Tested Positive for ETOH with QED

[Boonietunes, MSN]

So, I returned to work following FMLA after a recent major surgery. Upon my return and about 2 hours after working in my office, I was summoned to employee health where they asked me to submit for a drug screen. I submitted with no problem. I was the asked to do a mouth swab for ETOH. When the exam was completed on the QED, it was reported that I had an ETOH level of 0.1. The funny thing is I dont drink. When I mentioned this I was informed that this test never fails. I beg to differ. I had all of my medications with me for identification and proof. I am on symbicort in bid, albuterol inhaler q4 prn, doxycycline 100mg bid, also on a cough syrup that I used at 0100 this morning. I have since been suspended and I requested that they do a blood draw to compare the results. The did repeat the QED 15 min after the first one at my insistence. That result reported out at 0.05. Is anyone familiar with this testing device and experienced the same type of results? I know that symbicort and albuterol are alcohols by name. I need help to clear my name, as they are only believing the results of the test that I know for a fact are incorrect. Please help.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Nurses + Recovery might be better forum for advice as deal with chemical testing... asking staff to move your post.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

What kind of cough syrup was it? Many contain alcohol.