might sound dumb, but pos drug screen ??

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by TracyB,RN
Mar 14, '03   Views: 3,817   Comments: 28

  1. Ok, I had a positive drug screen. . .taking Tyl#3 s/p wisdom teeth extraction. . . my screen was positive for codeine & morphine. . . Trying to remember but can't find anything in my books, is codeine excreted through urine as morphine?
    Thanks.
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    About TracyB,RN

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    28 Comments

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  3. by sanakruz
    Mar 14, '03
    Yes metabolites show up as morphine
  4. by SandyB
    Mar 14, '03
    If you have a Rx all you had to do was tell them you were on the med and they don't count it as bad that it was positive. I was on darvocette for one drug screen, told them and no big deal!
  5. by RN2B2005
    Mar 14, '03
    Yup. Opiates show up as opiates, regardless of source. Some tests are more specific than others, but if you're on Tylenol #3 (or anything else) and you've taken a dose within the last 72 hours, you'll test positive. Opiates also show up in hair and blood tests.

    It's best to tell the testing staff about your prescription before you pee in the little cup, but if you didn't, producing your prescription should cover you.
  6. by deespoohbear
    Mar 14, '03
    Same thing happened to me a couple of years ago. I had some sinus surgery and was taking Tyl# 3 at night. I told the lab tech when I did the drug screen that I was on T#3 and she said if there was a problem they would let me know. Well, sure enough the screen came back positive for opiates. I just gave them the name of the pharmacy and the prescribing doc. Never heard anymore about it and got the job. So everything must have been okay.
  7. by Rustyhammer
    Mar 14, '03
    My question is....Why the drug screen?
    Are these routine?
    We don't do them , we may not have any nurses left to work. hahaha.
    seriously we do them on hire but then thats it.
    -Russell
  8. by sixes
    Mar 14, '03
    I've never had to have a drug screen. I have heard that the hospital I applied at and have recieved an interview with requires one before being hired.
    Is this a routine requirement where you work????
  9. by Repat
    Mar 14, '03
    It's a routine requirement for new hires where I work. I've seen loads of 'drug free environment' ads that usuallyt ranslate to 'drug screen required before employment'.
  10. by caroladybelle
    Mar 14, '03
    Currently about 81% of large workplaces in the US do preemployment drug screens. (stats per Barbara Ehrenreich - sp? - from research in her book, "Nickel and Dimed"
    Last edit by caroladybelle on Mar 14, '03
  11. by Lausana
    Mar 14, '03
    We have them required on hire, and 'random' testing.

    Which doesn't really occur, they just want to keep everyone on their toes...but I think we're on to them
  12. by baseline
    Mar 14, '03
    We have them done annually. They always ask if you have taken any medication in the last week(?) Not sure of the time thing.
  13. by casperbjs
    Mar 14, '03
    Where I work they routinely do them on new hires, and do random checking. They just started this in October 2002. They say insurance is cheaper because they started this.
  14. by passing thru
    Mar 14, '03
    The hospital where I work does them on hire and annually. When I hired on, I was there at 8 a.m. for my pee test and blow in the breathalyzer test. I ask the breathalyzer guy, "Why give this test at 8 a.m.? Who would have alcohol on their breath at eight o'clock in the morning??" He said, "you'd be surprised how many people get up and have a drink ....................or two, to get them going in the morning or to get their "nerve" up to come in here for pre-employment testing!!" LOL DUH ! You're coming in for a pee test and you want to slug down a couple?? They must be drawing unemployment !!

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