False Positives in Saliva Drug Testing

As advanced as modern saliva drug testing is, it isn’t impervious to the odd false positive. That’s why it’s important for positive tests to be confirmed by more in-depth analysis before taking action against someone, especially in the workplace. Apart from compounds than can cause false alarms, there is also the human error and contamination aspect to contend with. Employers must make every effort to keep the saliva drug tests as sterile as possible in order to be able to have confidence in the results.

False positives can be caused by many compounds found in perfectly ordinary, and legal substances which can trigger the positive result in a test. Even in laboratory situations there is the possibility of contamination, which is why samples are often split in two before being tested. One remains separate from the one being tested, just in case. Even though a wrong result can be contested with many employers with an adequate explanation and re-testing, other companies will send the employee to the unemployment office, tribunal or disciplinary board. It’s therefore important for the employee to know what kinds of products can cause false positives so they can be avoided before a scheduled drugs test.

Ibuprofen has been known to trigger the THC response is some saliva drugs tests. This is a known issue and one that is apparently being engineered out of the test kits. It’s something to be aware of though, so avoid taking painkillers that contain it before a test.

Antibiotics have a kit and miss relationship with saliva drug tests. Ones that contain elements of penicillin or Tetracycline have been known to trigger heroin and cocaine markers, so employees will need to alert the employer before taking the test.

Cold remedies can also trigger the amphetamine marker in a test. As can diet pills, pain relievers and decongestants. This is one of the biggest problem areas for saliva drug tests. There are over 300 over the counter remedies that have been known to provide false positives on them.

Dental or medicain Cain based drugs, especially Novocaine also trigger cocaine markers. Many of these kinds of drugs will contain trace amounts of the illegal drug in a perfectly legitimate way. They will trigger saliva and urine drugs tests because the metabolites are identical to those produced by the illegal version.

In most cases a false positive will mean a retest, further testing or observation. In the worst case scenario, it can mean dismissal, so it’s good to know what might trigger a false positive on a saliva drugs test. Being tested can be stressful enough as it is without the worry of your flu medicine setting it off and highlighting amphetamine use to your employer. False positives should be avoided at all costs, because suspicion is sticky feeling. Even if the indications cannot be substantiated, there will be doubt for a much longer period of time.