If you've been given a conditional job offer pending the results of a drug test, there's a good chance that you'll be taking a urine drug test within the next couple of days. If this is your first time taking a urine drug test as a form of employment screening, you might be understandably nervous--even if you know you haven't taken any illegal drugs. Before you show up to your appointment, then, there are a few things you should know.

You Have Rights, But They're Limited

First of all, understand that you absolutely have the right to refuse a drug test. However, if you're thinking about doing this, you'll want to check your job offer paperwork, as there's a good chance there will be a clause that states your offer is rescinded in the event that you fail or refuse to take part in a drug screening. On the other hand, if your test results come back positive for any illegal substance, understand that you also have the right to request additional testing at a different facility.

Some Medications Can Interfere With Results

Furthermore, before your drug test, make note of any medications that you're currently taking, as some medications can actually result in a positive reading for certain illegal drugs, even if you're not taking them. Understand, however, that if you're taking a medication that's known for causing false positives, you may be asked to present proof of this. Furthermore, you probably won't be "off the hook" for drug testing; instead, you may be given a different form of testing (such as a blood test) to procure more accurate results.

You Probably Won't Get Results Right Away

Finally, don't be surprised if you don't get the result of your drug test right away. Usually, urine tests are sent off to a lab and the results are automatically sent to your employer. The only exception to this is a testing facility that has a lab on-site, in which case you may very well have your results the same day. If your employer is sent your results, know that they typically only see a "pass or fail" distinction, so if you have any specific questions about your test results, you'll need to contact the testing facility directly.

Now that you have a better idea as to what to expect from your urine drug test, hopefully you can put your mind at ease. For more information, contact SmartCare Health and Diagnostics or a similar location.