4500 140th Ave N., Ste 210 | Clearwater, FL 33762

Reasons For A False Positive Drug Test

False Positive Drug Test

Drug screenings are a mandatory requirement for many employees working in Clearwater. Unfortunately, false positive results can occur even if you have not consumed any drugs. The reasons for such results can be attributed to a variety of factors, including medical conditions, medication use, and even diet. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the potential causes of false positives and take necessary precautions to avoid such results. It is also advisable to communicate any relevant information about your health or medication use to the testing facility to ensure accurate results.

Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Near Clearwater
When you’re around someone who smokes marijuana, your urine could come back with traces of THC (the chemical in marijuana plants that gets you high) in it. However, you probably won’t have enough to trigger a positive result in your drug screening unless you’ve been exposed right before your drug test.

Mouthwash
There are many things in mouthwash that contain ethanol (e.g., vanilla extract, breath-cleaning products), which is a type of simple grain alcohol. Today’s drug tests can detect trace amounts of alcohol for longer periods after you’ve been exposed. Therefore, if you’ve used any product that contains ethyl alcohol, your urine sample may be flagged positive for signs of alcohol. This can also happen if you frequently use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil
CBD comes from the hemp plant, which is a relative of the marijuana (a.k.a. Cannabis sativa) plant. While CBD doesn’t make you high, it’s found in the medical marijuana that many people use today. Depending on how much you’ve taken, it may show up in your urinalysis.

Medications Used Near Clearwater
Make sure you tell your drug screening facility if you’re on any medication, especially if you’re taking any of the following:

  • Antidepressants: Sertraline (a.k.a. Zoloft) is sometimes mistaken for benzodiazepines on a drug test.
  • Antibiotics: Rifampin (commonly used to treat tuberculosis) sometimes shows up as an opiate.
  • Antihistamines: Benadryl, Advil PM, and other popular over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications contain diphenhydramine. Sometimes, this can show up as methadone (commonly used to help people quit opiates) or PCP (an illegal hallucinogenic).
  • HIV Medication: Efavirenz (a.k.a. Sustiva) sometimes shows up as marijuana.
  • Weight Loss Pills: Phentermine (a prescription medicine that helps curb your appetite) is chemically similar to amphetamines.

The Bottom Line
To maintain a safe and drug-free atmosphere, Peace of Mind Drug & Background Screening, located near Clearwater, FL, provides thorough drug screening services for both people and organizations. They offer accurate and dependable drug test results thanks to their cutting-edge facilities and skilled employees. Whether you require random screens for continuing compliance or pre-employment drug testing, they’re dedicated to providing effective and private services that satisfy your unique requirements.

Picture Credit: VistaCreate