Many organizations still use the US DOT (Department of Transportation) 5-panel drug test. It’s familiar and referenced in many policies, but is it enough?

Not anymore.

Limiting your panel to cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP leaves serious gaps. Substances like fentanyl, benzodiazepines (think Valium™), and many over-the-counter drugs (such as Wake-Ups™) are widely used and often go undetected.

In Canadian workplaces, especially where privacy and safety must be balanced, relying on outdated testing can undermine risk-management efforts.

What’s the better approach? Testing policies that reflect today’s realities. That means asking what substances are relevant in your workplace. What are we actually trying to manage?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are smarter, safer ways to support your team and reduce risk. Curious? Book a consultation to find out more.