A rapid drug screen is a type of drug test that detects whether someone has recently used drugs or alcohol. It is also known as an instant test because the results are available right away, at least negative results. Rapid drug testing first determines if there are any drugs detected. If not, it’s considered a negative result. If there is any drug metabolite detected, it’s considered a non-negative result. Rapid drug tests are often handheld and give results within minutes after taking the test. They are different from other types of drug tests that may have longer wait times for results. The majority of rapid drug tests use saliva rather than urine since this is less invasive and is easier to capture during a brief period.
Common drugs screened by a rapid drug test include amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, and others. Rapid drug tests are fast and can give results in as little as 5 minutes. They are easy to use and often come with instructions, but they don’t require any special training to use. The collection of a sample is simple, and it is easy to collect a sample with the swab included in the test kit.
It is important to note that rapid drug tests can only determine if a test is negative or non-negative, not necessarily positive. To make a positive determination, non-negative tests must be sent to the lab to be analyzed. Labcorp’s certified laboratories provide mass spectrometry confirmation for non-negative rapid test drug screens, and mass spectrometry confirmation results are typically available within 48-72 hours after the specimen is received in the laboratory.
