Causes of ‘False Positive’ in Mobile Drug Testing

by Shally Warner Owner

When taking an Amarillo Drug Test, accuracy is very important. The last thing you want is for you or your employees to receive a “false positive” result. Unfortunately, as advanced as Texas Drug Testing can get, there is still a chance of error. This occurs when an analytical drug detection method, i.e., urine test, oral fluids test, or hair drug test, identifies chemicals or molecules of the body as illegal drugs even if the subject did not actually use any. Below are some of the most common causes of a false positive drug test result.

Medication

Over-the-counter medicine for treating the common colds or flu, i.e. ibuprofen, nasal decongestants, and other cold remedies, can be identified as amphetamine barbiturates, marijuana, or benzodiazepines. The most common antihistamines such as Benadryl and Advil which help relieve runny nose can be detected as methadone, a substance used to treat heroin addiction but can still be very addictive. The popular Vicks inhaler, which is another type of nasal decongestant, contains levomethamphetamine, a chemical substance that is said to be almost identical to methamphetamine.

People who take antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft) can be mistaken for taking opioids because of their similar chemical composition. Sleep aids, on the other hand, can be identified as barbiturates in drug tests.

Food

Poppy seeds, which are used for making bread, cakes, fillings, and porridge, naturally contain morphine and codeine, which are known opioids. History shows that eating a bagel or cookie with a spoon-full of these small black seeds can immediately flag as positive for opioids. This happens until now especially when the drug testing facility is considered older and out-dated. Poppy seeds are said to stay within one’s system for up to 48 hours after consumption.

The same case goes for another popular baking ingredient. Consuming hemp seeds, which are one of the main ingredients of most granola bars, can lead to being positive for cannabis or marijuana.

One could also test positive for alcohol after consuming a lot of food with yeast, i.e. bread and pizza. Ripe fruits could also yield the same result. Both of these items are fermented and produce ethanol alcohol, which can be detected even in a simple breathalyzer test.

Second-Hand Smoke

A recent study revealed that people who sit near, stand in close proximity, or are enclosed in a room with someone smoking marijuana can also test positive in a drug test. Fortunately, this rarely happens since the person who took in second-hand smoke has to take the test within a few hours after exposure.

Baby Soap

A 2012 study showed that many newborn babies and infants tested positive for marijuana due to certain baby soaps. The result remains the same even if the mother never used cannabis. Although there is no definite answer to why this occurs, part of the research suggests that certain soaps contain THC, which is an active ingredient in marijuana. However, it is still uncertain how the chemical enters a baby’s system.

Mouthwash

Breath-cleaning products, particularly mouthwash, contain ethanol, a main component of alcohol. The same goes for even using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Modern-day alcohol tests can be so sensitive that they can trace ethanol in a person and flag a person as positive for alcohol consumption.

Gain access to fast, reliable, and cost-effective mobile drug testing in Amarillo, Texas through US Mobile Drug Testing. They are a top-notch drug testing company that offers a wide variety of services, ranging from random drug screening, emergency testing, to specialty testing, as well as tests for alcohol intoxication while at work. Known for strictly following company protocols and professional discretion, US Mobile Drug Testing helps promote a safe and drug-free environment in a Texas workplace. Call them today at 469-573-057 for immediate help as their lines are open 24/7.

Source: http://shallywarner.inube.com/blog/8728716