10 Panel Drug Test
Same-day scheduling at 17,000 + locations l Confidential results
A 10 panel drug test is one of the most comprehensive drug screening options available. By expanding the range of substances detected, it offers a more thorough evaluation compared to standard tests. It identifies both common and less frequently abused substances, making it an invaluable tool for employers, legal systems, and individuals aimed at ensuring safety and compliance in various scenarios.
Unlike the 5 panel drug test, which screens for only a handful of substances like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP, the 10 panel broadens the scope significantly. This expansion includes vital additions such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes (methaqualone). These substances, while less commonly abused, are still critical to detect in safety-sensitive environments.
The 10 panel drug test's extensive coverage makes it a preferred choice for sensitive industries where safety is paramount. Employers in industries like transportation, healthcare, and construction often opt for this comprehensive testing to mitigate risks associated with impairment and ensure a drug-free workplace. The legal system also relies on this test for cases where a broader assessment is necessary.
In states like Colorado, where legal issues and workplace safety are significant factors, the 10 panel drug test is frequently utilized. Colorado's dynamic environment, including its growing industries, demands thorough drug screening options to maintain safety standards, especially given the state's progressive stance on certain substances' legality.
Overall, the 10 panel drug test is not just about detecting illicit drug use, but also about maintaining a safe and responsible environment across various sectors. Its ability to identify a wider range of substances ensures it remains a vital tool for those seeking to enforce safety and compliance in Colorado and beyond.
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive coverage of 10 major drug classes, including common Rx misuse
- Multiple specimen options: urine, hair, oral fluid, blood, nails
- Recent & long-term detection for versatile screening needs
- Workplace safety support for policy compliance
- Legal defensibility with lab confirmation & chain of custody
- Confidential accuracy via SAMHSA-certified labs & MRO review
Who Chooses a 10 Panel?
- Employers (healthcare, construction, education, corporate)
- Court, probation, and child custody cases
- Treatment & recovery programs
- Individuals & families seeking private testing
DOT-regulated testing follows the 49 CFR Part 40 5-panel - order the DOT 5 panel when required.
10 Panel Lab Based Test vs. 10 Panel Instant Test
Understand the differences - speed vs. defensibility - so you can choose the right 10 panel drug test option for employment, court, and personal testing.
Both options screen the same 10 drug classes (THC, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/methamphetamine, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes*). The difference is how results are produced, verified, and used.
*Methaqualone only available in urine lab-based testing
10 Panel Lab based vs. 10 Panel Instant Drug Test
| Feature | 10 Panel Lab-Based | 10 Panel Instant (POCT) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Employment, legal/court, policy-driven programs | Rapid on-site screening; same-day hiring decisions |
| Specimen | Urine (standard); hair/oral fluid/nail options | Urine (most common) |
| Speed | Negatives 1 business day after lab receipt; non-negatives 2-3 days with MRO | Screen results in 5-10 minutes (presumptive) |
| Accuracy & Confirmation | High; confirmatory GC/MS or LC-MS/MS on any non-negative | Screening only; non-negatives should be lab-confirmed |
| MRO Review | Yes (on non-negative lab results) | Not by default; added when sending to lab |
| Chain of Custody (CCF) | End-to-end documented | Used for screen; lab CCF applies if sent for confirmation |
| Legal Defensibility | Strong (SAMHSA-certified lab + confirmation + MRO) | Limited until confirmed by a lab |
| Compliance | Meets most employer/court policies; DOT uses lab-based 5-panel | Great for rapid screens; policies often require confirmation for final action |
| Cost Profile | Higher unit price; includes confirmation/MRO when needed | Lower upfront; confirmation adds cost/time on non-negatives |
Choose 10 panel Lab-Based If You Need:
- Defensible results for employment, licensing, or court
- MRO oversight to evaluate prescriptions and verify results
- Audit-ready documentation with full Chain of Custody
- Mass-spectrometry confirmation for any non-negative screen
Best for: pre-employment, randoms, return-to-duty/follow-up, post-accident (when policy requires confirmation), legal/custody cases.
Order 10 Panel Lab-BasedChoose Instant (POCT) If You Need:
- Immediate screening at the point of collection
- Faster hiring decisions with on-site programs
- To screen first, confirm only if needed
- Temporary removal from duty pending confirmation (policy-dependent)
Reminder: Instant results are presumptive. Confirm non-negatives at a SAMHSA-certified lab for final decisions.
Order 10 Panel Instant10 Panel Drug Test Detection Times
Windows are driven by drug metabolism and specimen type, not whether testing is lab-based or instant. Urine is standard for both; alternative specimens are typically lab-based.
| Specimen | Typical Detection Window | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | 1-7 days (THC up to 30) | Employment, legal, personal |
| Hair | Up to 90 days | History/patterns of use |
| Oral Fluid (Saliva) | 24-72 hours | Recent use; post-accident/suspicion |
| Blood | Hours to 2-3 days | Very recent use |
| Nails | 3-6 months | Extended look-back |
Compliance Notes
- DOT programs require a lab-based 5-panel under 49 CFR Part 40 (not a 10 panel).
