The Updated PharmChek® Panel: What It Means and How It Helps Drug Courts

As of November 13, 2023, the PharmChek® Drugs of Abuse Sweat Patch has updates to its standard and expanded panels to include several new drugs. We’ve added 12 new analytes across three new drugs: Benzodiazepines, Methadone, and Buprenorphine. We’re bringing even better drug testing to our already strong 30-plus years of industry-leading expertise.

What’s New for the Standard Panel?

Our standard panel already detects the most common drugs of abuse, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. With the addition of two new substances, we’re providing even more to our customers with every patch.

Added Opioids

Both hydromorphone and hydrocodone join our standard panel. These powerful opioid pain relievers are common drugs of abuse today, and many drug courts will benefit from these added substances.

What’s New for the Expanded Panel?

Our expanded panel now includes many of the most dangerous substances fueling today’s opioid crisis. With the addition of several prescription drugs to our expanded panel, we’re offering an even better snapshot into your client’s use of anti-anxiety drugs and opioids used to treat opioid-use disorder.

Benzodiazepines

Drugs like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are commonly abused, and many programs require their detection for drug testing. Our updated expanded panel includes nine different benzodiazepines and metabolites, bringing PharmChek® to new markets and enhancing the outcomes of our current customers.

Buprenorphine

With its use as both a pain reliever and aid in opioid addiction treatment, buprenorphine is an important addition to the expanded panel. For treatment programs, the detection of this substance can help case managers provide accurate adjustments to recovery plans.

Methadone

This opioid is commonly used to treat heroin addiction, and its long-term use requires careful monitoring to prevent abuse or relapse. PharmChek® now helps drug courts keep track of clients who depend on methadone to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Why Add the Additional Detection?

PharmChek® has always been committed to exceptional detection and confirmation since its inception. These additions to our drug panels continue this mission, addressing some of the most pressing concerns we’ve encountered during our 35-year history of helping our customers achieve better outcomes and stronger support for their clients.

Meeting Your Needs

We’ve been listening to what your programs need to be successful, and we’re meeting those needs with these new panels.

Better Support for Medically-Assisted Treatment Plans

Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Benzodiazepines like oxazepam play a critical role in many addiction recovery programs. Our updated panel can now help ensure that your clients are maintaining their recovery efforts, including sobriety maintenance needs.

Stronger Tool Against Opioid and Prescription Abuse

With the automatic detection of several prescription opioids and benzodiazepines, PharmChek® is helping drug courts combat the growing threat of the opioid crisis and the increasing use of prescription anti-anxiety medications, especially in teens, making PharmChek® an even better tool for detection and support.

Greater Value for Our Customers

PharmChem, Inc. believes that added detection should not come at the expense of quality and accuracy. As our lab technology advances, we have expanded our panels to serve our customers better. These updates still include the industry-leading support and service you expect from the PharmChek® Sweat Patch.

What About Fentanyl Detection?

PharmChek® has offered fentanyl detection since early 2022. You can add fentanyl and norfentanyl to any standard panel, or you can include fentanyl detection, along with all the newly added drugs on our expanded panel.

How Do I Get the Additional Detection for My Program?

Every standard and expanded panel will include the updated drug detection results automatically—no additional action is required. You’ll see the updated panels in your lab reports starting November 13, 2023.

If you have any questions or want to know more about our updated panels, contact your PharmChem sales rep today. We’re excited to bring you an even better drug testing experience with our updates!