The "panel" count on a drug test cup is simply how many substances it screens for, with one test strip per substance built into the cup. More panels means wider coverage, but also a higher cost per test. This guide shows exactly what each of our cups detects so you can pick the right one.
Panel-by-panel comparison
| Cup | Tests included | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
|
10 panel White, CLIA waived |
AMP · BAR · BZO · COC · MET · MTD · OPI · OXY · PCP · THC | Standard workplace screen |
|
12 panel White |
AMP · BUP · BZO · COC · EtG · FYL · MDMA · MET · MTD · OPI · OXY · THC | Adds alcohol (EtG) and BUP |
|
12 panel CLIA White, CLIA waived |
AMP · BAR · BUP · BZO · COC · FYL · MDMA · MET · MTD · OPI · OXY · THC | CLIA waived with BUP |
|
12 panel CLIA w/ PCP White, CLIA waived |
AMP · BAR · BUP · BZO · COC · MDMA · MET · MTD · OPI · OXY · PCP · THC | CLIA waived with PCP |
|
13 panel White |
AMP · BUP · BZO · COC · EtG · FYL · K2 · KRA · MDMA · MET · OPI · OXY · THC | Adds K2 / Spice and kratom |
|
14 panel Red |
AMP · BUP · BZO · COC · EtG · FEN · KRA · MDMA · MET · MTD · OPI · OXY · PSY · THC | Adds psilocybin and kratom |
|
16 panel Red |
AMP · BUP · BZO · COC · EtG · FEN · K2 · KRA · MDMA · MET · MTD · OPI · OXY · PCP · THC · TRA | Adds PCP and TRA |
|
18 panel Red |
AMP · BAR · BUP · BZO · COC · EtG · FEN · GAB · K2 · KRA · MDMA · MET · MTD · OPI300 · OXY · PPX · THC · TRA | Adds gabapentin and PPX |
|
20 panel White |
AMP · BAR · BUP · BZO · COC · EtG · FEN · GAB · K2 · KET · KRA · MDMA · MET · MTD · OPI · OXY · PCP · THC · TRA + adulterants | Widest screen, adds ketamine and sample-validity checks |
Every cup gives results in about 5 minutes. Most include a temperature strip to help confirm the sample is fresh.
What the abbreviations mean
| Code | Substance |
|---|---|
| AMP | Amphetamine (including Adderall) |
| BAR | Barbiturates |
| BUP | Buprenorphine (Suboxone) |
| BZO | Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin) |
| COC | Cocaine |
| EtG | Ethyl glucuronide, a marker of recent alcohol use |
| GAB | Gabapentin |
| K2 | Synthetic cannabinoids (K2 / Spice) |
| KET | Ketamine |
| KRA | Kratom |
| MDMA | Ecstasy / molly |
| MET | Methamphetamine |
| MTD | Methadone |
| OXY | Oxycodone |
| PCP | Phencyclidine |
| PPX | Propoxyphene |
| PSY | Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) |
| THC | Marijuana |
| TRA | TRA |
Which panel should you choose?
- Employers: a 10 panel or 12 panel CLIA waived cup covers most workplace policies. See our workplace testing guide.
- Sober living homes: a 12 panel with alcohol (EtG) is the most economical for routine testing, or a 13 panel if kratom and K2 are concerns. See our sober living guide.
- Treatment centers: an 18 or 20 panel cup at intake, then a smaller panel for monitoring. See our treatment center guide.
- Suboxone and methadone clinics: choose a cup with both BUP and MTD, such as the 12 panel. See our MAT clinic guide.
Newer substances standard panels miss
Older 5 and 10 panel tests were designed decades ago. Kratom (KRA), K2 / Spice, gabapentin (GAB) and alcohol (EtG) are now common in treatment and recovery settings, and they only show up if your cup includes them. If you already have cups you like, you can add any one of these with a single-drug test strip.
Ordering for a house, program or company?
Volume pricing starts at 25 units and gets better at 50, 75 and 100. For standing orders or 500+ units, call (866) 407-2832 or email sales@drugtestsdirect.com for a quote.
Request a Bulk QuoteFrequently asked questions
What is the most common drug test panel?
The 10 and 12 panel tests are the most common. The 12 panel adds substances such as MDMA and buprenorphine (BUP) to the standard 10 panel screen.
Does a 12 panel drug test detect alcohol?
Some do. Our standard 12 panel cup includes EtG, which detects recent alcohol use. The 12 panel CLIA waived cups do not include EtG.
Does a standard drug test detect kratom?
No. Kratom needs its own test. Our 13, 14, 16, 18 and 20 panel cups include KRA, and we also sell single kratom strips.
What does OPI300 mean?
The number after a code is the cutoff level in ng/mL. OPI300 means that panel reads positive at 300 ng/mL or above.
Instant urine tests give preliminary results. Confirm any preliminary positive with a laboratory test (such as GC/MS) before taking action. Always follow the package insert.