- Many employer/court policies require lab confirmation + MRO review for final actions.
- On-site instant testing may require appropriate CLIA credentials depending on device and state rules.
10 Panel Drug Test FAQ's
Questions about 10 panel drug testing: Coverage. Detection times, Turnaround, Compliance, and More.
Quick overview: A 10 panel drug test screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates, amphetamines (incl. methamphetamine), PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes (methaqualone*).
*Available in lab-based testing only
What Does a 10 Panel Drug Test Detect?
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Opiates (morphine, codeine, heroin)
- Amphetamines (incl. methamphetamine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Quaaludes (methaqualone) (available in lab-based testing only)
How It Works
- Order: Online or by phone; select location and donor details.
- Collection: Visit a nearby site with a valid photo ID.
- Lab Analysis: Immunoassay screen with GC/MS or LC-MS/MS confirmation when needed.
- Results: Negatives within 1 business day; non-negatives 2-3 business days after MRO review.
Compliance You Can Trust
- Trained & Qualified Collectors
- Testing at SAMHSA certified laboratories
- Confirmatory GC/MS or LC MS/MS testing
- Medical Review Officer (MRO) oversight for non-negative screens
- End to end electronic Chain of custody (CCF) documentation
For DOT-regulated positions, use the DOT 5-panel per 49 CFR Part 40.
Nationwide Locations
Find a convenient collection site near you and schedule same-day testing. All sites follow strict chain-of-custody procedures and quality controls. Find Locations
Accredited Drug Testing has 352 drug testing centers in 696 CO cities.
Please select a city from the list below to find drug test centers in Colorado.
Questions? Call 1-800-221-4291 or contact us.
10 panel starting at $109.99, price shown for standard lab based 10 panel urine test; volume & employer discounts available.
Last updated September 6, 2025
Same-Day Scheduling
Appointments at 17,000+ collection sites nationwide.
Certified Lab Testing
SAMHSA-certified labs with MRO review on non-negative screens.
Secure Results
Confidential online reporting in 1-3 business days.
10 Panel Drug Testing in Colorado
Colorado, renowned for its majestic Rocky Mountains and vibrant cultural scene, is also at the forefront of progressive drug policy. Known for legalizing recreational marijuana in 2012, Colorado has a distinctive approach to drug testing, balancing personal freedoms with public safety.
The state's demographics reveal a diverse population of over 5.8 million residents. Colorado has a relatively young median age, with a significant portion of its population living in urban areas such as Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder.
Drug testing in Colorado often reflects its unique legal landscape. While recreational marijuana use is legal for adults over 21, many employers, particularly in safety-sensitive industries, still include it in their drug testing protocols to ensure workplace safety.
The state's economy is driven by sectors like technology, aerospace, and tourism, sectors that frequently implement rigorous drug testing policies. This is especially true in industries involving heavy machinery or public safety roles, where an impairment could have dire consequences.
For legal cases, Colorado courts sometimes use drug testing results to assess compliance with court orders or for determining custody arrangements. In these scenarios, more comprehensive tests like the 10 panel are often employed.
Colorado's public health programs also incorporate drug testing as part of efforts to combat substance abuse. These initiatives aim to provide support and rehabilitation rather than solely punitive measures.
The state's approach to drug testing is evolving, reflecting changing societal norms while still prioritizing safety. As marijuana laws vary across the U.S., Colorado remains an interesting case study in how drug legalization intersects with drug testing protocols.
Ultimately, drug testing in Colorado is as complex as its landscape, adapting to both legal changes and the diverse needs of its industries and institutions, always with an eye towards safety and legal compliance.
Colorado Drug Information & Statistics
Colorado has seen a transformation in drug-related statistics since the legalization of marijuana in 2012. This has provided valuable insights into the impact of such legal changes on public health and safety.
Statistical data suggests that marijuana use has increased among adults but remains relatively stable among adolescents. Concerns about workplace safety have prompted many employers to maintain stringent drug testing practices.
Opioid use in Colorado remains a critical issue, although state-led initiatives have made strides in reducing opioid prescriptions and increasing access to treatment for those battling addiction.
Drug-related traffic incidents, particularly those involving marijuana, are closely monitored by authorities. These statistics are vital for shaping public policy and ensuring road safety.
The state's comprehensive data collection efforts play a crucial role in crafting responsive and effective drug policies, balancing personal freedoms with community safety.
Rapid 10 panel urine drug tests, starting at $114 - Volume discounts available for employers
Price shown for standard rapid 10 panel urine test. DOT testing available upon request.