What is on a 10-panel drug test?
A 10-panel drug test typically extends the standard 5-panel with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and additional opioids, plus fentanyl/norfentanyl in modern configurations. Exact composition varies by lab — "10-panel" is a common-practice term rather than a federally defined panel.
What's in a 10-panel
- THC-COOH
- Benzoylecgonine
- Oxycodone / oxymorphone
- Amphetamines + methamphetamine
- PCP
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Methadone / EDDP
- Fentanyl / norfentanyl
Cutoff levels
| Analyte | Screen | Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| THC-COOH | 50 ng/mL | 15 ng/mL |
| Benzoylecgonine | 150 ng/mL | 100 ng/mL |
| Opiates (morphine, codeine) | 2000 ng/mL | 2000 ng/mL |
| Amphetamines + methamphetamine | 500 ng/mL | 250 ng/mL |
| PCP | 25 ng/mL | 25 ng/mL |
| Benzodiazepines | 200 ng/mL | 100 ng/mL |
| Barbiturates | 300 ng/mL | 100 ng/mL |
| Methadone / EDDP | 300 ng/mL | 100 ng/mL |
| Fentanyl / norfentanyl | 1 ng/mL | 1 ng/mL |
| Oxycodone / oxymorphone (expanded) | 100 ng/mL | 100 ng/mL |
- Exact panel composition varies by lab; "10-panel" is a common-practice configuration, not a federally defined one.
Who uses a 10-panel
- Healthcare employers — particularly settings with controlled-substance access (hospitals, surgical centers, pharmacies).
- Recovery monitoring programs — to track prescription depressant and opioid use during treatment.
- Safety-sensitive non-DOT employers — utilities, manufacturing, energy, transportation outside DOT jurisdiction.
- Court-ordered and probation programs in some jurisdictions.
Prescription monitoring and MRO review
A 10-panel result requires more careful MRO review than a 5-panel because it captures many commonly prescribed medications. A positive benzodiazepine, barbiturate, or methadone result with a verified prescription is reported as negative (or "consistent with prescribed therapy") to the employer. MROs receive direct verification from prescribing clinicians and pharmacies.
Immunoassay limits to know
Some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines (notably clonazepam and lorazepam) are poorly detected by older benzodiazepine immunoassays because they do not produce the typical metabolite (nordiazepam) those assays target. Modern LC-MS/MS panels detect them directly. If clonazepam or lorazepam compliance is the question, confirm with the lab that their assay covers those targets.
Frequently asked questions
The 10-panel extends the 5-panel with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and additional opioids. Exact composition varies by lab; "10-panel" is a common-practice term, not a federally defined one.
Healthcare and recovery programs commonly use a 10-panel to monitor prescription depressants alongside the standard 5. Some safety-sensitive non-DOT employers use it as well.
Sources & references
drugtest.co content is sourced from primary regulatory and clinical references. We do not cite gray-market or "how to pass" sources.