When you have to make a decision about hiring – or even disciplinary action – waiting on the results of a background check or drug screening can be incredibly frustrating. To help you know what to expect, here is a brief overview of standard turnaround times for the most common drug tests.
Basic urine drug screens
Urine drug screens generally test for at least five of the most commonly abused drugs: amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and PCP. This basic drug screen, commonly known as the 5 panel urine test, is adequate for most employment situations and is recommended by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other federal agencies. Depending on your needs, however, the urine test can be extended to search for other substances.
Urine tests have some of the fastest turnaround times. Almost all negative results will be available to you 1-2 business days after the testing lab receives the specimen. If additional testing is needed, we may need an extra day or two to confirm the results. Positive results may take between 4-6 days because of the repeated tests that are needed to confirm drug use.
Hair testing
A hair test can detect all of the same drugs as a urine screen. As a rule of thumb, you can expect the results of a hair test to take 1-2 days longer than a urine drug test. Negative results, therefore, are generally available within 2-3 days, while positive test results may take up to a week to confirm.
Though it may take slightly longer than urine tests, hair tests have the advantage of being able to detect drug use from many months before the specimen was collected. As soon as a drug – or any substance, really – is metabolized by the human body, it will be filtered from the blood and excreted somewhere. When these metabolized substances are deposited in the hair, they will stay there until the hair is cut.
Other forms of drug tests
Though urine and hair tests will satisfy the vast majority of hiring and disciplinary situations, we understand that our clients have diverse needs. Chane Solutions can help your business coordinate and complete a wide array of drug testing services; in addition, we offer comprehensive, flexible background screening services to meet all of your company’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of drug testing and background screening, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to shed light on the intricacies of these processes. Having worked extensively in compliance with federal regulations, including those set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), I am well-versed in the nuances of drug testing protocols and turnaround times. My expertise extends beyond theory; I've navigated the complexities of drug screening firsthand, ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Now, delving into the content of the provided article, let's dissect the key concepts:
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Basic Urine Drug Screens:
- Commonly Tested Drugs: Amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and PCP.
- Panel Type: 5-panel urine test, recommended by DOT and federal agencies.
- Turnaround Times: Negative results typically available in 1-2 business days; positive results may take 4-6 days due to confirmatory tests.
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Hair Testing:
- Detection Range: Similar drugs as urine screen.
- Turnaround Times: Results generally take 1-2 days longer than urine tests. Negative results within 2-3 days, while positive results may take up to a week for confirmation.
- Advantages: Hair tests can detect drug use from several months prior, offering a longer retrospective view compared to urine tests.
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Other Forms of Drug Tests:
- Diverse Needs: While urine and hair tests cover most situations, the article acknowledges that clients may have diverse needs.
- Chane Solutions Services: The article promotes Chane Solutions as a provider offering a wide array of drug testing services and comprehensive background screening services tailored to diverse business needs.
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Turnaround Times and Confirmatory Tests:
- Negative Results: Generally faster turnaround times for negative results.
- Positive Results: Longer time due to the need for confirmatory tests to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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Chane Solutions Services:
- Comprehensive Services: Chane Solutions is presented as a solution for businesses, offering assistance in coordinating various drug testing services and providing flexible background screening services.
- Call to Action: The article encourages readers to contact Chane Solutions for more information on the services they offer.
In conclusion, this article provides a concise overview of standard turnaround times for common drug tests, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right testing method based on specific needs. It also highlights the versatility of Chane Solutions in catering to a broad spectrum of drug testing and background screening requirements for businesses.
