False positive urine

[TESSIENP]

An hpmp participant for almost 4 years. Recently a urine showed positive nitrites and I was asked if I had adulterated. Of course, no. And the split sample was repeated. I didn't hear anything, didn't have anything to hide, assumed all was good. 2.5 months go by and "BAM!" A CALL AT WORK STATING IVE ADULTERATED MY URINE. Stop practice. States nitrites were too high. Awaiting "staffing"

[SNB1014, RN]

On 11/13/2019 at 3:32 PM, TESSIENP said:

An hpmp participant for almost 4 years. Recently a urine showed positive nitrites and I was asked if I had adulterated. Of course, no. And the split sample was repeated. I didn't hear anything, didn't have anything to hide, assumed all was good. 2.5 months go by and "BAM!" A CALL AT WORK STATING I've ADULTERATED MY URINE. Stop practice. States nitrites were too high. Awaiting "staffing"

I have a neurogenic bladder and hence I need to self catch.  Practically by default I have UTI very frequently.  My urine CX often comes up + for nitrates.  I’ve never had an issue testing.  Perhaps the level was outrageous?? See if you can get a lawyer to subpoena those results, see you pcp stat for a UTI workup, and if positive get on abx stat.  Then repeat a urine cx.  Then it would be wise for the lawyer to help you contest these results or see if another qualified pathologist/ lab can independently verify the program’s test or refute it

[RegularDiet, BSN]

Hppy - Can you tell us more about the incidental exposure process? I'm waiting test results and with Winter, chapped hands, hand sanitizer, omicron etc. I'm terrified. What is the process after a positive test result? 

[TESSIENP]

Happy Holidays.   Incidental exposure to etoh is supposedly factored into the UDS cutoff amounts. Saying that, for etoh is often zero.  I hope the split is being tested for presence of egt because it is a metabolite of etoh.  If it's present, the assumption is, you've consumed alcohol and not of accidental exposure.  If this is the finding, most monitoring programs will place you as noncompliant, option of treatment, pull you out of work, or all of these.   If this is a sequential event, I would expect to be dismissed.  They can also send a complaint to your state nursing board stating you are unsafe to practice.