Implementing a strong employee drug testing program is one of the smartest steps an employer can take to maintain a safe and productive workplace. However, the integrity of your workplace policy depends entirely on the accuracy of the drug test.

The internet is filled with information claiming to know how to cheat a drug test. From heavy hydration and detox drinks to synthetic samples, desperate employees may try various methods to try to bypass the system.

For business owners and managers, knowing what signs to look out for can make all the difference. Professional drug testers are highly trained to spot when someone is trying to cheat a test. Understanding these red flags helps you better evaluate suspicious behavior and unexpected drug test results. We’ll take a look at four telltale signs that an employee may be attempting to compromise their drug test.

1. The Sample Temperature is Out of Range

The most immediate and reliable way to tell if a test has been tampered with is its temperature. A freshly provided human urine sample must fall within a specific range. That range is typically between 90°F and 100°F, within four minutes of the collection.

When an individual attempts to swap out their sample with synthetic urine or someone else’s clean urine, they have to hide the container close to their body or use hand warmers in order to heat it up. If they do this wrong, the sample will be too cold or unusually hot. If a sample’s temperature strip doesn’t register a normal reading, it is a sign that the test has been cheated.

2. Unnatural Visual Appearance or Strange Odors

A genuine sample tends to have relatively predictable characteristics. While the color of the sample can naturally differ based on hydration levels, certain traits point toward an intentional attempt to flush the out system or add chemicals to throw off a test.

• Excessively Clear Samples: Individuals may drink gallons of water or a detox drink before a test to dilute their system. While a clear sample can sometimes just mean someone is hydrated, water like urine often points towards an attempt to clear the system of any trace of substances.
• A Strange or Chemically Altered Smell: Adding household chemicals such as bleach, soap, or eye drops directly to the cup is a trick designed to interfere with the screening process. However, these chemicals often come with a chemical smell that experienced collectors are able to immediately detect.
• Abnormal Foam or Bubbles: Synthetic urine or liquid chemicals often foam excessively when poured or shaken. These tend to look extremely different from an authentic urine sample.

3. Suspicious Behavior and Excessive Delays

Attempting to cheat a professionally administered drug test requires strategy and stealth, and is extremely nerve wracking. Those trying to manipulate a test often give themselves away through their body language and behavior before they even submit their sample. 

Look out for individuals who attempt to prolong taking the test, drink multiple glasses of water beforehand, or make excuses to leave and return later. Once in the collection area, unusual sounds, delays inside the private stall, or an unwillingness to empty their pockets as instructed are major red flags. A donor who is defensive or overly talkative about the process may be trying to distract the collector as well.

4. Lab Reports Indicating Diluted or Adulterated Specimens

In some instances, signs that a test has been tampered with aren’t always obvious. However, they will show up clearly on the final laboratory report. When samples are sent to a lab, technicians test for creatinine levels, specific gravity, and pH balance to confirm the sample matches normal human urine. If a report comes back flagged for being diluted, it means the water content is too high for an accurate reading. An “adulterated” response means a foreign chemical was detected in the sample.

Secure Your Workplace with Trusted Testing Solutions

Relying on internal testing methods leaves your business vulnerable to cheating. Partnering with a professional screening service ensures that every collection follows strict protocols, protecting the validity of your program.

Don’t leave your workplace safety to chance. Contact Soteria Screening today to implement reliable employee drug testing solutions tailored to your business.