Category: Occupational health

The 5-panel drug test is the most common form of workplace and federally mandated drug screening in the United States, used widely by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and many private employers. So, **what does a standard 5 panel drug test look for**? It identifies the presence of metabolites from five key drug categories.

According to official sources like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Australian rail authorities, a **Category 2 medical** (or Class 2) is a specialized health assessment with different requirements depending on the industry. It is not a universal medical standard but rather a specific certification for individuals in certain commercial or safety-critical roles, primarily seen in aviation and rail transportation. Understanding the specific context is crucial to know what this certification entails for a particular profession.

An estimated 8 million U.S. healthcare workers are potentially exposed to hazardous drugs annually [1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.5]. This significant risk raises a critical question for workplace safety: **what makes a drug considered hazardous** and necessitates stringent handling protocols?

Militaries in countries including the United States, France, India, and the UK have explored or approved modafinil to manage fatigue during long missions. But what is modafinil in the military? It is a wakefulness-promoting drug, known as a "go-pill," used to keep personnel alert.