Even if you haven’t taken any illicit substances, a drug test can still be stressful. Though rare, false positive drug tests can occur. So how should you respond if this happens to you? Here is everything you should know about false positive drug tests, and the appropriate way to handle them.

What Can Cause a False Positive Drug Test?

There are many different potential causes of a false positive drug test. Modern drug tests are excellent at detecting a wide range of substances. However, certain chemical compounds can be found in non-illicit substances which can produce a false positive drug test. Here are some of the most common causes of false positive drug tests.

Foods

Poppy seeds are perhaps the most common food associated with false positive tests. This is because they contain minuscule amounts of codeine and morphine, which can both trigger a positive test for opioids.

Pizza is another food that can cause a false positive drug test, specifically for alcohol. This is because of the way the yeast in pizza dough can ferment other compounds, leading to potential false positives.

There are several other less common foods that can cause false positives as well. These include durian fruit, hemp seeds, and coca tea.

Medications

It should come as little surprise that certain medications can cause false positive drug tests. Many medications contain smaller dosages of the chemical compounds found in certain illicit drugs. Common medications associated with false positives include Advil, Aleve, some cough medicines, and nasal sprays.

Some antidepressants, like Prozac, can also cause false positive tests. If you are unsure or have questions about any medication you are taking, be sure to ask your doctor about potential false positives.

Other Substances

Other common household substances can cause false positives. For instance, cannabidiol (CBD) is widely used as a home remedy for several ailments. But, as it is derived from the cannabis plant, it can trigger false positive tests. Other common substances to be wary of when it comes to false positives include mouthwash and Vitamin B supplements.

What Is the Most Common False Positive Drug Test?

The most common cause of false positive drug tests is medication. Among the most common culprits are nasal sprays and various prescription painkiller medications.

How to Dispute a False Positive Drug Test

If you’ve erroneously tested positive for any substance, don’t panic. There is a path forward to dispute your test results. Here are some tips on how to dispute a false positive drug test.

Stay Calm & Be Transparent

First and foremost, you should remain calm when addressing your false positive results. Take stock of what might have caused your false positive by noting any medications or substances that may have triggered your false positive.

You can dispute your false positive by alerting the drug tester that you believe your test returned a false positive. When doing so, be as transparent as you can be about potential causes for the false positive drug test. This could include ingestion of any substances mentioned above, as well as accidental second-hand drug consumption.

Consult a Professional

If you are unsure about the potential cause of your false positive, a doctor can help provide some clarity. A doctor can also provide documentation in the event that you falsely tested positive due to a prescription medication.

Request a New Test

When challenging a false positive,  you can always request a new drug test as a way to dispute the first results. Many testers will grant a second test, though this varies from one employer to the next.

Order a Test From Soteria Today!

Transparency and reliability are crucial for all parties when it comes to drug testing. If you want to learn more about employment-related drug testing, read about Soteria’s non-DOT drug testing services, or order a test today.