How Long Pre-Employment Drug Test Results Take in Oregon and What Impacts Timing

If you’re in the middle of hiring someone, timing matters. You find a great candidate, have the interview, everything feels right — and then things slow down because you’re waiting on a drug test result. It’s a common part of the process, but that doesn’t mean it has to drag on.

In this article, we’re going to walk through how long pre-employment drug test results take in Oregon and what might cause delays. We’ll also cover the difference between lab tests and rapid options, and how to keep things moving without cutting corners.

Average Time for Drug Test Results in Oregon

In general, here’s what you can expect:

• Rapid drug tests: Results are usually ready within 15 to 30 minutes.
• Lab-based drug tests: Results typically take 1 to 3 business days, depending on the test type and lab volume.

If the test result is clear and negative, it’s often sent back quickly. If something looks off or needs more checking (called confirmation testing), that’s when it can take longer.

What Makes a Drug Test Take Longer?

Even when everyone’s doing their job, a few things can slow things down:

1. Type of Test
   Some testing methods are faster than others. A rapid urine test at the point of collection gives results right away. But a lab test, especially one that screens for more substances or uses hair or oral fluid, can take longer.
2. Positive or Inconclusive Results
   If a result comes back as positive or inconclusive, it has to go through confirmation testing. This means the sample is tested again using more precise methods. That process adds time — usually 1 to 2 more business days.
3. Weekends and Holidays
   Most labs process tests Monday through Friday. So if your test lands on a Friday afternoon or right before a holiday, it may take a little longer to come back.
4. Lab Volume
   Some labs get backed up, especially during busy hiring seasons or when large companies are testing many people at once. If the lab is handling a high number of samples, things can get delayed.
5. Missing Info or Mistakes
   Sometimes the paperwork that comes with a sample is incomplete. If a name is missing or a form isn’t signed, the lab might hold the test until it’s fixed. That can slow everything down by a day or more.

Rapid vs. Lab Testing: Which Should You Use?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Rapid Tests

• Results in 15 to 30 minutes
• Great for quick hiring
• Usually done on-site or at a clinic
• Negative results are easy to clear right away
• Positive results may still need lab confirmation

Lab Tests

• Results in 1 to 3 business days
• Required in some industries (like DOT-regulated jobs)
• More accurate, especially with complex substances
• Better for roles that need detailed reporting

If speed is your top concern and you’re hiring for roles that don’t require federal oversight, a rapid test is probably your best bet. At Butterfield Testing Solutions, we offer both.

Oregon-Specific Notes

In Oregon, employers can test candidates before hiring them, as long as they follow the rules. That includes letting candidates know about the test ahead of time and treating everyone applying for the same job fairly.

While Oregon has legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use, employers still have the right to test for THC. A positive result could still impact a person’s job offer, especially in safety-sensitive jobs or workplaces with a strict drug-free policy.

It’s also worth knowing that Oregon doesn’t require a waiting period for drug test results to be reported. So once the lab or clinic has the answer, it can be shared with the employer right away.

How to Speed Things Up Without Cutting Corners

Waiting on test results is never fun. But there are ways to keep the process smooth:

• Use a reliable provider: Choose a testing service that communicates well and keeps things on schedule.
• Double check forms: Make sure everything’s filled out correctly before the test goes out.
• Schedule early in the week: Avoid Friday or holiday delays by testing on Monday or Tuesday when possible.
• Go mobile: Onsite testing services can reduce delays caused by travel or scheduling gaps.
• Set expectations: Let your candidates know what kind of test they’ll take and when they can expect results.

How Butterfield Testing Solutions Can Help

At Butterfield Testing Solutions, we work with employers across Oregon to make drug testing fast, simple, and accurate. Whether you need lab-based tests or rapid results, we’ve got the tools and people to get it done.

Rapid testing available on-site or in-clinic
We can come to you or handle testing at one of our facilities. Either way, results are fast and the process is simple for both you and your candidates.

Lab partnerships with fast turnaround
We work with trusted labs that prioritize accuracy and speed. This helps us get your results back quicker, even during busy hiring periods.

Clear communication throughout the process
You’ll always know where things stand. We keep you in the loop from start to finish so you’re never left guessing.

Experienced team that gets it right the first time
Our staff is trained to handle every part of the process with care and attention. That means fewer mistakes and smoother testing.

Locations in Sherwood and Bend, plus mobile testing across the state
Whether you’re in town or out in the field, we make testing accessible. Our mobile services reach businesses all over Oregon.

We’ll help you stay on track so your hiring process doesn’t fall behind.

Final Thoughts

Waiting on a drug test shouldn’t stop you from hiring a great person. In Oregon, you’ve got options: from fast on-site tests to thorough lab screenings. Understanding how long each type of test takes (and what might slow it down) helps you plan better and move forward with confidence.

Want to speed up your hiring without losing peace of mind? Butterfield Testing Solutions is here to help.

Contact us here or give us a call to schedule your next test.