how long does it take for a marijuana test to come back?

Question

i took a marijuana test by urine sample at my doctors office thanks to my mom and was wondering how long it would take to find out when the results would come back

Answer 1

It really all depends on how much they charged your mom. For reliability, they usually divide your urine into 2 (or more containers), verify it's of the right temperature and color and start processing. Most places do a simple chemical strip test on-site or ship it to a lab to do the chemical strip to test for the "NIDA 5" drugs 1) Cannabinoids (marijuana, hashish) 2) Cocaine (cocaine, crack, benzoylecognine) 3) Amphetamines (amphetamines, methamphetamine, speed) 4)Opiates (heroin, opium, codeine, morphine) 5)Phencyclidine (PCP)

This test is the cheapest and tends to be the least reliable. If they detect the presence of a drug on this test (and sometimes if it's borderline) they send it somewhere to do a Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test against one or more of the other samples collected at the same time.

The intial chemical test takes about 20 minutes, assuming they do it on site. The GCMS takes considerably longer and is MUCH more expensive, which is why they wait until they have some sort of flag to justify the expense. This is where the waiting comes in. If the Dr's office sent it out you have to wait for delivery to the facility, then for them to find time to do the simple test, then maybe verify the simple test, then do the GCMS then verify the GCMS, then get the results back to the DR (some places do it via fax or e-mail), then wait for the DR to find time to review the results, contact your mom, and pass the info along.

2 weeks is not unreasonable for the whole process. If you're really anxious, you could call the DR's office and ask. You might want to pretend to be a concerned parent, and ask them how long it takes to get a new test back and use that data as a guide.

Hope that helps,
Odd

Answer 2

The tests can show results immediately if they are performed right there. If they had to send the sample out then maybe a day or two. Man you must be sweating hard huh. Just enjoy your last day of freedom, lol.

Answer 3

It depends on how high the technicians are who are analyzing it. .
Seriously though - if the results are not available that same day it should take no longer than two or three days if they send the sample out.

Answer 4

It can be back in 24 hours if its taken in a doctors office.
RN