10 Panel Drug Test
Same-day scheduling at 17,000 + locations l Confidential results
A 10 panel drug test is considered one of the most comprehensive drug screening options available today. It is specifically designed to detect a range of both common and less frequently abused substances, providing a more thorough assessment of an individual's drug use. This level of detail distinguishes it from the more limited 5 panel drug test, which only identifies marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP.
The 10 panel test expands its scope by including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and Quaaludes (methaqualone). Such an expanded range is critical for identifying drug use that might otherwise go unnoticed in tests with narrower scopes. Because of this comprehensive coverage, the 10 panel test is highly regarded and widely used in various scenarios.
Employers often choose the 10 panel test when screening potential hires or conducting regular checks on current employees, especially in safety-sensitive industries. Its broad scope helps ensure that individuals responsible for critical tasks operate without impairment. As a result, it is often implemented as part of company policies to maintain a safe work environment.
In legal cases, particularly within the state of California, the 10 panel drug test is frequently utilized to provide a clearer picture of an individual's substance use. Courts may order this test in situations where understanding the breadth of drug use could influence legal decisions. Thus, it is a preferred option for attorneys and judges needing comprehensive evidence.
Individuals may also opt for a 10 panel drug test to evaluate their own drug use or that of a loved one. It can offer peace of mind, confirm suspicions, or support addiction recovery efforts. Given its accuracy and thoroughness, this drug test is a highly trusted option for anyone needing a detailed analysis of substance use.
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 1,191 drug testing centers in 1,932 CA cities.
Please select a city from the list below to find drug test centers in California.
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 California
California, known for its diverse population and progressive policies, plays a significant role in the shaping of drug testing practices. With a population exceeding 39 million people, the state has a dynamic and complex landscape for employers navigating drug use and safety regulations.
The Golden State's approach to drug testing is influenced by its liberal stance on medicinal and recreational marijuana. Employers must balance respecting personal freedoms with ensuring workplace safety. This balance has led to a nuanced landscape of drug testing policies and practices.
In California, drug testing often occurs during pre-employment screenings, ensuring new employees can perform their duties without the influence of illicit substances. However, employers must adhere to specific legal procedures, including obtaining consent from the person being tested.
Safety-sensitive industries, such as transportation, healthcare, and construction, frequently employ drug testing to maintain high safety standards. California's robust economy relies on these sectors operating efficiently and securely.
Legal considerations in California also impact how drug testing is conducted. Privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, require careful handling of personal data collected during the testing process to protect individuals' rights.
Furthermore, drug testing policies must be consistently applied to avoid discrimination claims. All employees must undergo testing policies equally to ensure fairness and compliance with state laws.
Drug test results can have significant consequences in California, influencing employment decisions, child custody cases, and probation terms. Therefore, the accuracy and reliability of tests, like the 10 panel, are pivotal in these scenarios.
Californians value both personal freedom and social responsibility, making drug testing a tool to harmonize these aspects by fostering safe and productive societal environments.
California Drug Information & Statistics
Recent statistics highlight California's complex relationship with drug use and testing. Drug use trends show an increase in reported marijuana use, unfolding since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2016.
The state's progressive marijuana laws have influenced employer policies and drug testing practices. While marijuana remains a common drug detected in tests, there's a notable rise in incidents involving synthetic opioids, necessitating more comprehensive screening processes.
California's opioid crisis mirrors national trends, with overdose deaths remaining a critical concern. The CDC reported that opioid-involved deaths in California account for a significant portion of the national total, prompting robust public health responses.
The implementation of comprehensive drug tests, such as the 10 panel, helps address these challenges by identifying a broader range of substances, thus providing essential data for managing the state's public health strategies.
Statistics indicate a split in drug testing practices across industries. In sectors such as healthcare and transportation, testing remains stringent, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with impaired performance at work.
Continuous monitoring and adaptation of drug testing practices are crucial for California to advance public health objectives while respecting individual rights within its diverse communities.
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.