False Positive On Home Drug Screen

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Hello Everyone!! I was just offered an RN Case Manager Position which I am thrilled about!!! The company drug screens, which is of course appropriate. Having just recovered from Bronchitis, I wanted to see if I would pass a drug screen without a false positive (I have heard horror stories of such). I took the test, which was positive for valium (not worried - have a prescription) and TCA. I don't take any Tricyclic Antidepressants. I have recently taken benedryl, z-pack, mucinex D, alka seltzer cold medicine, cough medicine with codeine. I have heard that benedryl can cause this false positive? I am also currently taking Prozac and Simvastatin. If the upcoming urine drug screen shows positive for TCA, will the testers confirm this with a GC-MS test ( I hope) which I hear would then confirm that the positive TCA is actually negative. Anyone else run into this? Your comments or help would be appreciated! Thanks!

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

I do think benedryl can cause a false positive, especially for an at home test, depending on the sensitivity of the test. I know in a lab they are much more specific and would surely have to do follow up testing to determine what the preliminary test is detecting. In many cases they have to actually provide values, because there is a threshold for certain tests, and anything under it is considered a negative.

Truly, I wouldn't be concerned about taking benedryl and testing false positive, with the amount of tylenol pm alone, people would be testing positive all over the place.

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Specializes in ICU.

Can I ask why they screen for tricyclics antidepressants? I am just curious as people take them for depression. I don't take those anymore, but I did years ago for depression and I think they helped me sleep so I always took at night. I just wonder why it would be their business.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Yes they will send any positive test for GCMS. Then will ask u to confirm your Rx

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I'm not sure if this company will screen for TCA, however the home drug screening test included this (12 panel test). TCA's from what I understand are the most common cause of death from prescription medications (per google at least). From further research, it appears that some of the medications in the TCA family are at times used recreationally (central nervous system depression). I'm just concerned that my positive TCA will hinder my chances of getting this job (no prescriptions for TCA Medications such as elavil nor do I take them). Just a bit scared! I really want this job! :-)

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Typically employers do a 10 panel plus opiates. I don't think TCAs are included.

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To Keylimesqueez: That's concerning since I don't have a prescription for any TCA's nor do I take them. What do I do?

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

When they do the GCMS it will be clear that it is Benadryl and not TCA. But like I said they likely won't include TCA

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When they do the GCMS it will be clear that it is Benadryl and not TCA. But like I said they likely won't include TCA

Thank you Keylimesqueez!

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