Positive PETH at evaluation...

[peth_pos]

Hi,

New poster here. I just got back from my fitness for duty eval at one of the big name rehabs. I have been sober for over a year, and wanted to get cleared to work. I am in monitoring with a breathalyzer that I blow into twice daily and random UAs. I’ve been doing this for over a year, no positives or missed check-ins.

The eval went well. I was cleared for work. UA and hair came back negative while I was there. Then I got a call saying my peth came back positive at 65. My understanding is that indicates binge drinking or daily drinking over a long time. 

I am so upset and feel defeated. I paid thousands of dollars for the eval. How could I be binge drinking with a breathalyzer that takes my picture? It doesn’t make sense. Does anyone know else have experience with peth tests? Shady doings at these eval sites?

Thank you!

[RueTrue]

Wow. I’m surprised no one responded to this, what was the outcome of your false positive peth test??

[ThatLady]

I have done a lot of reading on PETH - a lot of it depends on if the sample was taken properly! They can really mess it up if they don't know what they are doing- that being said. Boards are SUPPOSED to take into account ALL the data- like your hair and breath/urines. It looks to me like you have strong validation of your sobriety.  I'd ask for a repeat ASAP and I'd have it videoed to make sure they are doing it properly.  Best of luck.  (((Hugs)))

Lady