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. 

Specializes in Psych.
TrailRunnerRN said:

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!

Yes a UTI can cause positive test! 

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Specializes in Addiction Medicine, ER, and Psychiatry.
Nursing20244 said:

Yes a UTI can cause positive test! 

Thank you!

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hppygr8ful said:

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

 

Any chance of a UTI or yeast infection? That's really scary 

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

Any chance of a UTI or yeast infection? That's really scary 

At the time the Diversion Evaluation Commitee recomended to not use Alcohol based hand sanitizer as preliminary studies incated that it could cause a positive test. I got so used to just washing my hands that I never really go back into using alcohol based sanitizer. During Covid I discovered I had developed a contact allergy to the above named sanitizers which caused the skin on my nads to crack and bleed. When I use Sanitizer it does not have alcohol. I like it cause it also has skin conditioners. 

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Update: my test was negative, thank goodness. After doing some research on the internet some studies say that using hand sanitizer can cause false positives. Even though I've never had a problem using hand sanitizer I think I'll switch to the alcohol free kind or just wash my hands from here on out to save me the peace of mind.

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Specializes in Addiction Medicine, ER, and Psychiatry.

I'm pretty sure, based on some solid detective work, I have found the culprit: Carafate (liquid formulation). I had pretty extensive GI surgery in mid-May. My surgeon prescribed the liquid form of Carafate r/t difficulty swallowing. I looked up the ingredients: ethyl alcohol is used in the cherry flavoring. I have been taking this 4x/day (40 mL) for at least 4 days before the first test.

I will likely fail the PeTH test, but at least I have an answer! 

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TrailRunnerRN said:

I'm pretty sure, based on some solid detective work, I have found the culprit: Carafate (liquid formulation). I had pretty extensive GI surgery in mid-May. My surgeon prescribed the liquid form of Carafate r/t difficulty swallowing. I looked up the ingredients: ethyl alcohol is used in the cherry flavoring. I have been taking this 4x/day (40 mL) for at least 4 days before the first test.

I will likely fail the PeTH test, but at least I have an answer! 

Hooray! Explain how it works now if you don't mind.  You show proof and no negative action is taken against you? 

JuneBug13 said:

Update: my test was negative, thank goodness. After doing some research on the internet some studies say that using hand sanitizer can cause false positives. Even though I've never had a problem using hand sanitizer I think I'll switch to the alcohol free kind or just wash my hands from here on out to save me the peace of mind.

I use regular soap now. I'll return to hand sanitizer when this nightmare is over. 

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Specializes in Psych, BH, LTC, Rehab, Detox.
Healer555 said:

Hooray! Explain how it works now if you don't mind.  You show proof and no negative action is taken against you? 

 

For me,  all I have to do is show proof of the script to the Medical Review Officer who alerts my case analyst for the BON. The urine result will show "prescription positive" for my UDS. Not sure how other types of test work or other states? But it's pretty simple. If I start a new drug I also have to show the case analyst (like a case manager) and it has to be from a doctor they know from my records. Every doc has to sign a paper saying they know I'm in the program. But anyway. Simple answer yes, you show them your script. 

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PsychRNXXX said:

For me,  all I have to do is show proof of the script to the Medical Review Officer who alerts my case analyst for the BON. The urine result will show "prescription positive" for my UDS. Not sure how other types of test work or other states? But it's pretty simple. If I start a new drug I also have to show the case analyst (like a case manager) and it has to be from a doctor they know from my records. Every doc has to sign a paper saying they know I'm in the program. But anyway. Simple answer yes, you show them your script. 

And no extra time for your sentence?

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Specializes in Psych, BH, LTC, Rehab, Detox.
Healer555 said:

And no extra time for your sentence?

Umm no... if I have a script for ANY thing then it's like a pass. Those are just the meds I take or if I start a new med - as long as the case manager is aware and I upload a pharmacy tag for the MRO to review then it's fine. Like I said - it will just say prescription positive. 

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hppygr8ful said:

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

 

Because you were afraid to eat other things because they could cause a positive test?

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PsychRNXXX said:

Umm no... if I have a script for ANY thing then it's like a pass. Those are just the meds I take or if I start a new med - as long as the case manager is aware and I upload a pharmacy tag for the MRO to review then it's fine. Like I said - it will just say prescription positive. 

Are you sure that's true if its a false positive though? Like zoloft can cause a false positive for Benzos but I don't know if you could test positive for benzos, say its d/t your zoloft and get it ruled a "prescription positive". I think thats more for if you test positive for zoloft, it would be a "prescription positive" for zoloft, not benzos. I honestly don't know, I've always been curious about this but I think thats why they tell us to avoid cough syrups and stuff that have alcohol in it

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