How Long Does it Take to Get Drug Test Results?

Specimens that can be used to test for drugs include urine, saliva, and hair. Urine samples are the most common and will contain residue from drug usage that has occurred within the past few days. Saliva is also able to depict recent drug use and since the sample is taken under observation, it is unlikely that the sample has been compromised. If cocaine, meth, opiates or Phencyclidine have been used within the last 90 days, a hair sample will reveal this information.

An individual may be selected for random drug testing as a preventative measure to abstain from drug use. A computer program that contains data on many individuals will automatically generate a person’s name and information. This person is then notified to report for drug testing.

Tests to detect drugs in an individual’s system differ depending on what types of drugs are being examined and who is requesting the test. The 5 panel test looks for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates and Phencyclidine. The 10 panel test inspects for the 5 panel classes of drugs as well as Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methaqualone, Methadone and Propoxyphene. Pre-employment drug screens generally follow the rules set forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). A laboratory approved by SAMHSA will receive the specimen and then conduct the 5 panel test. Next, a Medical Review Officer will analyze these results before making them available to the person or organization requesting the drug test. The Department of Transportation drug testing also follows the SAMHSA guidelines and uses the 5 panel drug test but is a federally regulated program.