Selected for urine test and used hand sanitizer

Nurses Recovery

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So I usually use hand sanitizer and never had a problem but now I'm worried because I stupidly sniffed my hand to see if they still smelled like gloves after I used it. Right after I did that I had instant regret. I'm worried I'll test positive for alcohol now. I've never drank since I've been in a recovery program. And I don't have a substance problem. Do yall think I'll be positive? Should I go pee a few times before I test? Any info is helpful. 

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Specializes in Psych.

Relax you won't be positive . It doesn't work like that. 

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Nursing20244 said:

Relax you won't be positive . It doesn't work like that. 

Okay thanks. I just need reassurance.

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Specializes in Psych.

I have been using hand sanitizer daily and still use perfume. I am approaching the end of a 2 year agreement.  Smelling alcohol does not get into your body. 

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Specializes in Addiction Medicine, ER, and Psychiatry.

We shouldn't have to live like this. We shouldn't have to ask this type of question. I hate that these programs have reduced us to this level of fear. Together we are stronger ❤️ 

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I think they just say that so people don't try and use it as an excuse for testing positive. LOL I was in  monitoring all through covid and used lots of hand sanitizer and never had an issue. also gave myself shots and used lots of alcohol swabs

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Specializes in Psych.
TrailRunnerRN said:

We shouldn't have to live like this. We shouldn't have to ask this type of question. I hate that these programs have reduced us to this level of fear. Together we are stronger ❤️ 

I agree the nightmare and the anxiety it has created is sad.. better days are to come stay strong ! 

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TrailRunnerRN said:

We shouldn't have to live like this. We shouldn't have to ask this type of question. I hate that these programs have reduced us to this level of fear. Together we are stronger ❤️ 

Agree. I have a phobia of hand sanitizer and anything with alcohol.  I was at an event last weekend and the person next to me was drinking beer and I asked my friend to switch seats so I wouldn't breathe the alcohol odor and I don't have a SUD.  The things we do to keep our licenses.  I really appreciate this forum because the people who attend the group therapy I am ordered to attend actually like all the bs we are forced to endure.  

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

It's highly unlikely that the ETG will be positive but be prepared just in case. No amount of water will change this as ETG is a product of ETOH from the liver. There's a lot of anecdotal stories about ETG and hand sanitizer, I took the safe route and just washed my hands alot for like 5 years. Stll hade 3 false popsitive during that time. 

Hppygr8ful

  

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hppygr8ful said:

It's highly unlikely that the ETG will be positive but be prepared just in case. No amount of water will change this as ETG is a product of ETOH from the liver. There's a lot of anecdotal stories about ETG and hand sanitizer, I took the safe route and just washed my hands alot for like 5 years. Stll hade 3 false popsitive during that time. 

Hppygr8ful

  

Did you read ingredients of food? Use other products with alcohol?  Was it a peth test you failed? Ever find out why the false positive?  I don't change any products, eat the same boring foods to reduce my chances of a false positive.  

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Specializes in Addiction Medicine, ER, and Psychiatry.

One hour after I posted on this thread, I received a call from my case manager stating that my last two tests were ETG positive. I have been sober for 16 months. I requested a PETH, which was drawn this afternoon. I also met with my nephrologist yesterday and labs show I have a UTI. Does anyone know if a UTI will cause false positive results? I'm not backing down on this one. Thanks!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Healer555 said:

Did you read ingredients of food? Use other products with alcohol?  Was it a peth test you failed? Ever find out why the false positive?  I don't change any products, eat the same boring foods to reduce my chances of a false positive.  

Back in the day we didn't have peth tests and I basically lived off chicken breasts and meat without marinade. I made my own salad dressings as well

 

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