Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stop eating and drinking before my employment drug test?
Yes. Beverages, food, mouthwash, and over-the-counter medication can all affect the results of an oral fluid drug test. Patients should refrain from consuming food or drinks for 10 minutes before specimen collection.
How long will it take to get the results of my employment drug test?
Employment drug testing yields results fairly quickly. An employer may even request to have a rapid test done to provide results on the same day. Negative results can be received as soon as within 24 hours, while positive results may require further testing that takes up to one week. A negative drug test will result in a medical review officer (MRO) reporting the results directly to the employer. A positive drug test will result in an MRO contacting the employee for further questioning.
What happens if I test positive for marijuana now that it is legal in the state of California?
The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Since its legalization, many employers have been reconsidering whether they want to test for the drug at all. It is important to remember, however, that marijuana is still considered a Schedule I substance under federal law.
What happens if I get a false positive on my employment drug test?
A variety of non-illicit drugs can bring about false positives on drug tests. These include, but are not limited to, antihistamines, antidepressants, antibiotics, analgesics, antipsychotics, decongestants, and certain over-the-counter drugs. An incorrectly administered drug test can also result in a false positive. If you believe this has happened to you, contact your employer immediately. They may have a medical officer or other designated professional to remedy the problem. You may be subject to further testing to confirm your assertions.
What happens if I get an inconclusive employment result on my drug test?
Several factors can bring about an inconclusive drug test. Sometimes, it may be as simple as high water intake. In any case, if your drug test comes back inconclusive, your employer will likely subject you to a second test, which they will instruct you to limit water intake for.