The Short Answer
For most San Diego employers running a basic pre-employment or random testing program, a 5-panel test covers what you need. If your industry involves healthcare, finance, law, or any role where employees may have access to prescription medications, the 10-panel gives you broader coverage.
What Does a 5-Panel Test Screen For?
The 5-panel urine drug test is the most widely used workplace drug screen in the United States. It detects the following substance categories:
- THC — Marijuana and cannabis products
- Cocaine — Cocaine and crack cocaine metabolites
- Opiates — Heroin, morphine, codeine
- Amphetamines / Methamphetamine — Including MDMA (Ecstasy)
- PCP — Phencyclidine (Angel Dust)
Our Non-DOT 5-panel rapid urine screen is $50 and results are available on-site before our collector leaves your location.
What Does a 10-Panel Test Add?
The 10-panel screen includes everything in the 5-panel plus five additional categories:
- Benzodiazepines — Xanax, Valium, Klonopin
- Barbiturates — Phenobarbital, butalbital
- Methadone — Including methadone maintenance patients
- Propoxyphene — A pain reliever (largely removed from market but still tested)
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes) — A sedative
Our Non-DOT 10-panel rapid test is $65, also with on-site results.
Note on DOT Testing: If your employees are regulated by the Department of Transportation (CDL drivers, aviation, railroad, etc.), you do not choose your panel. The federal DOT 5-panel is mandated. See our DOT Testing page for details.
Which Panel Is Right for Your Business?
Most construction, transportation, retail, and manufacturing companies in San Diego do fine with the 5-panel. It covers the most common substances of abuse and satisfies most employment, insurance, and compliance requirements.
Consider the 10-panel if: your employees work in healthcare or pharmacy settings, you've had issues with prescription drug misuse, your workers' compensation carrier requires expanded coverage, or your industry involves cash handling, financial management, or sensitive access.
How to Order in San Diego
Both tests are available for online ordering through our secure Square checkout page, or you can call us at 619-241-4415. We come to your location anywhere in San Diego County, 7 days a week, 7AM–7PM. Results are on-site — no waiting for lab turnaround on these rapid screens.