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False Positive Drug Test??
Attention drivers with false positive drug results. I am trying to determine if any connection exists in false positive results. Please, in a private message (PM) answer the following questions to help.
1. What drug did you test positive for? 2. Have you ever taken this drug? If so, when was the last time you used? 3. What was the name/location of the lab that processed your sample? *Please note this is different than the name/location of where the sample was collected. There are only 42 labs in the US authorized to process the tests. You can view the list be visiting the www.drugfreeworkplace.gov (http://www.drugfreeworkplace.gov) website click on drug testing and then list of certified labs.http://www.drugfreeworkplace.gov/Dru...ifiedLabs.aspx 4. What was the name of the MRO that provided your results? 5. What company did the MRO work for? *This is usually the name of the company that you had to request the split sample through. Should also be listed on your results paperwork. 6. Was your split sample tested? If so, what was the name/location of the lab that processed second sample? 7. What company did you work for when the test was taken? 8. When did your false positive occur (date)? 9. Did you have any follow-up or independent testing done? If so, what type and what were the results? The reason that I bring this up is that I recently met someone through forum that had the same experience as mine. It turned out that we were tested by the same labs and our results were given through the same MRO, even though we live across the country from each other. It occurred to me that this may happen more often than we think and that maybe we just need to ask the right questions to see a pattern. I am asking only for facts, it is up to the authorities to investigate and make a determination of how the problem occurred. God Bless you all! |
:dung:
Must be a full moon today. They seem to be coming out of the woodwork. |
False positives today are extremely rare and then only because the person being tested failed to advise the MRO of any medication they were on at the time of testing.
You can go ahead with your "survey" if you want, but I'm guessing that you're setting yourself up for some hefty legal trouble if you start a witch hunt. :roll: |
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This is no witch hunt, I assure you. And, false positives are not as "rare" as they all want us to believe. However, once you are hit with one you have absolutely no rights to defend yourself. I have submitted to several Federal urine test, directly observed I might add and hair samples. There have been 12 test total and all have been negative. The other drive is in the exact situation. We have also both requested DNA test be done on the tests that the MRO holds and he refuses.
I have nothing to fear legally because I can support everything that I have stated. As long as true facts are stated, no one has anything to fear. What there is to be feared is what every driver out there must consider. If you ever fall victim to some elses mistake, how will you support your family? The law is not on our side drivers. It has absolutely nothing to do with providing a list of medications to the MRO. Both the other driver and I both did exactly that. I know for a fact that I have never taken a single drug, nor have I been around anyone that has. The test was absolutely in error. If and when you are ever in my shoes, I hope that you are met with more understanding that what you have given me and the other driver. |
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I recommend that you review your own original posts to see why you have received the responses that have so far been offered. This board receives countless inquiries regarding false positive drug tests, etc. More than a majority of the time, these inquiries turn out to be nothing more than attempts to elude/falsify/justify drug/alcohol tests. Or just as often, we deal with individuals that are suffering the consequences of poor life decisions, and are desperately trying to find any way out of their predicament under the guise of seeking assistance for a legitimate issue. If indeed, your situation is genuine. I first and foremost advise appropriate legal counsel. Secondly. If you truly desire the help of the posters on this board, be forthcoming. Your original posts reek mainly of personal frustration, and an attempt to unnecessarily involve additional persons in your own personal dilemma. So there you have it. We try to take care of our own. Are you? BOL |
my personal story is that I have never taken a single drug. Never in my entire life! I have never been around anyone that was smoking marijuana or using any drug. However, in July of this year I was pulled in on a random (we all do these and never a concern, right?) and was told that the sample tested positive for marijuana. I told the MRO that the must have been an error and went through the list of medications that I had been taking (below). He insisted that none of the medications would cause a false positive. What he stated exactly is that the only drug that will cause a false positive is a drug called Marinol. And stated that this is only given to people that have been diagnosised with AIDS or cancer. After asking if I had been diagnosised with either and I said that I hadn't he said that the only thing that I could do would be to have the split sample tested. I immediately agreed believing that the same mistake couldn't happen twice. Well, it did.
