Firstlab

[Studentnursedgm]

Hello,

Since my last posting, I have enrolled with firstlab and I am in the monitoring program in LA. I am required to check in daily and I submit to random drug and alcohol screenings. I have refrained from drug use and remained completely sober but there is one thing weighing on my mind. I am aware that I am to steer away from otc meds such as nyquil, benadryl, etc. My concern is that I take ranitidine, also known as Zantac. It is the only otc medicine that I use, so I researched online making sure it is safe to take in regards to urine screens. Come to find out, ranitidine has resulted in numerous false positive for methamphetamine!!! I took a urine screen a few days ago, which I was not concerned about at all until reading about the false positive. Should I call first lab? Wait for them to contact me? I feel that more than likely I am stressing over nothing, but I have worked too hard to get where I am to allow a false positive to get in the way. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[TXRN2]

If I were you, I would contact your case manager to 1. ask if taking the Zantac is permitted, & 2. this will alert her to the fact that you have been taking it, unaware that it might be a problem, just in case the drug screen comes up positive for anything. I would think, though, that if it does come up positive, it can be verified that it was not actually meth. Best of luck! This will all become easier!!

[10yearnurse]

I doubt this will cause you a problem. I agree with txrn. Email your case manger just to be sure. But, try not to worry. Don't contact first lab. Im sure you will be fine.

[Studentnursedgm]

Thanks guys. I plan to contact my case manager tomorrow since today is good ol labor day.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

The odds of legit medications triggering false positives for drugs is actually lower than people think.

That being said, TXRN2 perfectly summed it up what you should do. In your case, it's far better to be proactive about it.