How Long Do Drug Test Results Take? Explained

What Determines Drug Test Turnaround Time?

The time it takes to receive drug test results can vary based on several factors, including:

• The type of sample collected (urine, saliva, blood, or hair)
• Where the test is conducted (on-site, at a lab, or with an at-home kit)
• Whether the initial result is negative or requires further confirmation
• The type of drug panel used (such as a 5-panel or 10-panel test)

Drug test panels indicate how many substances are screened.
A standard 5-panel test is the most commonly used and typically checks for:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Expanded tests, like a 10-panel, may also include:

• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Methadone
• Propoxyphene
• And additional substances

Generally, tests that are more complex or processed in a laboratory take longer than rapid screening tests. Let’s take a closer look at each testing method.

Urine Drug Test Results Time

Urine drug testing is the most widely used method across the globe, commonly employed for pre-employment checks, workplace policies, and legal or medical assessments.

How long does it take to get urine drug test results?

• Instant/point-of-care tests: Results available within minutes
• Lab-based tests: Typically processed in 1 to 3 business days

The turnaround time depends on whether the test is conducted on-site or sent to a laboratory. Urine testing remains a preferred option due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and dependable results.

Saliva Drug Test Results Time

Saliva drug tests, also called mouth swab tests, are quick, non-invasive, and frequently used in roadside stops, random drug screenings, and certain workplace environments.

How long does it take to get results from a saliva drug test?

• On-site/rapid tests: Results available in 5 to 10 minutes
• Lab-based confirmation: Typically returned within 1 to 2 business days

Saliva tests can detect drugs within minutes after use and generally up to 48 hours, depending on the substance. Due to this short detection window, they are ideal for identifying recent drug use.

Blood Drug Test Results Time

Blood drug tests are among the most accurate methods for detecting substances in the body at a specific moment. They are typically used in emergencies, legal investigations, or clinical evaluations.

How long do blood drug test results take?

• Lab processing time: Usually between 24 to 72 hours

Since blood samples must be analyzed in a certified laboratory, the turnaround time is longer compared to other testing methods. However, blood tests provide a highly accurate snapshot of current intoxication or recent drug use, generally within a few hours to 2 days after consumption.

Hair Follicle Drug Test Results

Hair follicle drug tests offer the longest detection window, capable of identifying drug use over the past 90 days. This makes them particularly useful for legal cases and employment screenings.

How long does it take to get hair follicle drug test results?

• Lab processing time: Typically 3 to 5 business days

Because the procedure requires detailed preparation and analysis of the hair sample, results take longer compared to urine or saliva tests. However, the extended detection period provides a comprehensive view of long-term substance use.

At-Home Drug Test Results

At-home drug tests are gaining popularity for their privacy, ease of use, and convenience. They typically involve test strips or panels that screen for commonly used substances.

How long do at-home drug test results take?

• Instant results: Available in 5 to 10 minutes
• Mail-in tests (for lab confirmation): Results in 3 to 5 days, depending on shipping and lab processing times

While at-home tests are useful for initial screening or peace of mind, any positive result should be confirmed through a certified laboratory for accuracy.

Sweat Patch Drug Test Results Time

Sweat patch drug testing is a less common but highly effective method, often used in long-term monitoring situations such as probation or child custody cases. A patch is applied to the skin—typically on the upper arm—and worn for 7 to 14 days, continuously absorbing sweat to detect drug metabolites.

How long does it take to get sweat patch test results?

• Lab results: Generally available 1 to 3 business days after the patch is removed and submitted for analysis

Because the patch collects data over an extended period, it offers a comprehensive view of ongoing drug use, rather than just capturing recent consumption like most other tests.

What Happens If a Result Is Positive?

If your drug test comes back positive, especially from a lab-based test, the sample is typically retested using a more precise method, such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), to ensure accuracy. This confirmation step can add an extra day or two to the overall processing time.

False positives are also possible, often caused by cross-reactivity with certain medications or foods. To ensure reliable results, many labs involve a Medical Review Officer (MRO) who may contact you to review any prescriptions before the result is finalized.

Drug Detection Time by Test Type

Each type of drug test has a different detection window. Here’s a general overview:

• Urine tests: Detect most drugs for 1 to 4 days
• Saliva tests: Identify substances used within the past 48 hours
• Blood tests: Typically detect drugs for only a few hours up to 2 days
• Hair tests: Can reveal drug use going back as far as 90 days

Keep in mind that certain substances, like marijuana, may stay in the body much longer, especially with frequent or long-term use.

Detection Time vs. Result Time

It’s important to distinguish between detection time and result time when it comes to drug testing.

• Detection time refers to how long a drug remains detectable in your body after use. This varies based on the substance, how often it’s used, and the type of test performed.
• Result time is how long it takes to receive your test results after the sample has been collected and analyzed.

For instance, a drug might stay in your system for up to three days, but the test results could be available within hours or may take a few days, depending on the testing method used.

What Can Affect Drug Test Results Time?

Several factors can affect how quickly you receive your drug test results:

• Test complexity: Screening for more substances can extend processing time
• Shipping delays: Especially relevant for lab-based or at-home test kits
• Lab workload: High testing volumes can slow turnaround times
• Retesting or confirmation: Positive results often require additional analysis

Even when employers or agencies request rush processing, results—particularly for hair follicle tests or comprehensive panels—can still take up to 72 hours or more.

Drug Test Durations & Next Steps

Knowing how long drug test results take can help ease uncertainty and allow you to plan ahead. While rapid tests provide results in just minutes, lab-based testing may take a few days, depending on the type of sample and testing method used.

Positive results often go through a confirmation process, which may delay the final outcome—but it’s an important step to ensure accuracy. Turnaround time can also vary based on the substance being tested, the test panel used, and the lab’s workload.

If you’re feeling anxious about a result or facing challenges with substance use, professional support is available. At Arizona IOP, we specialize in confidential assessments and personalized outpatient programs—providing flexible, evidence-based care to support your recovery journey while maintaining your daily responsibilities.