What is a 5 panel drug test?
A 5 panel drug test screens a urine specimen for the five substances mandated under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs — commonly known as the SAMHSA-5:
- Amphetamines (AMP) — including methamphetamine and MDMA derivatives
- Cocaine (COC) — via the benzoylecgonine metabolite
- Marijuana (THC) — via the 11-nor-THC-COOH metabolite
- Opiates (OPI) — codeine, morphine, heroin metabolites
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
The 5 panel test is the federally-required configuration for all DOT-regulated testing programs under 49 CFR Part 40, and is the most cost-effective panel for general workplace, pre-employment, and reasonable-suspicion testing.
Who uses 5 panel drug tests?
- DOT-regulated employers (FMCSA trucking, FAA aviation, FRA rail, FTA transit, PHMSA pipeline, USCG maritime) — required by 49 CFR Part 40
- Non-DOT employers running budget-conscious workplace testing programs
- Federal agencies and contractors subject to the Drug-Free Workplace Act
- Probation and parole programs with standard panel requirements
- Athletic and educational programs
Key features of ASC 5 panel cups
- CLIA-waived — usable at the point of care by trained non-laboratory personnel
- FDA 510(k) cleared — legally marketed in the United States
- SAMHSA-aligned cutoffs — standard cutoff levels match federal guidelines
- Results in 5 minutes — rapid turnaround for point-of-care decisions
- Integrated temperature strip — specimen validity check within 4 minutes
- 97-99% accuracy vs. laboratory GC-MS confirmation
- 18-24 month shelf life at standard ambient temperature (no refrigeration required)
Shop 5 panel drug tests
American Screening Corp manufactures and distributes a full line of 5 panel drug test cups, dip cards, and saliva tests. Browse the catalog or request a free sample for evaluation.
- CLIA-waived & FDA-cleared cups
- Economy / low-cost cups for budget-conscious programs
- 5 panel saliva tests for recent-use detection
5 panel drug test FAQ
Are 5 panel drug tests still required under DOT?
Yes. As of 2018, DOT testing includes oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone within the "opiates" category — sometimes called the "expanded opiate" 5 panel. The base panel structure remains 5 substances.
What's the difference between a 5 panel and 10 panel test?
A 10 panel adds five additional substances: benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, methamphetamine (separately scored from amphetamines), and propoxyphene. Higher panels are used in non-DOT settings or expanded compliance programs. See our 12 panel drug test page for extended panel options.
Is bulk pricing available for 5 panel cups?
Yes — pricing tiers begin at 100 units with significant discounts at 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000+ unit levels. Request a quote or call 318-798-3306. NET 30 terms are available for qualified business accounts.
Ready to order? Browse CLIA-waived cups, request a free sample, or call 318-798-3306 for bulk pricing.
