How Long Do Drug Test Results Take?

How Long Do Drug Test Results Take?

It depends on the type of test as well as the test results. Negative tests are typically available sooner, while positive results take longer to confirm. Generally, test results will come back within one to seven days. 

What Are Drug Tests?

Also called drug screenings, drug tests are tests administered for the purpose of detecting drugs in a person’s system. Typically, a specimen is taken from a person’s urine, saliva, blood, or hair and then sent to a lab for clinical testing. Drugs commonly tested for include: [1]

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Anabolic steroids
• Benzodiazepines
• Amphetamines
• PCP
• Barbiturates

Types of Drug Tests

When considering how long drug tests take, it’s important to consider that there are several different types of drug tests available. 

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most commonly used drug tests. They typically test for five different drugs:

• Amphetamines
• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• PCP
• Opiates

The standard urine test is often referred to as a 5-panel drug test, but 10-panel urine tests may also be used. These tests for additional substances. [2]

Urine tests have the quickest turnaround times for results. How long do urine tests take? Negative results may be available within just one to two days, while positive results may take between four and six days to confirm. [3]

Blood Tests 

In some cases, blood tests can be performed in order to detect some types of substances. When you have a blood test, a trained health care professional will inject a needle into your arm to draw a sample of blood. While you may feel a small sting, the process is usually quick and relatively painless. 

Blood tests have a very small detection window, so they’re typically only used if the person is suspected of being under the influence at the time of the test. [4] Blood tests are available for the following drugs: 

• THC (marijuana)
• Oxycodone
• Cocaine
• Methadone
• Opioid drugs
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Propoxyphene
• Phencyclidine
• Amphetamines

Hair Tests

Hair follicle tests are often used because they can detect the presence of drugs for up to 90 days. They are often used when the purpose is to test for a history of substance use. Sample collection is painless; a healthcare technician will cut a 100-milligram sample of hair from the scalp and then wrap it in foil to preserve it until the lab test is conducted.

Hair follicle tests may yield positive results within two to three days, while positive results are usually available within a week. [5] Some of the drugs that can be detected via the hair follicle testing method include: [6]

• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy
• Marijuana
• Cocaine and metabolites
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• PCP

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are less common. However, they were recently approved for use in workplace drug-testing programs by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, so they may become more prevalent in the future. 

With a saliva test, a swab is typically used to collect oral fluid from the mouth and then preserved in a buffer solution until the time comes for the specimen to be tested. Negative results from saliva tests are typically available within 36 hours while positive results can take an additional 72 hours to be confirmed. [7]

What Are Drug Tests For?

Drug tests can be used for a variety of different purposes. Employers who desire a drug-free workplace often use drug screens as a prerequisite for employment. This is often referred to as a pre-employment drug test or pre-employment screening. Other reasons for drug testing may include: [8]

• Drug rehabilitation: Your substance use treatment center may use drug tests to monitor your progress or to ensure you’re remaining on your treatment plan. 
• Forensics: Drug testing may be used as part of a criminal investigation or civil court case. 
• Athletics: People who play sports competitively may be subjected to random drug testing to check for steroid use or other performance-enhancing drugs.

What Factors Affect Drug Testing Times?

Even if you know your test is negative, it can be nerve-wracking to wait on the results of a drug test. Many different factors can affect how long you’ll have to wait, including: 

• What type of drug is being tested
• Whether the initial results come back positive or negative
• What type of specimen is being tested (i.e., blood, urine, hair, etc.)
• Lab procedures
• Lab location

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

If you’re worried about failing a drug test, you may be on the road to facing bigger problems in the future. Experimenting with drugs, using them regularly, or taking drugs in high doses can increase your risk of developing a substance use disorder. Signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder include: [9]

• Experiencing strong cravings for a substance
• Using substances in risky or dangerous situations (such as while driving)
• Using drugs even though it’s causing problems in your relationships
• Continuing to use drugs even though it’s worsening a mental or physical health condition
• Needing more of a particular drug to achieve the same effect (i.e., building tolerance)
• Dropping out of other activities to maintain drug use
• Taking drugs in higher doses or for longer periods of time than you intended
• Having difficulty meeting responsibilities due to substance use
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop using drugs or minimize use
• Spending a lot of time acquiring drugs, using drugs, or recovering from their effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from drugs for a period of time

Just two or more symptoms could indicate a mild substance use disorder. The more symptoms you have, the more serious your condition might be. Even mild disorders should be treated as soon as possible since substance use disorders usually get worse over time. 

Professional Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one is concerned about passing a drug test, it may indicate a larger substance use problem. You don’t have to face this problem alone. Highly qualified, compassionate substance use and rehabilitation counselors have the knowledge and experience to help you pave a path forward. They can discuss evidence-based treatment options with you, such as medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient services, and aftercare support. Addiction is a disease that can be treated; don’t give up hope!

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Drug Tests Take