Drug testing is a common practice in many industries, particularly those involving transportation, healthcare, and government services. The result of a failed drug test can be devastating for an employee, leading to job loss, damage to reputation, and legal consequences. So, what to do if you fail drug testing?

Understand the Reason for the Failure

First and foremost, it is essential to understand the reason for the failed drug test. Typically, drug tests are conducted to detect the presence of illegal drugs or prescription medications that can impair judgment or performance. However, some drugs may show up in the test even if you have a valid prescription. Communicate with the testing facility or your employer to understand the exact reason for the failure.

Know Your Rights

As an employee, you have certain rights, and it is necessary to know them in case of a failed drug test. Your rights may vary depending on the state you live in, the nature of your job, and your employer's policies. Contact an employment lawyer or talk to a union representative to understand your rights thoroughly.

Seek Professional Help

If you have an addiction problem, drug testing failure may be a wake-up call for you. Seek professional help from a substance abuse counselor, who can guide you through the process of recovery and rehabilitation. If you are unable to afford therapy, look for community-based programs or support groups that offer free or low-cost services.

Appeal the Results

How long does a drug test result take? Drug tests are not always accurate, and there could be errors or false positives. Request a retest of the sample or get a second opinion from another testing facility. You may also ask for the test results to be reviewed by a third party, such as a medical review officer or an independent laboratory.

Take Responsibility

Taking responsibility for your actions can go a long way in mitigating the consequences of a failed drug test. Acknowledge the mistake and accept the consequences that follow. Be honest and truthful with your employer and take steps to prevent future failures.

The timeline for drug test results can vary depending on several factors. It may include the type of test performed, the laboratory used, the method of delivery used to send the sample, and the specific drug being tested for.

Urine drug tests are the most common type of drug screening. They are often used by employers and may be performed at a company testing site or sent to a laboratory. The process of analyzing a urine sample typically takes anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to deliver results.

For federal drug tests, the process is more rigorous and can involve additional testing to determine the presence of different drugs. The turnaround time for these tests can vary, but results can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days.

Hair follicle testing is another type of drug test that is rising in popularity. Hair testing is often used when an employer wants to test for long-term drug use. This type of test can typically detect drug use up to 90 days after the last usage. Hair test results may take up to a week to receive.

Blood tests are the most expensive and least common type of drug test. They are usually reserved for medical or legal purposes. Blood test results typically take a few days to a week to arrive.

The method of delivery used to send the sample for testing can also affect how long test results take. Sending a sample through the postal service can take a few days, while hand delivery may allow for same-day results.

In conclusion, failing a drug test can be a difficult experience, but it's not the end of the road. Understanding the reasons for the failure, knowing your rights, seeking professional help, appealing the results, and taking responsibility can help you navigate through this situation. Most importantly, learn from the experience and use it as a motivation to make positive changes in your life.