When I received the lab results the stated that the level of marijuana in my urine was almost 10 times the cut-off. I have since been told that I would have had to not only been a chronic user but that I would have had to have smoked 10 joints that morning before the test. The test was at 8am. As for being a chronic user, again I never in my life have used any drugs. I was with my company for 6 years and had the average 3-4 randoms a year. The last one was just at the end of April. ALWAYS negative. Not to mention that I am allergic to smoke, a fact that was on file in the OSHA nurse's office. Immediately after I was told that the test was "positive" I had a directly observed federal urine test, my doctor ran an independent test and I had a hair sample test. ALL were negative. Since then, I have had many other tests and all were negative, of course. I was told by the MRO that none of this mattered and I would be reported as a drug user. I asked if I could pay to have DNA test done on the lab test because one thing that I know for certain is that if those samples truly are positive for marijuana, they are not mine. The MRO stated that I do not have any right to request the DNA test and even if it were done and proved the urine was not mine it would not remove the mark against me. I contacted the DOT manager on the federal level and he stated that he does hear about this but stated that nothing could be done, all options were exhausted with the split sample being tested. He stated that I would have to complete a SAP program and would be able to return to driving. I did just that and the DOT SAP reviewed my history and gave me the minimum 8 hrs of education. The counselors all stated that there was no evidence of drug use and said that I did not belong there. However, I completed the requirement and guess what? It doesn't help. Regardless of all the documentation of no drug use, notes from the counselors and completion of the program I cannot get a job driving. I am being punished for someone elses mistake. I did speak to an attorney and the problem is that drug use evasion is a pretty big business. The positive test is considered gold and the reason that all the other test, including DNA testing isn't accepted is that so many drug users adulterate or swap their samples. The chain of custody form is supposed to protect us from the lab accidently mixing up our samples but it cannot prevent a willing swap. They acknowledge that but put the burden of proof on us. Recently, I met a driver from Florida (I am in California) and his story was very similar to mine. In the course of our conversation he mentioned the name of the MRO that delivered his results. Oddly enough, it was the same name as my MRO. When we started to compare we figured out that the same lab (for both the first and split samples), same scientist and same MRO handled both our results. A little odd don't you think? We did not work for the same company and we are across the country from eachother so I never dreamed that the tests would have gone through the same labs, scientist or MRO. This got me thinking. If it happend to us, it may have happened to others. If it did and it could be confirmed, this might be enough for an investigation to be conducted at least. One thing that the attorney kept stating was that one driver alone would never hope to prove that an error or intentional swap may have occurred. I intend to go back now that I found at least one other, but the thought that others are going through what we have prompted the post. No one should have to live with a lie on them like that. Especially one with the power to end a career. People will assume what they will. They can believe my story or not but the chance that some one else in my situation will see it makes it worth it. The only medications that I had taken in the weeks prior to the test were the following: Wal-Mart Equate Brand Nyquil (only at bedtime, while off duty) Wal-Mart Equate Brand Dayquil Walgreens Brand Tylenol Wal-Mart Equate Brand Excedrin TwinLabs Ripped Fuel 5X Wal-Mart Equate Brand Tussin CF Cepacol Sore Throat Spray The Nyquil, Dayquil, Tylenol, Tussin CF and Cepacol were taken between July 2-8, 2008, to treat a severe cold/flu and congestion. The Excedrin is something that I take as needed for a headache, usually a couple times a week. The Ripped Fuel I began taking as a diet aid a few weeks before. Before the Ripped Fuel I was taking another diet aid I think called Stacker2 and Hoodia but I stopped those when I started the Ripped Fuel. |
I did not inhale!
