How Many Drugs Should a Workplace Test For? (5, 7, 10 or 13 Panel Guide)
As an employer, HR manager, or health and safety officer, implementing a robust workplace drug testing policy is one of the most proactive steps you can take to manage safety. However, once you have decided to test, a critical question immediately arises: which substances should we be testing for?
What is a panel?
The number of drugs a test can detect is known as its "panel," and choosing the right panel size is not as simple as picking the largest number. A 13-panel test gives a comprehensive overview, but it might include substances less relevant to your specific workforce. Conversely, a 5-panel test is cost-effective but may miss emerging synthetic risks.
A "panel" refers to a single drug or class of drugs. For example, a 5-panel urine drug test kit screens for five different drug groups simultaneously. Your choice should balance thoroughness with your specific industry risks.
- 5-Panel: The standard for general screening. Covers the "big five" illicit drugs: Cannabis, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, and Opiates (Heroin).
- 7-Panel: Often used for drivers or safety-critical roles. It typically adds Benzodiazepines and sometimes Methadone or Alcohol.
- 10-Panel: A broader screen that includes substances like Ketamine and Barbiturates, common in construction and logistics.
- 13-Panel: A high-level screen that adds potent synthetic opioids and antidepressants.
- 23-Panel: The most comprehensive "super-cup" available, covering almost every common and emerging substance, including LSD, Fentanyl, and "Magic Mushrooms."
Your choice also depends on whether you need to see a history of use or current impairment.
- Urine Drug Test Kits: Best for showing a history of use. Most drugs stay in the system for 3 to 5 days, though Cannabis can be detected for up to 30 days in frequent users. These are ideal for pre-employment and random screening.
- Saliva Drug Test Kits: These have a shorter detection window (usually 24 to 48 hours) but are excellent for detecting recent use. Because they are harder to subvert and less invasive, they are the gold standard for "for cause" or post-accident testing.
Recommended test kits
We provide a range of kits tailored to every level of workplace requirement. Here are our top recommendations for each panel:
- 5-Panel: The ALLTEST 5 Panel Urine Drug Test Kit is our best-seller for general workplace and home use, covering the most common street drugs accurately and affordably.
- 7-Panel (Saliva): For those needing a non-invasive option that includes alcohol, the ALLTEST 7 Panel Saliva Drug Testing Kit (DSD-877) is perfect. It matches the UK Police roadside testing combination.
- 10-Panel: The UKDrugTesting 10 Panel Workplace Urine Kit offers a broad-spectrum screen, including Tramadol and Ketamine, to address modern drug trends in the UK.
- 13-Panel: For maximum sensitivity, the 13 Panel Ultra Sensitive Urine Drug Test Kit detects lower levels of substances than standard tests, making it ideal for zero-tolerance environments.
- 23-Panel: If you require the ultimate level of screening, the UKDrugTesting 23 Panel Workplace Urine Cup is an all-in-one "super-cup" that tests for 23 different substances, including new psychoactive substances.
Expert Support and Training
Choosing the right kit is only half the battle. To ensure your testing is legally defensible and accurate, we offer Online Drug Test Training. This live, interactive session can be tailored to whichever panel you choose, teaching your team how to administer tests, interpret results, and maintain a proper chain of custody.
Need help?
If you are still unsure which panel fits your business needs, take our quick quiz for a personalised recommendation: