Drug testing timelines are highly variable and often cause anxiety for individuals awaiting results that impact employment or other opportunities. The time it takes for a drug test to come back depends heavily on the specific test type and the processing methods utilized by the laboratory. Understanding the distinction between the initial analysis and any necessary follow-up procedures is important for setting realistic expectations.
Understanding the Screening and Confirmation Process
Every laboratory-based drug test involves a two-step process: an initial screening followed by a confirmation test if the initial result is not negative. The initial screening uses an immunoassay, a fast, cost-effective method designed to quickly detect the presumptive presence of drug classes. If this initial screen does not detect substances above established cutoff levels, the result is reported as negative, and the process is complete.
If the screening test indicates a presumptive positive result, the sample proceeds to confirmation testing, which requires more time and advanced technology. Confirmation testing typically uses sophisticated methods like Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These techniques are highly specific and accurate, identifying the exact drug compound and its concentration to rule out potential false positives. Negative results are reported quickly after the initial immunoassay, while positive or non-negative results require the longer confirmation step.
Standard Turnaround Times Based on Test Type
The type of biological sample collected significantly impacts the standard processing time required by the laboratory. Turnaround times are calculated from the moment the laboratory receives the sample, not from the time of collection. Negative results consistently process faster than those requiring the extra step of confirmation testing.
Urine Tests
Urine testing is the most common method for pre-employment screening. Instant or point-of-care urine tests deliver results on-site, often within five to ten minutes. For laboratory-based urine tests, a negative result is typically reported within 24 to 72 business hours of the lab receiving the specimen. If the initial screen is presumptive positive and confirmation testing is required, the total turnaround time can extend to three to five business days.
Hair Follicle Tests
Hair follicle testing detects drug use over a longer period, generally up to 90 days, but requires a slower processing time. These tests take longer because the lab must perform a meticulous preparation process to wash and dissolve the hair segment before analysis. The standard turnaround time for hair follicle tests typically ranges from three to ten business days from the time the sample arrives at the lab.
Saliva (Oral Fluid) Tests
Saliva or oral fluid tests are non-invasive and often detect very recent drug use, usually within the last 24 to 48 hours. Processing time for lab-based saliva tests is fast, similar to the initial screening phase of urine tests. Negative results are generally reported within 24 to 48 hours. If a non-negative result requires confirmation, the total time frame may extend slightly, but it is typically reported within one to three business days.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are less common for routine employment screening due to their invasive nature and short detection window, but they are highly accurate for immediate detection. These samples are often prioritized, such as in post-accident testing. Analysis is typically fast, with most results reported within 24 hours to one or two business days, depending on the lab’s processing schedule.
Factors That Significantly Delay Results
Several external and procedural issues can extend the wait beyond standard lab processing times. Errors during the collection process are a frequent source of delay, such as incomplete or incorrect paperwork submitted by the collector. If the wrong form is used or information is missing, the lab must pause processing until the issue is corrected, sometimes requiring a sworn affidavit.
Logistical issues with sample transport also cause delays, particularly if collection occurred outside of normal business hours. A specimen collected on a Friday evening or over the weekend may not be shipped until the next business day. Furthermore, if the collected sample is found to be invalid—such as being too diluted or having an abnormal temperature—the donor may need to be called back for an immediate recollection, which restarts the entire process. High testing volume at the lab, particularly during peak hiring seasons, or issues like equipment maintenance can also create bottlenecks and slow down turnaround time.
The Role of the Medical Review Officer
The Medical Review Officer (MRO) acts as an impartial gatekeeper, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the results before they are reported to the employer. The MRO is a licensed physician who receives confirmed positive, substituted, or adulterated results directly from the laboratory. They review the chain of custody documentation to confirm that no procedural errors occurred during collection or analysis.
If a result is laboratory-confirmed as positive, the MRO must attempt to contact the donor confidentially to discuss the findings. This conversation allows the donor to provide a legitimate medical explanation (LME), such as a valid prescription, for the presence of the substance. The MRO verifies the prescription with the pharmacy or prescribing physician to ensure the dosage is consistent with the levels found. If a valid LME is provided, the MRO reports the final result to the employer as negative. This review process, including attempts to contact the donor and prescription verification, can add an additional two to five business days to the timeline, especially if the MRO has difficulty reaching the individual. If the MRO cannot contact the donor within the required timeframe, the positive result is released to the employer as a “non-contact positive.”
How Results Are Delivered and Who Receives Them
Once laboratory processing and MRO review are complete, the final verified result is delivered to the designated third party who initially requested the test. This party is typically the employer, a hiring manager, or a background check company. Results are commonly transmitted through a secure online portal, allowing the requesting entity to access the final determination quickly.
The candidate usually does not receive the results directly unless they specifically request a copy or if the result is positive and necessitates a confidential conversation with the Medical Review Officer. Secure email or phone calls are also used for communication, especially when the MRO reports a verified positive result to the employer’s designated representative. State laws sometimes mandate that employers notify the applicant or employee of the result within a specific timeframe, particularly if the result is positive.