Why are results taking so long?

When will results be ready? It's been longer...

LTS Team

3/6/20231 min read

If any findings are detected, lab-based tests may experience a time extension of 5 more business days.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are two of the most common analytical techniques used in laboratories to identify and quantify compounds in a sample.

The general process for LC-MS and GC-MS analysis is as follows:

  1. Sample preparation

  2. Separation

  3. Ionization

  4. Detection

  5. Quantification

LC-MS and GC-MS are used in a variety of fields, including environmental science, food science, clinical chemistry, and forensics.

Drug testing results may be taking longer due to several factors. Firstly, it is important to understand that drug testing results are often based on business days rather than calendar days. This means that weekends and holidays are typically not included in the testing time frame. Additionally, the lab may require more time for various reasons. They could be experiencing a higher volume of samples to process, which can impact the turnaround time. Another possibility is that the lab may be conducting further analysis or retesting to ensure accurate results. Moreover, unforeseen circumstances such as equipment malfunctions or staff shortages can also contribute to the delay. It is crucial to remember that the primary objective of the lab is to provide accurate and reliable results, and sometimes this may require additional time.

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