How Long Does It Take to Get Drug Test Results?

Overview

Drug testing is often a necessary step in many employment, education, and medical situations. It’s important to know how long it takes to get drug test results so you can plan accordingly. This article will explain the typical drug test process, including the different types of drug tests and how long it takes to get results.

Types of Drug Tests

The type of drug test used will affect how long it takes to get results. The three most common drug tests are urine, saliva, and hair. Urine tests are the most common and generally the least expensive. Saliva tests are becoming increasingly popular, as they are easy to administer and results can be obtained within minutes. Hair drug tests are also becoming more common, as they are the most accurate and can detect drug use for up to 90 days.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most common type of drug test and the most cost-effective. Results from a urine test can typically be obtained within 24 to 72 hours. This is because the samples must be collected and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Urine tests are typically used to detect recent drug use and are the most accurate for this purpose.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are becoming increasingly popular, as they can be administered quickly and results can be obtained within minutes. Saliva tests are typically used to detect recent drug use and are the most accurate for this purpose. However, because the detection window is shorter than with urine tests, results from a saliva test may not be as reliable.

Hair Tests

Hair tests are becoming more common, as they are the most accurate and can detect drug use for up to 90 days. Hair tests are generally more expensive and take longer to get results. Results from a hair test can typically be obtained within 7 to 10 days. This is because the samples must be collected and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Conclusion

Knowing how long it takes to get drug test results can help you plan accordingly. Urine tests are the most common and typically take 24 to 72 hours to get results. Saliva tests are becoming increasingly popular, as they are easy to administer and results can be obtained within minutes. Hair tests are the most accurate and can detect drug use for up to 90 days, but results can take up to 10 days.