Waiting for a drug test result can be stressful, especially when your testing portal shows "Pending," "Under Review," or "Processing." These status messages do not necessarily mean that you failed a drug test. In many cases, they simply mean that the testing process has not been completed, or the result still needs to be reviewed.
Drug testing involves several steps, including specimen collection, laboratory analysis, result reporting, and, when required, review by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). For federally regulated testing, MRO review helps ensure that laboratory findings are properly evaluated before a result is reported.
Understanding what these statuses mean can help employees, CDL drivers, and employers avoid unnecessary concern and know what to do next.
What Does "Pending" Mean on a Drug Test?
A pending drug test generally means that the result has not yet been released in the system. The specimen may still be moving through one of several stages:
- The collection process has been completed, but the laboratory has not finished testing.
- The laboratory has completed testing, but the result is awaiting processing.
- An additional review may be required.
- The result may be waiting for MRO verification.
- Administrative information may still need to be completed.
The exact meaning of "pending" can vary depending on the testing provider, laboratory, employer, or online reporting system. Most importantly, "pending" is not the same as "positive." It simply indicates that the final status has not been completed.
What Does "Under Review" Mean?
"Under review" generally indicates that someone or something is evaluating the test information before a result is issued.
For DOT-regulated drug testing, this can involve an MRO. The MRO is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing laboratory results and evaluating whether there is a legitimate medical explanation for certain findings.
The MRO's role is important because a laboratory finding does not automatically mean that an employee has violated drug-testing rules. The MRO reviews the result and relevant information before making the final determination.
Why Would a Drug Test Need Additional Review?
There are several reasons a test may require additional review.
1. The Laboratory Has Not Finished Processing the Specimen
After collection, the specimen is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory must complete its testing procedures and report the appropriate result. Until that process is finished, an online portal may continue to show the test as pending.
2. The Result Requires MRO Review
Some laboratory results require an MRO evaluation before the results can be reported. The MRO may review the laboratory report, testing documentation, and relevant information from the employee. The purpose is to ensure that the final determination is accurate and consistent with applicable testing requirements.
3. The MRO May Need to Contact the Employee
If additional information is needed, the MRO may contact the employee to discuss the results. For example, when a laboratory reports a confirmed positive result in a DOT-regulated program, the employee may have an opportunity to provide information about a legitimate medical explanation. DOT regulations require the MRO to perform the appropriate verification process before reporting a verified positive result.
This is one reason it is important to keep your contact information current.
4. Specimen Validity Issues May Require Evaluation
A drug test does not only produce positive or negative results. Laboratory findings can also involve specimen validity concerns, including invalid, adulterated, or substituted specimens.
SAMHSA explains that these findings do not automatically establish that an employee intentionally tampered with a specimen. The circumstances must be evaluated appropriately. When such an issue occurs, additional review may therefore be necessary.
5. Administrative Information May Need to Be Checked
Drug testing depends on proper documentation and chain-of-custody procedures. For DOT testing, the MRO reviews relevant collection documentation as part of the quality-assurance process and may identify problems that could affect whether a test can be reported or must be cancelled.
An incomplete or problematic process can therefore delay the final status.
Does "Under Review" Mean I Failed My Drug Test?
No.
Seeing "under review" does not by itself mean that you have failed a drug test. A test can require additional review for different reasons, including administrative issues, laboratory findings, specimen validity concerns, or the need for medical verification.
For federally regulated testing, the MRO serves as an independent reviewer who evaluates applicable laboratory results and medical explanations. Therefore, it is important not to assume the outcome based only on a temporary status displayed in a testing portal.
How Long Does a Drug Test Stay Pending?
There is no single timeframe that applies to every drug test. The turnaround time can depend on:
- Type of drug test
- Specimen type
- Collection location
- Laboratory processing
- Whether additional testing is required
- Whether MRO review is necessary
- Whether the employee needs to provide additional information
- Administrative or documentation issues
A routine test may move through the process relatively quickly, while a test requiring additional review can take longer. If your result remains pending longer than expected, contacting the testing provider or the person responsible for your testing program can help determine whether additional action is required.
What Should You Do If Your Drug Test Is Pending?
If your test status is still pending, there are several practical steps you can take.
1. Don't Panic
A pending status does not automatically indicate a positive result. Wait for the final result rather than assuming what the status means.
2. Check Your Contact Information
Make sure the testing provider or MRO has the correct phone number and other contact information. If an MRO needs to speak with you, being reachable can help prevent unnecessary delays.
