Workplace drug testing is a routine procedure in most companies to maintain integrity and safety in the workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is a mandate that you might need to follow once you submit a job application. It is to ensure that you are ideal for the role you are applying for and will not disrupt your work or workplace environment under drug or alcohol influence. However, there are certain things that can result in false positives after taking a pre-employment drug test. We have listed them in detail below.
Secondhand Marijuana smoke
If you hang out in a crowd or with someone who smokes a lot of marijuana or pot, there is a chance of your urine having traces of THC which is a chemical present in a Cannabis plant. Although, highly unlikely for you to have enough THC to render a positive result it is still a possibility. It is most likely to occur if you have been exposed to Marijuana smoke right before the test. You will need a second test to confirm that you haven’t smoked.
Weight loss pills
Phentermine is known to be a popular prescription medicine that helps in curbing one’s appetite. It bears a chemical likeness to Amphetamines, which is a stimulant used for ADHD treatment. Phentermine can also result in a positive drug screen and might be a problem if you fail to show a medical reason for ingesting Amphetamines.
Poppy seeds
Poppy seeds are known to naturally contain Opioids, Codeine, and Morphine. Poppy seed bagels or any food made with poppy seeds might result in a positive test for both Opioids and can last for up to an entire day after eating it.
Mouthwash
Numerous liquid medications, breath-cleaning products, and even vanilla extract contain ethanol which is a simple form of grain alcohol. With modern drug tests attaining more and more accuracy, they can even detect trace amounts of alcohol even after long hours of exposure. Using anything containing Ethyl alcohol including hand sanitizers might result in a false negative.
Antidepressants
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a prescribed medication used for depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, panic attacks, and more. Some drug tests may not differentiate between Benzodiazepines (a tranquilizer drug used by drug addicts) and Sertraline. A faulty test result is possible even if you quit taking your antidepressant for several days.
Antibiotics
These medications don’t usually affect drug screens, but the possibility of them triggering inaccurate test results is not still there. Rifampin is used for treating Tuberculosis and might result in a positive result after rapid urine screens. A false positive result is also possible after 18 hours of ingesting a single dose of this antibiotic.
CBD Oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the Hemp plant which is a relative of the Cannabis sativa, commonly known for producing Marijuana. CBD, also known as medical Marijuana is primarily used for pain relief. Some states permit the usage of CBD products that do not exceed more than 5% of THC which is the mind-altering chemical. A positive urine drug test is possible depending on the time and the amount of CBD you have ingested.
Antihistamines
Advil PM, Benadryl, and more are some common over-the-counter sleep and allergy meds that contain Diphenhydramine. Depending on the dosage, drug screens can result in a positive test because they may show up as methadone. Diphenhydramine may also show up as PCP which is an illegal hallucinogenic that is one of the standard five drugs that are screened for in applicants applying to all federal and most private-sector jobs.
HIV medication
The antiretroviral drug called Efavirenz (Sustiva) used for treating HIV can cause a positive drug test and show up as Marijuana on the drug screen. Make sure you inform the lab that you take Efavirenz to avoid confusion.
Coca tea
This is a popular Peruvian beverage that is derived from the same plant used for making Cocaine. Make sure that you wait for at least 36 hours after drinking it before a drug test.
Antipsychotic drugs
Many medications used to treat mental disorders can result in false positive results. Drugs like Quetiapine used for treating Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia can show up as Methadone after taking a urine test. Other antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine can show up as Amphetamine on drug screens.
Choose Affordable Rapid Testing for all forms of drug testing
Pre-employment drug screening for employee is a mandatory procedure that all job applicants will be required to follow if the company they are applying to demands it. At the same time, the accuracy of the results after workplace drug testing is also important in order to keep the workplace safe from drug/alcohol-induced risks. Affordable Rapid Testing offers the most seamless and hassle-free drug testing procedures. With dedicated walk-in centers in both Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, they seek to fulfill the promise of delivering the quickest and most reliable results. To know more, visit their official website.
