When urine or other specimens are collected, they are split into two samples, and one portion should be saved for confirmatory testing. The initial test (called an immunoassay) allows for quick, large scale screenings with minimal cost. The results of your drug testing should remain confidential and kept separate from the regular employee work file. 1 Confirm with the lab you visit that a second, confirmatory test will be performed on any positive drug test that may occur. Some data suggests 5% to 10% of all drug tests may result in false positives and 10% to 15% may yield false negatives. Drug screening results can negatively affect many circumstances therefore, accuracy is of the utmost importance. loss of privileges in a probation settingĮven though drug tests are common, people often have questions about the possibility of false-positive result.Negative consequences of false-positive drug testing can include: 2 Other hallucinogenics (LSD, peyote, mescaline, psilocybin).Heavy alcohol use, or suspected use at the workplace involving an accident.Designer drugs like Bath Salts, Spice, or Ecstasy (MDMA, MDA analogues).Prescription opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadoneĪdditional categories, as noted by SAMHSA, may include:.Marijuana metabolite / THC / Cannabinoids.Benzodiazepines, like diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).The drugs most commonly screened for in a drug test include 16: 1,2 Which drugs are tested in a drug test? Anyone subject to a drug screen should confirm that secondary confirmatory testing (such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry or high performance liquid chromatography) is performed on any positive result received by the lab doing your testing. But according to some employer policies, drug screening may occur for pre-employment drug testing, random drug testing at a worksite, during an employee physical exam, and for any reasonable suspicion of drug use.Įven though these tests are common, people often have questions about the possibility of false-positive results. pre-employment in the private and government sector.Screening drug tests are often required for: Tests are usually performed on urine samples, but other types of specimens may also be used, such as hair, saliva, sweat or blood.Īny workplace drug-testing program, Federal or non-federal, should comply with required local, state, and federal laws. Screening may be done for illegal drugs or prescription medicines, alcohol or other substances. What causes a false negative drug test?Ī drug test is a laboratory test usually done to detect drug or alcohol use.Which drugs cause a false-positive drug test?.What if I have a false-positive drug test?.Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Can a Drug Test Lead to a False Positive?

Quest diagnostics 8 panel drug test