What does it mean when your drug test is positive?
If your results are positive, it means one or more drugs were found in your body above an established level. However, false positives can happen. So if your first test shows that you have drugs in your system, you will have further testing to figure out whether or not you are actually taking a certain drug or drugs.
Is there a chance of a false positive on a drug test?
A concern for anyone undergoing drug testing is the possibility of a false positive result. Initial screening drugs tests may infrequently result in false positive results, although confirmatory (GC-MS) testing greatly lessens the chances of a false positive – reducing the risk to close to zero.
What should I do if my drug test comes back positive?
A common drug testing protocol is to divide the test sample into two portions, testing one immediately and saving the other for a retest, in case of a contested positive result. In this case, simply ask for a retest of your sample. This can be problematic and you might want to ask for a completely new test be administered.
What was the percentage of positive drug tests in 2018?
Looking at data from close to 9 million urine drug tests from January to December 2018, the overall rate of positivity increased from 4.2% to 4.4% of samples. This is nearly a 5% increase and the highest level since 2004. The rate of positive tests from opiates has dropped, from 0.39% in 2017 to 0.31% in 2018, a 21% decrease.
Why are there so many false positives on drug tests?
In some cases, a drug test may report the presence of illicit drugs, although none were taken. While this is not common, no test is 100% accurate. Lab errors account for some of the mistakes, but most false-positives may be attributed to over-the-counter drugs and foods that can affect the test.
What to do if you get a positive drug test?
Anyone who takes a drug test and is surprised by a positive result should first review any medications taken in the days before the test. It may be possible that something was omitted from the disclosure form. Try to remember details about how the test was handled.
What makes a person test positive for THC?
In part, that’s because edible medical marijuana has THC in amounts sufficient to show up on a drug screen. People who regularly take naproxen (found in ibuprofen) can also test positive for THC. These are common, over-the-counter drugs that are also prescribed in larger doses to control pain from surgery, childbirth, and injuries.
What happens if you fail a drug test for s?
You have now failed because of a false positive for s drug. Both the drug test manufacturers and the people giving the test say the chances of a false positive for a drug they did not use is almost impossible. Therefore, you must prove yourself innocent. The testers do not need to do anything.