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[catkaminski]

Positve Urine Drug Screen

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I have been in the nursing field for ten years. I recently was off work on a medical leave. When I returned to work I had to submit to a mandatory urine drug screen, which I willingly did of course. I recieved a phone call around 2 weeks later from the MRO (Medical Review Officer) who informed me that my test results were in and that I had a positive urine drug screen. I was shocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He then went on to inform me that it was benzodiazipines and that I neede to provide legal proof for the positve test. He said he needed a letter from a physician that I had been prescribed a medication with this classification. I could not account for any med that I would have taken in this category. I then remembered that I had went for a colonoscopy on March 27th and I was given Versed/Midazalom, I quickly had my physician fax the proof to them (Occupational Health). A couple days later the MRO called me back and told me that the medications I recieved during the colonoscopy could not be the culprit for my positive test, as it had been too long since the colonoscopy was performed (27 days). He reported my positive drug screen to my employer, who now wants to have a formal meeting with me tomorrow (May 20th at noon). I am so worried and I am totally inicent. I guess from what my boss says I may end up suspended for three days or more without pay pending there investigation into this and I will be retested. Anyone ever been through anything similar? Is there any kind of legal advice out there for me???????????????

[talaxandra]

Hi Cat,

I'm sorry that I don't have any advice for you, but I wanted to send you my best wishes that your meeting goes smoothly.

Drug testing nurses isn't standard practice in Australia, but I believe that they're not always particularly accurate, erring on the false positive side. The Mythbusters found that they tested positive for opiates many hours after consuming a small amount of poppyseed cake, for example.

The only thing I could suggest is that, if anything troublesome does arise as a consequence, that you pay for a more accurate drug test yourself - hair strand testing covers several months, and is (I believe) more sensitive and accurate.

Once again, good luck :)