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Whether or not I, or anyone else, believes you is a moot point. My point was that false positives are extremely rare and I stand by that claim. My other point was that if you start throwing names out over a messageboard, you ARE starting a witch hunt against someone that you claim is dirty, but have zero proof. Not a position I think you want to get yourself in.
:roll: |
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Dac reports are also very accurate.lol |
You know I think this is a very interesting topic. I think you may have a point with what you are...................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzz
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:roll: :roll: :roll: |
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If you are comfortable that there is absolutely no way that errors occur all I can say is that when you get hit with a positive, you decide how you'll handle it. |
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Are you prepared to cover the potential legal danger you are putting CAD in as well? |
Everyone's an expert.
You wont get anyone to admit to a false positive here. Goldenseal doesn't work anymore and they test for it now. Canabanoids get stored in the fat and your blood pulls from it constantly. The 50/ng they test for will show if your in a car with several smokers.(Jeff Spicoli style) If your sample is diluted, by drinking extra water before the test, they can test 15/ng. False positives come up with some other drugs by prescription drugs but not Canabanoids. Do some history and reading. |
I was all set to call BS with this guy......and I still might.
My question. Was your receipt for the sample presented for the "split" testing? If your answer is "NO", why wasn't it? THAT is why you were given the receipt in the first place. That is why your receipt is green. When a "positive" is challenged, they don't just open up the second sample and test it. Receipts are compared first. IF the receipts match up, then the "split" is hand delivered to a second lab, and everyone involved is present for the testing..you included. I have seen 4 challenges in 29 years. Of those 4, only one was "false". After investigation, it was determined that the nurse at the Clinic had switched samples with a driver, because "She" was known to be clean. The nurse needed a sample from a clean female, to pass her own test. The switch was made with the help of one other male nurse at the clinic. So..yeah..I know it can happen...but twice in one company, at the same time? I wonder...did someone make "Brownies" for the crew and you and the other "positive" driver pigged them down?? Otherwise...why wasn't your receipt presented before the second sample was tested? That is how it is done. They don't test that second sample until "You" challenge the test results. That is why there are two taken. |
I agree totally with Orange...the chances of two guys from opposite sides of the country having the same issue with the same MRO is practically astronomical.
Yes, I'm sure it happens...but again it's extremely rare. However, whether or not your statement is true, you are still barking up a dangerous tree. When you are looking to call out and accuse a specific person and are prepared to name names, you are opening yourself up to serious liable, because I guarantee you that someone will direct the MRO to this thread. I'd be willing to bet that the MRO will have the legal backing of a large medical lawyer staff, too. Again, probably not the sort of trouble you want to get yourself into. Additionally, Rev makes a valid point and I have contacted the owner of the board to review the thread to discern what, if any, legal issues might arise for CAD. |
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It just doesn't pass muster. I've worked for a couple hard core companies. If there was an issue with a "positive" test, they took every precaution to make sure it was a true "positive". To cover their own behinds as well as to give the "driver" every opportunity to prove they were innocent. The one "false" positive in Seattle was just as I described it. The only woman driver at the terminal had her urine samples switched by the nurses in the clinic. They (the nurses, 1 male 1 female) partied together, then the woman was given a random notice, and as it happened, Anita, the gal I worked with, received her at the same time. The clinic was always notified that a "random" was coming, so the driver was in & out quickly. When you have an individual whom test's clean for years, then suddenly it changes...questions are asked by competent people. |
Someone pointed out, we discuss this topic at length, and do try to advise from all perspectives. We are not going to say the system is perfect, but our interest is to discuss procedures in the system, not answer legalities. I posted this a while back, and rather than go through specifics, I'll just paste, and hope it answers some concerns;
