False-Positive Drug Test Results - What Causes You to Test Positive?

With the use of illegal drugs on the rise, many companies require employees to take random urine drug tests. Most companies' policy is immediate dismissal if your test shows evidence of drug use. That's right, "You're fired!" But what about the test that comes back positive for drug use and you have never in your life used any kind of illegal drug?

These test are know as false-positive tests. What would cause a false-positive test? There are many prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and other things that show up positive on drug screening test. Did you happen to enjoy eating a poppy seed roll or muffin before taking a drug test? Well, guess what! Poppy seeds test positive as opium. Are you overweight? Did your doctor prescribe the amphetamine, Dexedrin, to help you loose weight? Congratulations! You just tested positive for speed.

To understand this, you first need to understand how drug screenings work. The basic drug test is a 5 panel test which screens for 5 different categories of drugs: THC (marijuana), amphetamines, opiates, ecstasy, cocaine. There are many prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and other things that show up positive on drug screening test.

THC: Did you know that Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin and Alieve can test positive as marijuana? Even the pigments in your skin (especially dark skinned people) can cause a false-positive test for marijuana.

Amphetamines: Nyquil, Sudafed, diet pills, nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin) and Robitussin all contain amphetamines.

Opiates: Prescriptions pain medicines such as Tylenol with Codiene and Fentanyl patches is opium based. Prescription cough suppressants can also test positive.

Ecstasy: Asthma medications are a major cause of fasle-positive tests in the Ecstasy category.

Cocaine: Diabetes and kidney or liver infections can test positive for cocaine. Certain antibiotics such as Amoxicillin can, too.

Now, you've taken a drug test. It came back positive. You know you have not used any illegal drugs. What can you do to save your job? There is a more detailed test that you can take. It is called a GC/MS drug screen which can identify exactly what substance is causing your positive test. It would be helpful if you could provide a list of all prescription drugs you are taking, any over-the-counter medicines and anything else you think might be causing it.

Now for the kicker: If you think that you can actually take illegal drugs and blame your positive drug test on some of the above mentioned causes, think again!! The GC/MS test WILL identify any legal or illegal drugs in your system!!!