD)
• Methamphetamine (mAMP or MET)
• Morphine (OPI)
• Oxycodone (OXY)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Nortriptyline (TCA)
• Ethyl glucuronide (EtG)
• Kratom (KRA)
• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
• Hydrocodone (HCO)

Like all other drug test cups offered from 12 Panel Now, this test has a long shelf life of up to 2 years which makes it right for bulk drug test orders. The expiration date will be printed on the label. Each test also follows strict cut-off levels according to SAMHSA guidelines that will vary depending on each drug. You can decide which paneled drug testing option is best for you by reading through 12panelnow reviews.

Drug Test Strips

Another rapid drug test option from 12 Panel Now is a drug test strip. Unlike the paneled cup tests, these strips only detect one substance with one strip. However, you can use one urine sample to test multiple strips. For workplace testing, purchasing a paneled test plus one or more testing strips might be beneficial. For example, if you purchase paneled tests that don't include alcohol testing, you can use an EtG alcohol test strip as well. Other test strip options include the following among many others:

• Ketamine drug test strip
• Norfentanyl drug test strip
• Fentanyl drug test strip
• Hydrocodone drug test strip
• Marijuana drug test strip

Instead of using a drug test cup to take a urine sample and gain results, you'll submerge the urine test strip into a urine sample. Both paneled cup tests and test strips provide results within 5 minutes.

Laboratory Drug Tests: Are They Necessary?

To enjoy a healthy, safe, and drug-free workplace, laboratory drug tests are necessary. Using illicit drugs can lower productivity, increase the chances of workplace accidents, and affect the overall success of a lab. To keep you and your employees safe while on the job, whether under a government mandate or not, drug testing is key. We at 12 Panel Now strive to make communities and the industries in them better. Contact us today to order drug tests in bulk and ask about our affordable pricing and shipping options.