______________________ Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives for testing for Amphetamines: Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine, or desoxyephedrine (Nyquil, Contact, Sudafed, Allerest, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, etc) Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu, Vicks Nyquil Over-the-counter diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim) Over-the-counter nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin) Asthma medications (Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets) Prescription medications (Amfepramone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone,phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine,dexdenfluramine,Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine,amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex,fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin,pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone) Kidney infection, kidney disease, Liver disease, and diabetes. It must be noted; prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, pain-relievers, antihistamines, cold-flu-allergy-PMS medications, even Food and beverages can cause false positives when you get down to the basic chemistry levels. Not just in Amphetamine/Methamphitmines screening, but in tests also for Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, LSD, Marijuana, Opiates, PCP, and even alcohol. However, it is the quantity that will trigger you a problem. The word "positive" or "negative" are the least important items returned by a drug test...the most important information on the test report is the "Quantity Level"...first of all it must reach above the "Cut-Off Level" for the drug being tested for. This cut-off level is a quantity level set by law to determine actual "knowing and wrongful use of controlled substances". If your Quantity Level does not reach above the cut-off level, this is the first indication that there is positively something wrong with your drug test. If you are testing positive there will be a "Quantity Level" reported in the test. Ask what kind of drug test are they doing? Is it the initial "EMIT" test, or a "GC/MS" Confirmation test? Drug testing technology has improved significantly and False Positives caused by OTC (over-the-counter) medications are now rare, but not impossible. Knowing this, you need to be aware of what to do to avoid trouble. A lesson about cross-reaction. A cross-reaction occurs when a substance is misidentified as a targeted drug/metabolite by a urine test. Such substances are known as cross-reactants.They are usually very similar in chemical structure to a targeted drug/metabolite. As a result, they can be misidentified and cause a positive result. Cross-reactants come in many forms; over-the-counter medications, food items, etc. What makes a substance a cross-reactant is simply the fact that it can be confused with a targeted drug/metabolite. Note however, that cross-reactions have become less common. In the past, the drug testing industry has received bad publicity for high cross-reaction rates. As a result, most manufacturers have made significant improvements. Cross-reactions can still occur. Yet required cutoff concentrations are usually too high to register occasional usage. Prescription drug users need not be concerned, as long as the prescription was obtained legally. Do not discontinue using legally prescribed medications. Also, administered drugs should not be an issue, as long as you can provide medical documentation if requested. However, everybody should be concerned about cross-reactants, as their use can be difficult to substantiate. In fact, cross-reactants (not legal prescriptions) should always be viewed in the same light as illegal drugs. Filling out the urine test consent form: Most labs provide a space on their urine test consent form to record your prescriptions. Some use broad enough wording to allow you to also include over-the-counter medications used recently and/or drugs recently administered by a physician. Upon reviewing a positive test result, the MRO will usually contact you by phone. If you tested positive for a prescription or administered drug, the MRO will request medical documentation. A follow-up test may also be required. In the absence of medical documentation or if you tested positive for an illegal substance, the MRO should determine if a legal cross-reactant was involved. Help him. Begin by insisting that you were drug-free and that the test results must be wrong. You can mention the cross-reactant that you suspect caused the false positive. But avoid sounding too knowledgeable on the subject. Wait to see what the MRO says. He might simply ask for proof that you used the cross-reactant and/or a legitimate purpose for using it. But this is rare, as MRO's are always skeptical about such claims. He should schedule a more thorough follow-up test. If not, insist on it. Initial test results usually identify only the drug category that tests positive (ie. Amphetamines or Barbiturates) not the specific drug within that drug category. You have the right to know what specific drug caused your positive result. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is about the only method that can pinpoint the specific source of the positive result. Standard testing procedures normally require a follow-up test following any initial positive screening. Though many companies will avoid using GC/MS because it is quite expensive. Unfortunately, it is the only method that can prove your innocence. |
I tested positive for dumb-ass.. I know it's a false positive, who do I call?
