What is a drug test?

A drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen including urine, hair, breath, sweat and oral fluid/saliva. The laboratory would then analyze the specimen to determine the presence or absence of specific parent drugs and their metabolites. Each specimen type provides different advantages and disadvantages when it comes to the collection, lab analysis, and interpretation of the results.

Urine drug testing is by far the most common, cost-effective, customizable and almost immediately detectable in the urine sample. There are numerous factors that can influence how long the drug remains in your system. The average time drugs remain present in a urine sample is approximately 1-4 days which depends on the specific drug taken, potency of the drug, metabolism, and any specific medical conditions. As mentioned earlier, urine is the most commonly utilized drug testing method, but it is not 100% foolproof and by using a lab that provides specimen validity testing and specific integrity variables such as pH, Creatinine and specific gravity along with testing for adulterants will provide a more thorough accurate result. The average turnaround time for negative urine drug testing results is approximately 24-48 hours for negative results (from when the specimen arrives at the lab). Furthermore, any non-negative results during the first initial screen will undergo confirmation testing using GC/MS methodology and results may take an additional 24-72 hours.

Hair Drug Testing

When selecting a Hair drug test, this method provides up to a 90-day window for detection of drug use prior to the test date and a convenient observed collection process that can be performed almost anywhere. The hair collection process requires the collector to obtain an approximately 100-milligram sample of hair (90 to 120 strands) cut closest to the scalp. Once the sample arrives at the lab, the initial screening tests are performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with confirmation of presumptive positive screens by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS-MS) or liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Results for specimens that screen negative for all drugs are generally available within 48 to 72 hours after specimens are received at the laboratory. Results for confirmation testing of presumptive positive screens are usually available within an additional 72 hours from the initial screening process.

Test Results Request

If you have recently taken a test with us and would like an additional copy or to check the status of your results, please complete the following form below. Once we have received your request, your duplicate copy of your results or results status will be provided within 1-2 business days.