How Long Does It Take To Get Drug Test Results?
Table of Contents
- How Long Does It Take To Get Drug Test Results?
- What Does the Drug Testing Process Look Like?
- Positive vs Negative Drug Test Results
- How Long Do Urine Drug Test Results Take?
- How Long Do Saliva Drug Test Results Take?
- How Long Do Blood Drug Test Results Take?
- How Long Do Hair Drug Test Results Take?
- The Next Steps After Getting a Positive Result
- Find Addiction Treatment Help and Resources Here!
- FAQs for When Should I Know the Results of a Drug Test
Drug testing services have become a common part of many settings, including pre-employment screenings, court systems, treatment programs, and other areas. However, drug testing results can have serious implications for those involved.
As such, it’s important to know how long it takes to get drug test results back so you can prepare accordingly. The timeline for getting drug test results back can vary widely depending on the type of drug test and the testing facility used.
Most labs are able to provide results within 24 to 72 hours, although some may take longer. Employers may also use an on-site drug testing device so that they can receive results in as little as five minutes. Of course, there are many factors than can change this timeline.
Keep reading to learn more about the drug testing process and to find the answer to: took drug test friday when should I know the results? No matter the result of your test, if you are struggling with substance abuse, the Rehabs Of Armerica team can help you find recovery resources to get your life back on track today!
What Does the Drug Testing Process Look Like?
In most cases, drug testing involves collecting a sample of a person’s urine, saliva, or blood. This specimen is then tested in a laboratory to determine the presence of any drugs or metabolites, which are substances produced by the body after drugs have been ingested. The results of the test are then used to make a decision about the person being tested.
The drug testing process can vary depending on the type of drug test being administered. For instance, urine testing may collect a sample of urine, which is then tested for the presence of drugs or metabolites. With random drug testing, a urine test is more likely to be used.
A saliva drug test may involve swabbing the inside of the person’s mouth and testing the sample for drugs or their metabolites. Blood tests, on the other hand, involve collecting a sample of the person’s blood and testing it for drugs or metabolites.
No matter which type of drug test is used, the process is typically confidential and both negative and positive results are kept private. In most cases, the results of the drug test are shared only with the person being tested and the employer.
In addition to the drug testing process, many employers may also require potential employees to sign a drug testing consent form. This form states that the person being tested is aware of the drug testing process and agrees to the procedure.
Pre-employment drug tests have become an important part of the job application process, and it’s important to know what the process looks like and what rights you have as an employee.
Positive vs Negative Drug Test Results
When a drug test is performed, the results can be either positive or negative. A positive drug test result indicates that the individual has tested positive for a particular drug or multiple drugs. This result means that the individual has been exposed to the drug(s) in question and is likely to have used it.
Depending on the testing panel used, positive tests could indicate the presence of any number of different drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and more. If a positive result is obtained, the individual will likely need to have further testing to confirm the presence of the drug, as well as to determine the amount of the drug in the system.
A medical review officer or official custodian of the test sample is then often involved, and repeat testing is done as rapidly as possible to ensure the results are not interfered with.
A negative drug test result indicates that the individual has tested negative for the drug or drugs in question. This result means that the individual has not been exposed to the drug(s) in question and is unlikely to have used it.
Is a Negative Test the End of the Process?
Depending on the method of drug screening, the negative result could indicate the absence of any number of different drugs. Additional testing may also be required to accurately detect drug use, if any, although this is less likely with a negative test result.
When it comes to drug testing, positive and negative results can both have significant implications for an individual. A positive result can lead to legal, medical, and even personal repercussions, while negative tests can provide peace of mind that the individual is not using drugs.
It is important to understand the potential implications of both positive and negative drug test results in order to make informed decisions on your next steps.
How Long Do Urine Drug Test Results Take?
Urine drug test results can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to come back depending on the kind of test and the laboratory that is processing the sample.
These turnaround times depend on the type of test being conducted, the laboratory that is processing the sample, and the drug being tested for. Standard urine tests can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days to process after the lab receives a sample, depending on the laboratory and the drug being tested for.
Some labs may take longer to report results, while others may provide results within a business day. The type of drug being tested for can also affect how long it takes to get results, as certain drugs may take longer to detect in the urine sample than others.
How Long Do Saliva Drug Test Results Take?
The amount of time it takes to get saliva drug test results back depends on several factors, such as the type of test being used, the amount of time the sample was collected, and the laboratory that is processing the sample. Generally, saliva drug test results can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to be returned.
The type of test being performed will also play a role in how long it takes to get saliva drug test results back. Some tests, such as an instant saliva drug test, will provide results within the same day, sometimes only taking minutes. Other tests, such as a laboratory-based saliva test, can take up to 48 hours to get results back.
The amount of time the sample was collected is also a key factor in determining how long it takes to get saliva drug test results back. If the sample was collected within the last 12 hours, the results will typically be available in 24 hours or less.
How Long Do Blood Drug Test Results Take?
Generally, blood drug test results can take anywhere from one to several days to come back. The exact amount of time it takes to get results depends on a variety of factors, including the type of drug being tested for and the laboratory conducting the test.
