The Substance Abuse Panel 5-50 (SAP 5-50) is a commonly used urine drug test that detects the presence of five major drug classes. This test is frequently required for pre-employment screenings, workplace safety programs, and in legal or probationary contexts. Here’s what you need to know:

What does SAP 5-50 mean?

• SAP: Substance Abuse Panel
• 5: The number of drug classes tested for
• 50: The cutoff level for marijuana metabolites (measured in ng/mL)

The 5 Drug Classes Tested:

1. Amphetamines: Includes stimulants like amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (Ecstasy).
2. Cocaine Metabolites: Detects the presence of cocaine.
3. Marijuana Metabolites (THC): Tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana.
4. Opiates: Screens for opioids like codeine, morphine, heroin, and some prescription painkillers.
5. Phencyclidine (PCP): Detects the presence of this powerful hallucinogen.

How the SAP 5-50 Works

1. Sample Collection: A urine sample is collected under specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and prevent tampering.
2. Initial Screening: The sample undergoes an initial screening using an immunoassay technique (usually EMIT). If positive results are detected, the next step is confirmation testing.
3. Confirmation Testing: Positive results from the initial screen are confirmed using more precise methods, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), which eliminates false positives.

Important Considerations

• Cutoff Levels: The “50” in SAP 5-50 refers to the cutoff level of 50 ng/mL for marijuana metabolites. Different cutoff levels might be used for other drugs.
• Detection Times: Detection times vary per drug and factor in factors like usage level and individual metabolism. If you’re subject to testing, it’s essential to acknowledge these windows.
• Adulteration Tests: SAP 5-50 tests usually include checks for sample adulteration attempts (e.g., dilution, adding chemicals).
• Medical Review Officer (MRO): A Medical Review Officer reviews positive results to determine if there are legitimate medical explanations for the presence of certain substances.

Reasons for Using the SAP 5-50

• Safety-Sensitive Positions: Employers in transportation, construction, or those operating heavy machinery often use the SAP 5-50 to ensure a drug-free workplace.
• Compliance: Industries subject to federal or state drug-testing regulations may utilize this panel.
• Legal or Probationary Situations: The SAP 5-50 may be part of court-ordered or probation monitoring programs.