TPAPN random drug screening

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jun 11, 2014

i checked online each am, for the total time of monitoring, including weekends, never was selected on a weekend, uds had to be completed that working day, ie before lab closed......glad they cut you some slack.

Oogie · Jun 11, 2014

OK this is how it went for me, I'd call in to (or log in on line) starting @ 0430 am every day of the week, (yes Sat & Sun too!). you have until 2 pm to call or login (the cutoff) if called I had to go to Quest lab before 6pm (check your locations hours) to donate the sample Have a file with lots of copies of the form in the truck of your car so you don't forget this part, no form they wont accept a sample. I usually only tested about 3 times a month. but there were months I did check more, totally random sometime I'd go 3 weeks without testing, then bam 4 in a week. I never had to donate on a sat or sun or holiday, not saying that its not possible tho. Results available online option 1 in a couple days, option 2 .4-5 days, option 3 over a week. Good luck with that, hope this helps.....I completed you can too..... Peace

cat_lady_jr · Jun 11, 2014

I would advise you to check RecoveryTrek every morning (weekends and holidays) and set an alarm on your phone to remind you to check. I've never been chosen on a weekend or holiday in almost 3 years, but that doesn't mean it might not happen. I don't think I ever was chosen to do 3 to 4 in a week; 2 on a rare occasion, but never that much in a week. I would also advise you shop around labs if possible. You would think the process of giving a sample would be regimented and not open to differences, but it is. There is a private drug testing office I go to when I'm off work on a testing day because it's closer to my house. Otherwise I would never go there. The people that own the place are nice, but they have a couple of employees that are a bit much. There's one lady that sets a loud ticking timer to 4 minutes outside the door. The bathroom door also has no lock and the bathroom is FULL of fluorescent signs with prohibitions like, "If you are messy we won't take your sample. If you leave your paper towel on the floor after being allowed to wash your hands, we won't take you sample". All that conspires to make my bladder very shy. They also have this infrared gun they use to check the temp afterwards that is not that accurate. I've barely made the temp cut-off multiple times. My usual Quest office near work is way less anxiety producing. They use a quiet electric timer and read the temp off the side of the specimen cup. I've never had an issue with them and they make my bladder happy :) Find a place that does things the way you like because you're going to be giving them a lot of pee. I would also advise that you find the rhythm of your bladder. I know that sounds crazy, but it took me a while to get where I was drinking enough water to give the ordered volume, but not so much that it was dilute.

TXRNC · Jun 11, 2014

Well I have to say never had timer set but I agree different places have different procedures and if you ask they all say it's by the book.I test at a private owned lab near my home most the time door open but she sits at desk facing other way not to bad.But check in everyday I have not been tested on weekend or holidays either 1-4 times a month very random close together like next day far apart like 8 weeks you never know so always be prepared.

catmom1, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2014

I was tested for over 5 years. For about the last two or so, they started doing "directly observed" collections. I was shocked the first time it happened because I had never had any issues or violations of the rules. My guess is that someone somewhere tried pulling something and the policy was changed program-wide.

"Directly observed" meant that the tech would come in and stand right next to you to watch you pee in the cup.

So those of you who can have any privacy at all should count yourselves lucky.

I also had to call in 365 days per year but once I was late calling on a Sunday (the recorded message cut off at 2 PM) and called the testing place in a panic. That was when I found out it was closed on weekends and holidays. No weekend testing site was ever given so it was obvious to me that the monitoring program wanted us to think we could be tested 7 days a week, although it would never happen.

Catmom :paw:

cat_lady_jr · Jun 11, 2014

Oh gawd...I don't know how I would pee with someone watching. That's hardcore! I think in TPAPN you have to be under suspicion or caught tampering with your sample to get observed collections.

RNwannbe · Jun 11, 2014

So what's all this I'm reading about false positives if I drink a non alcoholic beer?

RNwannbe · Jun 11, 2014

So what's all this I'm reading about false positives if I drink a non alcoholic beer?

Oogie · Jun 11, 2014

although its labled as non alcoholic beer, it does have like 0.5% etoh, BEER is fermented grains. read the lables closely

cat_lady_jr · Jun 11, 2014

Non-alcoholic beer actually has some alcohol in it. You would have to drink a ton of them to get a buzz, but even 1 has enough ethanol to trigger the dreaded Etg test. I drink Topo Chico and mineral water when I'm out and about to get something fizzy and truly non-alcoholic.

RNwannbe · Jul 5, 2014

Thanks for everyones input. I received the order in the mail and it stated the following. I will be required to call in Mon-Friday of every week for the next two years. For the first 3 months I will be tested once a week. For the next 3 months I will be tested twice a month. For the following 12 months I will be tested once every 3 months. This won't be a problem. I already stopped the minimal drinking I was doing even though I don't have to start this monitoring until August.