For instance, a simple drug screen may take just one day, while a more comprehensive drug screen may take up to several days to get the results. In addition to the type of test being conducted, the time it takes to get results also depends on the laboratory.
Some labs may have quicker turnaround times than others. For example, some labs may be able to get results back within 24 hours, while others may take several days. It’s important to ask your doctor or the lab about the expected turnaround time for blood drug tests.
Finally, the time it takes to get blood drug test results can also be affected by other factors such as the availability of the lab personnel and the sample itself. If the sample is contaminated or improperly handled, it may take longer to get the results. Additionally, if the lab is understaffed or busy, it may take more time to get your results back.
How Long Do Hair Drug Test Results Take?
There are two main types of hair testing: standard tests and extended tests. Standard hair tests are used to detect the presence of drugs over the previous 90 days, while extended tests look for drug use over the previous 12 months.
Standard tests generally take about 3-5 business days to process, while extended tests can take up to 10 days. Another factor that affects the time to get results is the type of lab conducting the test. Some labs are more efficient than others and can provide results more quickly.
Additionally, the number of samples being tested and the type of testing being conducted can affect the time to get results. Finally, the type of drugs being tested for can affect the time to get results.
Some drugs are more difficult to detect than others, so it may take longer for the results to come in. In general, it can take anywhere from 3-10 days to get results from a hair drug test
The Next Steps After Getting a Positive Result
If you’ve recently received a positive drug test result, you may be feeling a range of emotions, from shock and denial to fear and confusion. It’s important to remember that you are not alone and there are steps you can take to address your situation.
The first step is to understand what a positive drug test result means for your future. Depending on the type of drug test, a positive result could indicate that you are using drugs, that you have recently used drugs, or that you are in the process of detoxing from drugs.
It’s important to understand the implications of your result and to know what type of action may be taken by your employer, school, or other organization that administered the test. The next step is to seek help.
If you are struggling with drug use, it’s important to reach out to our recovery representatives at Rehabs Of Armerica. Our compassionate team will provide you with the support, resources, and treatment you need to make positive changes in your life.
Getting professional treatment for your substance abuse can help you stop using for good and get your life back on track. While addiction can be difficult to overcome, you deserve the chance to lead a happier, healthier, and drug-free lifestyle.
Find Addiction Treatment Help and Resources Here!
If you or a loved one has recently received a positive test result on a drug test, dealing with the fallout of this can be difficult. That’s why the Rehabs Of Armerica team is here to help. We work with an extensive network of rehab facilities and recovery resources to help you get clean.
Our hotline is available 24/7 to answer all of your treatment questions and connect you with a rehab facility that can serve all of your care needs. Call now, and we will help you take the first steps on your road to achieving long-term sobriety, today!
FAQs for When Should I Know the Results of a Drug Test
Why Are My Test Results Taking So Long?
The most common type of drug test is a urinalysis, which is used to detect the presence of drugs in the body. This type of test is typically fast, with most results coming back within 24 to 48 hours.
However, some tests take longer, depending on the complexity of the test. For example, a hair follicle test may take up to two weeks for results to come back.
What Factors Affect How Long a Drug Test Takes?
Factors that can affect the turnaround time for drug test results include the number of tests that need to be performed and the type of laboratory used to analyze the samples. Some laboratories are better equipped than others to handle the workload, so they can return results faster.
In addition, the type of drug being tested can also affect the turnaround time. Drugs that are more difficult to detect, such as kratom, can take longer to show up in tests than drugs like cocaine or heroin.
What are the Most Commonly Abused Drugs?
Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the United States, alongside marijuana, prescription medications (particularly opioids), and stimulants.
A standard five-panel test or ten-panel test will look for specific drug classes, as well as other potentially dangerous substances depending on the test brand and provider.
Is it Possible to Get A False Positive On a Drug Test?
A false positive occurs when a drug test incorrectly indicates that a person has drugs or other substances in their system when they do not. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as getting a contaminated sample, incorrectly interpreting test results, or the presence of certain prescription drugs or supplements.
The most common cause of a false positive is the presence of legal medications or supplements. This can occur with a number of over-the-counter and prescription meds, as well as certain dietary supplements.
In some cases, the sample used for certain drug screens can become contaminated. This can happen if the sample is exposed to other substances at the collection site, such as urine from another person. This can lead to false positives for certain drugs.
Finally, incorrect interpretation of test results can also lead to a false positive. This can occur if the laboratory technician incorrectly reads the results or if the test was performed incorrectly.
If you receive a false positive result on a drug test, it is important to speak with your doctor about confirmation testing to make sure you are receiving accurate results.
Nicole R. is an experienced and accomplished writer with special interests in the fields of Anthropology, English, and behavioral health, and has written countless articles for newspaper publications, institutional research journals, and Find Addiction Rehabs.
Her alma matter is Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Nicole hopes to spread awareness of and combat the stigmatization surrounding addiction and substance abuse treatment through her writing and work in the field.