How do You Know If You Passed a Pre-Employment Drug Test?

Knowing if you passed a pre employment drug test usually involves waiting for communication from the company or the testing facility. Here are some common ways to know if you passed:

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1.) Employer Notification:

Positive Result: If you test positive, you will typically be informed by the employer. They may provide details about the specific substances detected and offer a chance to explain or contest the report, especially if you are taking prescription medications. Knowing this information is crucial to understanding the implications of your test outcome.

Negative Result: If you pass and test negative, the company might notify you and proceed with the next steps, such as extending a formal job offer or scheduling an orientation. Knowing that you have passed will help you move forward with the employment process confidently.

2.) Testing Facility:

Direct Access: Some testing facilities offer portals where you can check your test status and results to know if you passed. You might receive login details via email or phone after the test. By accessing these portals, you can know immediately if you have passed.

Notification: The facility might send an email or make a phone call to inform you directly if you passed. They might also send the results to the employer first, who will then notify you. Knowing the timeline for these notifications helps you stay informed about your status.

3.) No News is Good News:

Standard Practice: Often, employers operate on the principle that no news means there are no issues. If the employer doesn’t contact you within a specified time frame (usually a few days to a week), it often means you’ve passed the test. Knowing this can help ease your anxiety during the waiting period.

Exceptions: Some employers will still notify you of negative results to confirm you passed, but this is not always the case. It’s good practice to ask during your interview or testing process what the communication protocol will be. Knowing this protocol ensures you understand when and how you will know if you have passed.

4.) Follow-Up:

Timing: If you haven’t heard back within the expected time frame (commonly 3-7 business days), it’s appropriate to follow up. Reach out to the HR department or the contact person provided during your hiring process to know if you passed. Following up shows your initiative and interest in knowing whether you passed the test.

Inquiry: When following up, politely inquire about the status of your pre employment drug test results and whether there are any additional steps you need to complete. This shows initiative and continued interest in the position and helps you know if you passed. Knowing the status will help you plan your next steps.

5.) Legal Rights:

Requesting Results: In many regions, you have the right to request a copy of your pre employment drug test results to know if you passed. This can usually be done through the testing facility or the employer. Knowing your rights ensures you can access the information you need.

Privacy: The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the U.S. mandates that you must be notified if an adverse action (like not being hired) is taken based on your pre employment drug test results. You can then request a copy of the report and challenge any inaccuracies. Knowing this law helps you protect your rights and understand the process if you didn’t pass.

Medical Review Officer (MRO): In cases of positive results, an MRO may contact you to discuss any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications that could have affected the results before reporting them to the employer. Knowing this can provide an opportunity to explain any discrepancies and understand if you truly passed or not.

Last Words

To know if you passed a pre employment drug test, it’s beneficial to ask about the specifics when you’re informed about the drug test requirement. Each firm and testing facility may have slightly different processes.

This proactive approach helps you understand what to expect and when to expect report, ensuring you are fully aware of the procedures involved. Knowing these details can significantly reduce any uncertainty and help you stay prepared.