What is a False Positive Drug Test?

Did you know that many people taking a drug test fail due to a false positive result?

They are not necessarily guilty, but the onus is on them to prove their innocence

A false positive drug test can be caused by hundreds of products that are wrongly identified as illegal drugs or other drugs of concern, and many people are not aware of this. Common prescriptions, over the counter medications,  foods and health status can cause you to return a false positive drug test.

This is a drug testers secret and there have been many people who failed a drug test with no idea as to why, and with little or no recourse to prove their innocence. The testers don’t talk about the possibility of a false positive drug test either, as it could totally undermine what they do if they did. If you fail due to a false positive result you must prove yourself innocent. Some testers are very helpful and some are not. You must handle your false positive situation very carefully to turn it around to your benefit.

How Common Is A False Positive Drug Test Result And Should I Be Worried?

Research shows that urine drug tests generally produce more false positive tests than the other drug tests. There are a number of urine and saliva drug tests that are given outside the testing labs by people not trained or qualified to give the tests. There is no information on the level of false positive drug tests in these conditions. One can only guess on this one.

Real World Example: Eating a poppy seed bagel can produce a false positive results for opiates according to an TV episode of Mythbusters. Poppy seeds can lead to false-positive for opium for several days.

Many testers will tell you a false positive drug test is very rare. Why?  Because this could cause drug test results to be called into question, drug testing is big business and that would cost many people a lot of money. As a result of this, you could end up being the victim.

What can cause a false positive result?

• Over the counter medications such as night time cold medications can cause a false positive test and ibuprofen (found in Nurofen) can cause a false positive result to THC. Some liquid cold relievers  contain members of the ephedrine family so can give a false positive to amphetamines. Some common weight loss products are risky, as well as some nasal sprays and some over the counter asthma products.
• Foods can sometimes cause a false positive test as show above in the Myth Busters experiment.
• Common Vitamins Supplements can cause a false positive test. Riboflavin (B2) can return a false positive test for THC. You should also be aware that many herbs that contain B vitamin can be of concern.
• Prescription Medications such as antibiotics like ampicillin and amoxicillin are prime examples. Quite a few prescription pain medications should be of concern.
• Diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney infections may register as opiates or THC.
• Ethnic Susceptibility – People with dark skin are particularly susceptible to false drug testing results when exposure to second hand marijuana or cocaine smoke is absorbed into their hair. No one knows why. It just sometimes happens.

Hundreds of medications and prescription drugs can cause a false positive result.

This does not mean these medications, prescriptions or foods will always cause a false drug test, but they can. The actual false drug screening can not be anticipated nor should you rely on it as a strategy to pass if you are still using. The outcome is very specific to the individual and/or the situation. Here are some of the more common sources of a false drug test:

• Pain relievers such as Neurofen.
• Menstrual cramp medications like Mercyndol.
• Ibuprofen is known to cause positive for Marijuana.
• Anti inflammatories such as Naproxyn.
• Dristan Nasal Spray, Neosynephren, Vicks Nasal Spray, Sudafed.
• Over the counter appetite suppressants which contain Propanolamine.
• Common nasal decongestants can cause a positive reading for Amphetamines.
• Vicks Formula 44M containing Dextromethorphan and Primatene-M containing Perylamine.
• Demerol, and prescription anti-depressant Elavil test positive for Opiates up to three days.
• Quinine water can also cause a positive reading for Opiates.
• Poppy Seeds represent a potentially serious source of falsely positive results in testing Opiate abuse.
• Nyquil Nighttime Cold Medicine will test positive for Methadone up to two days.
• Amoxicillin has caused positives for Cocaine.
• Diazepam tests positive for PCP.

What do I do if I fail by getting a false positive result?

If you get a positive result you need to immediately request a new test or even request a different type of drug test. Some companies may be sympathetic and will allow you to retest, particularly if you have a reasonable story and are sincere. Present prescriptions or medications you might be taking and do your research s to what might have caused the false positive drug test. Always emphasize your innocence and the fact you do not know why you have failed. Be honest, concerned and DO NOT mention the possibility of a false positive drug test. You must then start your research on why you have failed and make the commitment to see your innocence to the end. Learn as much as you can about the topic, there is some good information out there on this subject and we are currently researching to provide a more in-depth view into what can cause false positive results. Your confidence and understanding can make the difference. If you are given a second chance to take the drug test you might want to consider the following factors and actions. This is the time for action if you are to get through this. If you understand these factors  you will be ahead of most of the people giving the drug tests. This is the edge you could really use.

• Let the tester know you are not guilty and ask to be tested again. It would not be fair for them to re-test you right then and there and expect a different result. You need time to identify why you failed.
• Write down all medications and prescriptions you have been taking over the past few months, keep the packages and makes sure to provide this information to the testers when you take your re-test.
• Make plans for a new test and start a detoxification process straight away. Do this whether you get the re-test or not. It is better to be prepared for the re-test and not get it then to get the next test and not be prepared. Being prepared is always a good strategy.
• Identify and obtain the detoxification product appropriate for the test you will face.
• Watch the food you eat. High fat foods, greasy foods (particularly butters, cream sauces, and fried foods) and junk foods slow the detoxification process.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, smoking or any unnecessary medications or vitamins.
• Stay out of toxic environments.
• Consume regular water each day, a litre or two is a good amount. Drink and sip all day and not all at once.
• Exercise up to the day of your retest, but not on the day of your drug test.