An individual may need to take a drug test for a wide variety of reasons. Most likely, you’ve encountered a drug test before as more and more jobs require candidates to complete a screening. A common reason for drug screening prior to employment is for safety and security in the workplace. Testing for drugs is simply becoming a normal part of the complete hiring process before the decision to onboard an employee. A drug screen tests a fluid sample for the presence of any illegal drugs or substances in a person’s system.
Surprising, incorrect results from these drug screenings can happen—not just to strangers, but to your friends, your family, and even to you. It’s shocking and embarrassing to receive positive results on a drug test when you know there shouldn’t have been one. What, then, can a job candidate or anyone else who has to take a drug test do to avoid this possibility? Don’t let yourself fall victim to a false-positive result—here are the top medications that can cause a false positive on drug tests that you should be aware of. Secure your next opportunity without any doubts or interference.
Let’s Define a False Positive
You may have lingering questions about false positives in general. For example, how can they happen in the first place? A false-positive result occurs when the drug test detects what it thinks is an illegal substance in your system, even if you know for sure that this substance was not in your system at the time—or ever, for that matter. Whether a technician collected blood samples, hair samples, or, most commonly, urine samples, a false positive reading can occur at any time if certain foods, medications, or other substances are in your system. Yes, you might not even be aware of it. That specific lack of knowledge is hazardous in the least.
Again, false positives are far less common today due to improved testing methods, but you never know. Better to be safe than sorry in such circumstances. A false-positive result might not be fair, but that doesn’t negate the detrimental effects such a result may have on your life and career. Your future may be at stake, and it’s not worth mishandling the necessary information to be aware of before your drug screening.
Most drug tests screen for the following drugs: marijuana (THC), cocaine, steroids, opiates, amphetamines, methadone, barbiturates, phencyclidine (PCP), benzodiazepines, ecstasy, and more. Prescribed medication or over-the-counter meds you take may possibly contain these. Just because they contain these substances doesn’t mean you’ll get a false positive, but to be safe, take the time to look over this list in detail.
Medical Marijuana & the Presence of THC
Edible medical marijuana has enough THC to result in a positive test, alongside the possible ingestion of second-hand marijuana smoke and CBD oil. Consider your consumption habits and those of others who surround you in your daily life. Depending on how and when—but not why—you consume CBD, your urine can show evidence of marijuana. It’s best to be aware that some pain medications, specifically ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain-control meds, contain naproxen, which may also result in the presence of THC.
Common Medications: Allergy, Sleep, Cough, Pain, Etc.
There are several other medications that can cause a false positive on drug tests. This is a general list of possible false-positive medications, not a comprehensive one. If you’re unsure, proper research will lead to a conclusive answer on a specific medication.
Tramadol is a prescribed medication that can trigger a false positive for PCP. Several OTC pain medications can also trigger false-positive results for PCP. Ibuprofen products, such as Advil or Motrin, alongside naproxen products, such as Aleve, are some such meds.
Other medications, such as popular cough and sleep syrups, can cause a false positive for PCP. These meds include Benadryl and Advil AM/PM, which contain diphenhydramine. These antihistamines can show up as methadone or opiates on tests. Other OTC cough suppressants, such as Robitussin and Delsym, contain an active ingredient of dextromethorphan, which can also result in a false positive for PCP or opiates.
Other than the above listed commonplace OTC medications, weight-loss pills also have the potential of creating a false positive. The most prevalent of its kind is phentermine, prescribed to a majority of individuals who seek to lose weight. However, taking phentermine can result in a false positive for amphetamines. Antidepressants and antibiotics may also result in false positives. Speak to a medical professional about a specific medication you’re taking to learn about these potentialities.
Other Consumption Causes
While the following are not medications that can cause a false positive, be aware of these products before you go for a drug screening. Poppy seeds are popular in baked goods and can contain quinine, which can show up as an opiate on a test. Mouthwash is an everyday item that can contain ethanol, a kind of alcohol detectable in drug screening.
Consequences of False Positives
Receiving a false-positive result is certainly not an enjoyable experience, as it will create further headaches and issues that you’ll need to address. While these results may be preventable, anything can happen. A false result is still not the end-all and be-all of a situation.
If you have received what you believe to be a false positive test after taking one of these medications, there’s still an opportunity to mitigate the situation. Review any medications you took before the test. Work with a healthcare provider or ask your doctor to answer questions about a medication. Perhaps you will be able to stop taking those particular meds or cut back on your intake. You can then ask for a second test to confirm the results. A pharmacist can also supply proof of a medication’s effect with written documentation to take to a testing site.
No matter the situation, never fear. You have the right to question a drug test’s accuracy and validity. Companies such as American Screening Corporation have a drug or alcohol testing kit to aid your inquiry. With top-quality tests to give you fast and accurate results, you can be aware with some certainty of a substance’s presence—and that it will not be detectable in your system when it matters most.
