What Happens After You Receive A Positive or Negative Drug Test Result?
Whether you’ve taken a drug test for employment, legal reasons, or personal peace of mind, receiving the results can bring up many questions. What happens next depends on whether the result is positive or negative, the type of test used, and the purpose of the test (e.g., pre-employment, random screening, probation, etc.).
Here’s what to expect after receiving your drug test result, and how to respond appropriately.
If Your Drug Test Result Is Negative
A negative drug test means no substances were detected at or above the threshold set by federal or state guidelines. This result typically clears the way for employment, compliance, or continued participation in a program.
What happens next:
- Employment: You may move forward in the hiring process or return to work.
- Compliance: You remain in good standing with your employer, probation officer, or treatment program.
- Privacy: In most cases, the results are confidential and only shared with authorized parties.
Note: Some negative results may still trigger follow-up if the test was diluted, substituted, or adulterated, which might suggest tampering.
If Your Drug Test Result Is Positive
A positive result indicates that a drug or substance was detected at or above the cutoff level. But that doesn’t always mean immediate consequences—there are steps in place to verify and confirm the results. 
What Happens After a Positive Result:
- Review by a Medical Review Officer (MRO): Most certified labs forward all non-negative results to a Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO will: Contact the individual to discuss any prescriptions or medical explanations. Then review documentation (e.g., prescriptions for opioids, ADHD meds, etc.). And Finally, decide whether the result should remain “positive” or be overturned to negative based on medical justification.
- Confirmation Testing: If the initial immunoassay test is positive, labs conduct a more accurate GC/MS or LC/MS confirmatory test. This rules out false positives and confirms the specific drug and concentration.
- Employer or Agency Decision: Once the result is final: Employers may follow their drug-free workplace policy, which could involve termination, a second chance agreement, or referral to a treatment or Employee Assistance Program (EAP). For probation or legal cases, the results may be submitted to the court or supervising officer for next steps.
Your Rights and Next Steps
If the Test Is Positive:
- You have the right to request a copy of your results and any documentation the MRO reviewed.
- You can ask for a retest using the original sample (if stored).
- You may appeal, especially if you believe the result was a false positive or you were exposed secondhand.
If the Test Is Negative:
- You may request documentation for your records or employer.
- If part of an ongoing program, continue with your scheduled testing or requirements.
Common Questions
Q: Can I be fired immediately after a positive test?
A: Yes—if your workplace has a zero-tolerance drug policy. However, many employers offer rehabilitation or second chance programs, especially for first-time positives.
Q: What if I take prescription medication?
A: Disclose medications to the MRO only if asked. Never pre-disclose to your employer. If verified, your test may still be reported as negative.
Q: Are at-home drug test results the same?
A: No—only laboratory-confirmed, MRO-reviewed tests are considered valid in legal or employment contexts.
Understanding the drug testing process empowers you to respond confidently—whether your result is positive or negative. At Nationwide Drug Testing Services, we are committed to accuracy, confidentiality, and helping individuals and organizations navigate this process with transparency.
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