Drug testing serves multiple purposes in Michigan. The common practice may be used by employers or law enforcement. Employers often screen prospective, or current employees. Courts may mandate drug screening while a person is on probation, or parole. Additionally, a drug test may be required to reinstate your driver’s license. So, various organizations may require a person to take a 12-panel drug test.

Organizations Requiring a 12-Panel Drug Test

A blank panel drug test with slots for various different types of drugs to detect.Numerous organizations may require employees to undergo drug testing. Generally workplaces that prioritize safety, such as transportation, law enforcement, and healthcare implement these screenings. Other employers may require testing as part of a pre-employment application. Drug testing may include a 12-Panel Test.

Michigan courts may order people sentenced of certain crimes to undergo drug testing. In fact, many folks convicted of driving under the influence may be on probation and sentenced to random drug screenings. In summary, employers, or the courts may mandate drug screening.

The 12-Panel Drug Test

A 12-panel drug test is designed to detect multiple substances in a person’s system. The test is looking for:

  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cocaine
  • Ecstasy
  • Fentanyl
  • Heroin
  • Methadone
  • Opiates
  • Oxycodone
  • PCP
  • Propoxyphene

False Positive Results

Drug tests are usually quite reliable. Occasionally, false positive results occur. Several factors may contribute to inaccurate results; consumption of certain foods, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.

  1. Foods – Certain foods may trigger a positive drug test result. For example, poppy seeds contain trace amounts of opiates and may throw off a drug test. Hemp food products, or seeds may affect a drug test. Also, coca tea may show up as cocaine on a drug screen. As a result, avoid these products before any test.
  2. Over the counter medications – Many people fail to realize that every day over the counter medications may affect a drug test. One medication to avoid is ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or Aleve. Certain cold and allergy medications also interfere with drug test results. Avoid Benadryl which contains diphenhydramine. This medication can be found in various over the counter drugs and shows up as methadone on drug screens. Basically, avoid any cold or allergy medication before drug testing. Also, check to see how long these legal drugs stay in your system.
  3. Prescription medications – Inform the testing facility of any prescription medications you take. In fact, bring the prescription bottle with you to the testing center. Many prescription medications may show up as illegal drugs on a 12-panel drug test. Do not stop taking vital, doctor prescribed medications.

Consequences of Failing a 12-Panel Drug Test

Failing a 12-panel drug test may have dire consequences. Since the test is used by employers and courts each must be considered separately.

  • Failed workplace drug screening- If you are already employed, you may lose your job, or be put on leave. If you feel the drug screening was inaccurate, hire an attorney to protect your rights. The attorney will advise you what the next steps should be. If this was a pre-employment test and you failed the drug screening, you may not get the job. However, hire an attorney for drug charges if you know the test was inaccurate.
  • Failed court ordered drug test- In this case, you definitely need an attorney. Depending on the case, you could be headed to jail, facing a longer probation, or not getting your driver’s license back. Since each case is different, you must consult an experienced criminal attorney.