PharmCheck Extended Panel Sweat Patch Drug Test

Expanded Drug Detection with the PharmChek® Extended Panel Sweat Patch

The PharmChek® Extended Panel Sweat Patch Drug Test provides continuous drug monitoring while expanding detection to include several opioids and other drugs not included in the standard PharmChek panel.

Designed for drug courts, probation and parole programs, court-ordered treatment, diversion programs, re-entry programs and other compliance monitoring applications, the PharmChek Sweat Patch collects a specimen continuously while it is worn. Rather than relying on a single collection event, the patch provides ongoing sweat collection throughout a typical 7–10 day wear period.

The Extended Panel is an especially useful option for programs that need to monitor for fentanyl, oxycodone, oxymorphone, methadone, buprenorphine and benzodiazepines in addition to commonly tested drugs of abuse.

What Does the PharmChek Extended Panel Sweat Patch Test For?

The PharmChek Extended Panel provides broad drug detection that includes:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opiates, including morphine and codeine
• Heroin metabolite (6-AM)
• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine
• PCP (phencyclidine)
• Hydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Fentanyl
• Norfentanyl
• Benzodiazepines
• Methadone
• Buprenorphine
• Norbuprenorphine

This expanded testing profile makes the patch particularly valuable when a monitoring program requires greater visibility into opioid use, medications used in opioid-use-disorder treatment, benzodiazepines and other commonly monitored drugs.

Expanded Detection for Opioids and Other Drugs of Abuse

The primary advantage of the Extended Panel is its broader testing scope.

While the standard PharmChek panel detects commonly abused drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, PCP and several opiates, the Extended Panel adds detection for substances including oxycodone, oxymorphone, benzodiazepines, methadone and buprenorphine. Fentanyl and norfentanyl are also included in the Extended Panel.

This broader panel can help probation officers, treatment professionals, courts and other monitoring programs obtain a more comprehensive picture of potential drug use during the monitoring period.

Continuous Drug Monitoring for 7–10 Days

Unlike a drug test that collects a specimen at one point in time, the PharmChek Sweat Patch continuously collects sweat while attached to the participant’s skin.

The patch is typically worn for 7–10 days, providing continuous specimen collection throughout the wear period. Drugs and drug metabolites excreted through sweat are retained by the absorbent collection pad and later analyzed by the laboratory.

This extended collection period reduces the need for frequent specimen collections and can make it more difficult for a participant to time drug use around a scheduled drug test.

The patch is water-resistant and designed to remain attached during normal activities such as showering and exercise. A sweat patch overlay is available for subject’s who perform strenuous labor or live in hot, humid climates or who exercise heavily.

Standard vs. Extended Panel PharmCheck Sweat Patch

Need broader drug detection? Choose the Extended Panel when your monitoring program requires testing beyond the drugs included in the standard PharmChek panel.

How the PharmChek Sweat Patch Works

The PharmChek Sweat Patch uses an absorbent collection pad held against the skin by a protective adhesive film.

As the participant wears the patch, drugs and drug metabolites excreted through sweat are captured and retained by the collection pad. At the end of the monitoring period, the patch is removed, properly packaged and sent to the designated laboratory for analysis.

Because the patch remains on the participant throughout the monitoring period, it also eliminates many of the collection challenges associated with obtaining individual urine specimens.

Laboratory Screening and LC-MS/MS Confirmation

PharmChek Sweat Patches are sent to an approved laboratory for analysis. The manufacturer specifies that patches are screened using immunoassay, with presumptive positive results confirmed using LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry).

Laboratory analysis provides objective test results while the extended wear period provides programs with continuous specimen collection rather than a single testing event.

Designed for Courts, Probation and Treatment Programs

The PharmChek Extended Panel Sweat Patch is well suited for programs that need longer-term drug monitoring and broader opioid detection, including:

• Probation and parole
• Drug and accountability courts
• Court-ordered treatment programs
• Drug diversion programs
• Electronic monitoring programs
• Re-entry and recovery programs
• Substance abuse treatment and monitoring programs

The noninvasive collection process can also reduce the logistical challenges associated with repeated observed urine collections.

PharmChek Sweat Patch Training Videos

Sweat Patch Overview

Sweat Patch Application

Sweat Patch Removal

Certification Exam

The Sweat Patch certification exam is available for AlcoPro customers only. You will need a password to take this exam and can request your password through the instant chat feature, email [email protected] or by calling us. Upon verifying your customer account, you will receive an email with your password. Before taking the exam, please review all of the training videos.

Sweat Patch Certification Exam