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When I found myself in this situation I had no idea that the system is so bent on making it impossible for a person to prove the truth. I even offered to submit to a spinal tap test because I heard that they are the most accurate and if you ever used drugs it would even tell when. I said I would even pay for it and it was refused. I did submit to a hair sample and absolutely no drugs were detected. The hair sample was 5.2 inches long so they had plenty of months to verify for. My last negative random was just on 4/17/08 so you would think that would prove it but no. Three months ago I was arrogant and ignorrant about these drug tests (a lot like most drivers). I knew that I don't do drugs and thought that made me safe from ever dealing with this. Well, surprise! It didn't matter! Since then, I have been schooled on the process. When I started this thread it was to try and help other good, clean drivers. Not get involved in arguments about whether or not I am telling the truth. Believe me or not, it doesn't matter to me anymore. I am a faithful believer in God and his plan. He allowed me to walk this path for a reason and I trust him to see me and my family through it. I trust Him to also see all the drivers and their families that have been hit with a FALSE positive, through this mess. As for your comment about twice in the same company....I think you have misunderstood what I wrote or perhaps I wasn't clear. The other and I do NOT work for the same company. We never knew eachother before meeting on a message board. What is the same in our stories is the basis for the questions in my original post: Same lab for sample a Same lab for sample b Same MRO Same certifying scientist Neither of us ever used drugs Marijuana was the detected drug in both our cases A lot of you seem to think that I have pointed the finger at a single person in this process as being "the devil". When I look at the list above I see a lot of different hands that the samples went through. They appear to be all the same hands in both our cases. I am not saying foul play or improper practice. I am saying that this is a big coincidence that 2 drivers from across the country, working at different companies, would end up in the same exact situation with all the same players. The SAMHSA and the DOT would need to investigate to determine what might have happened. I have no idea where the problem occurred, other than there was one. HELLO...I don't do drugs, never have, never will...if a sample taken from me tested positive it was absolutely an error. That is a FACT that I am certain of. Obviously, none of you have found yourself in my shoes....yet. I am praying that those who have see this message. If they don't want to talk in the open forum they can PM me. However, I do mean those in my shoes, you are clean and were at the time of the false positive. No one should have to go this alone and despite some of the comments I have read, there are more of us than anyone here wants to know about. I, in no way want to make it easier for dirty drivers to stay on the road. For those out there all I can offer is to say get clean and stay that way. Don't get behind any wheel until you are completely clean. The life you save may be your own, or that of a loved one. I am not anyones judge but I am in the situation I am because of many drivers using drugs and trying to cover it up or beat the system. It is to the point that clean drivers cannot defend themselves against errors, so I absolutely am not interested in helping out a dirty driver. Drugs destroy lives and users need to consider the cost, they do extend past them. Believe me, I sometimes wish that I could return to my arrogant ignorance about this subject, but I am trusting God in his plan so I know my eventual destination will be better than that place. God Bless! |
comnking,
Rev is voicing a legitimate concern, and as a long standing member, he is invested in this community. You have a reasonable request, and we understand your wish for investigation. We also have our interests, as these discussions are open to the public. As a message board, opinions and facts are going to be presented, relevant or not. I hope you can realize there is some level of predisposition in regards to this subject, on a truck message board. Obviously, the more open and accommodating you are with us will help your cause more. We pick up on certain emotional statements, and it's not unfair for us to wish to take a closer look at what this is about. We each have a certain allowance I believe. How about we all back up a little here, and not begin placing emotions into this discussion, and try to keep this from degrading. Until someone can come along and offer the support you request, it may be best to limit debate. |
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The only thing I want to make sure does NOT happen is that you start tossing out names. That's when it crosses the line from concern and ends up as libel and slander. And that's not a fight you would win.
You're also going to have to realize that in this industry, drugs and alcohol are looked on pretty severely and people show up claiming false drugtests all the time. So you're automatically going to be looked at with extreme suspicion. Only you know if you are truly innocent...the rest of us will keep our own opinions on the subject. But we are entitled to those opinions, just as you are entitled to speak out about the perceived injustice. Just keep the names out of it. Thanks. |
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