3. Monitor Your Messages
Check your phone, voicemail, email, and any relevant testing portal for communications regarding your test. Respond promptly if the testing provider or MRO requests information.
4. Don't Ignore an MRO Call
If you receive a call from an MRO regarding your drug test, respond as soon as possible. The MRO verification process can require communication with the employee before certain results are finalized.
5. Contact Your Employer or Testing Provider
If you are unsure why your test remains pending, ask for the appropriate contact. You can ask:
- Is my specimen still being processed?
- Is additional information required?
- Has the laboratory completed its analysis?
- Is the test waiting for MRO review?
- Do I need to take any further action?
These questions can help identify where the test is in the process.
What Happens After the Review?
Once the required testing and review processes are complete, the test receives a result. Depending on the circumstances, the result may be reported as negative, positive, negative-dilute, cancelled, or another applicable result category. DOT regulations specify how MROs report results to employers, including the verified result and the date it was verified.
For DOT-regulated CDL drivers, certain verified drug-test violations are also reported to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. MROs must report verified positive, adulterated, or substituted controlled-substance test results, as well as certain refusals, within the applicable reporting timeframe.
However, a temporary "pending" or "under review" status should not be confused with a Clearinghouse violation.
What If the Test Is Cancelled?
Sometimes a drug test cannot be finalized because of a problem with the specimen or collection process. For example, if a laboratory rejects a specimen for testing because of a fatal or uncorrected flaw, the MRO follows the applicable DOT procedure for cancelling the test and notifying the employer.
A cancelled test is different from a positive result. Depending on the reason for the cancellation and the type of test, another test may be required.
Pending vs. Under Review vs. Result
Understanding the difference between these terms can make the process easier to follow.
| Status | General Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The result has not been completed |
| Processing | Testing or administrative processing is still underway |
| Under Review | Additional evaluation is taking place |
| Negative | No reportable prohibited substance was identified under the applicable testing criteria |
| Positive / Verified Positive | A positive result has completed the required verification process |
| Cancelled | The test could not be completed or reported as required |
The exact terminology can vary between testing systems, so always consider the explanation provided by your testing provider.
What CDL Drivers Should Know
For CDL drivers subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing, understanding the difference between a laboratory result and a final verified result is especially important.
A laboratory report may require MRO review before certain results become final. The MRO's responsibilities include reviewing the testing process and evaluating applicable medical explanations.
Drivers should therefore avoid making assumptions based solely on portal status. If an MRO contacts you, respond promptly and provide any requested information through the appropriate process.
For drivers subject to FMCSA requirements, certain verified violations are subsequently reported to the Clearinghouse according to federal requirements.
How Employers Can Reduce Drug Testing Delays
Employers can also take steps to make the testing process more efficient.
Keep Employee Information Updated
Accurate contact information makes it easier for testing providers and MROs to reach employees when necessary.
Use Reliable Collection Sites
A qualified collection site can help reduce avoidable administrative and collection problems. goMDnow has a nationwide network of over 20,000 collection sites to make testing convenient and reliable.
Maintain Proper Documentation
Proper documentation and chain-of-custody procedures are important components of DOT testing.
Work With an Experienced Testing Provider
Using a testing provider familiar with DOT requirements can help employers manage collections, results, MRO processes, and compliance responsibilities more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Seeing "Pending" or "Under Review" on a drug test does not automatically mean you failed. A drug test can remain pending while the laboratory completes its work, while administrative information is processed, or while an MRO reviews information needed to determine the result. For DOT-regulated testing, MRO review plays an important role in protecting the accuracy and integrity of the testing process.
If your test is pending, the best approach is simple: stay available, monitor your communications, respond promptly to any MRO request, and wait for the official result.
For employers and CDL drivers, having a reliable drug-testing partner can also make the process easier to manage. goMDnow provides drug and alcohol testing services designed to help employers and drivers manage testing and compliance requirements efficiently. Schedule your drug test online or call 980-655-4455 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does pending mean I failed my drug test?
No. Pending means the final result has not been completed or released. It is not the same as a positive result.
Q. Why would my drug test be under review?
It may require additional laboratory, administrative, or MRO review before the final result can be reported.
Q. Can an MRO contact me about my drug test?
Yes. An MRO may contact an employee when additional information is needed during the verification process.
Q. What should I do if my drug test is still pending?
Monitor your messages, stay reachable, and contact your testing provider if you need clarification about the status.
Q. Does a pending DOT drug test appear as a Clearinghouse violation?
A pending status is not a Clearinghouse violation. Certain verified violations are reported to the Clearinghouse after the required determination or verification process.
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