Unfortunately, drug tests are not a simple manner of passing or failing. Inconclusive results can not confirm drug-free results but also have issues that keep them from proving that definitively.
Unfortunately, drug tests are not a simple manner of passing or failing. Inconclusive results can not confirm drug-free results but also have issues that keep them from proving that definitively. Today we’re taking a closer look at 5 possible situations that can lead to inconclusive drug test results.
For a drug test, an inconclusive meaning result will generally lead to taking the test again. Eventually, a test will come back definitively positive or negative. Even in carefully controlled laboratory environments, things can happen to contaminate or otherwise impact test results.
In the simplest terms, inconclusive means that there were no clear results. These results include both false positives and false negatives. Also, inconclusive results might be triggered by suspicious imbalances in the sample. In any instance, inconclusive results generally lead to retesting until testing is conclusive.
If you’ve received an inconclusive drug test, there are several possible reasons why those results occurred. Here are 5 of the most common reasons:
Human error and misinterpretation are among the most common reasons for an inconclusive drug test. In cases like these, the test performed as it should, but one or more specialists struggled in interpreting the results.
Misinterpretations like these are typically linked to the set levels of substances in the test. For example, if the levels tested for are too low, more false positive results may occur. Likewise, too high of a level may lead to additional false negatives.
Like any scientific test, a drug test requires strenuous conditions to be performed correctly. These include a sanitary testing environment and prompt sample collection. If a sample isn’t collected in the correct time frame, it could lead to inconclusive results.
For example, let’s say a technician is performing a drug screening for methamphetamines, among other substances. The substances tested for in a methamphetamine screening rapidly deteriorate, so testing needs to be done within hours of collection. If done later than that or the next day, those results (for meth, at the very least) will be inconclusive.
Chain of custody refers to the process of tracking a sample or other important objects (like evidence in a trial). This chain of custody links back so authorities can speak definitively about its status at every step of the process. This also means the sample definitively hasn’t been tampered with, stored incorrectly, or mishandled.
If the chain of custody has been broken, it can relead to inconclusive test results. For example, if a sample hasn’t been collected by a trained professional or stored correctly, it can impact results.
Time can also play a factor in inconclusive testing. Many substances are only detectable within a certain time-sensitive window. If a test isn’t processed before then, it may be inconclusive testing for those substances.
Similarly, if samples are stored at the correct temperature, they can degrade over time. This can quickly make it unsuitable for testing.
It‘s not uncommon to try and trick a test by drinking a lot of water (or specially marketed detox drinks). In theory, this diluted sample is supposed to trick the test into thinking lower drug levels are in the sample. Diluting your urine sample doesn’t lead to a negative result, however, merely an inconclusive one. Diluting results like this will almost always lead to retesting.
There’s no way to absolutely avoid inconclusive results. When they happen, you want a testing facility with trusted results and quick turnaround. If you need a professional drug screening done quickly and effectively, call on Soteria Screening.
Our experts know just what to do with inconclusive test results and perform best practices to avoid them. If retesting is required, it will be done promptly so you can get started with work sooner.
Soteria Screening Laboratories is a Third-Party Administration serving companies and individuals in need of drug and alcohol screening services, and effective drug testing programs.
Soteria Screening Laboratories is a Third-Party Administration serving companies and individuals in need of drug and alcohol screening services, and effective drug testing programs.
Soteria Screening Laboratories is a Third-Party Administration serving companies and individuals in need of drug and alcohol screening services, and effective drug testing programs.
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