Dilute Negative Drug Test

[Alyssa]

I'm accepted into a nursing program in Texas. I went yesterday to take my drug test and went this morning to send my results to my school and it said "Dilute Negative". I only drink water and about a normal amount of water and don't have anything to worry about in regards to drugs. Has this been a problem with anyone?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

You will probably have to retest. Your statement about how much water you drink is subjective. I would refrain the day you retest until after your test is done.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

I think I've shared this story before. One time in my career have I not received a job due to a drug test. I have never taken an illegal, non-prescribed drug in my entire life. I drank too much water the day of my drug test due to difficulty with timed voiding due to chronic kidney/bladder issues, so the test came back as diluted. For that particular employer, a diluted drug test automatically meant a negative drug test for them. I even had doctor write a note explaining the situation and they still stuck to their guns.

[Alyssa]

4 minutes ago, JadedCPN said:

I think I've shared this story before. One time in my career have I not received a job due to a drug test. I have never taken an illegal, non-prescribed drug in my entire life. I drank too much water the day of my drug test due to difficulty with timed voiding due to chronic kidney/bladder issues, so the test came back as diluted. For that particular employer, a diluted drug test automatically meant a negative drug test for them. I even had doctor write a note explaining the situation and they still stuck to their guns.

This is for nursing school. I have never taken anything illegal either and I am really hoping they do not penalize me for drinking water before. I took it in the morning and only drank a standard bottle of water before I got to the testing center. And with coronavirus making finding testing so difficult to find I hope they can just see this as a negative result.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

I'd recommend that you try to test first thing in the morning; if at all possible, do not pee after you wake up in the morning (avoid drinking any water, either) and just go straight to the testing center. Your urine when you first wake up tends to be more concentrated than your urine throughout the day.

[Tegridy]

I drink a lot and usually get these. Have never had an issue.

[ForTheKids, BSN, RN]

I have! I once drank a bottle of water on my way to the appointment and found out a few days later it was negative because it was too dilute. I agree with the above comment, make the appointment early in the AM depending when you wake up, don't use the restroom and just go when you get there! It was the worst to have to retest with someone standing in the small bathroom with me, I almost gave the whole thing up because I am so pee shy and couldn't get myself to go LOL! I will never drink water before my drug testing appointments again!