When do you question the testing?

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Specializes in Addiction Medicine, ER, and Psychiatry.

I've been a lurker and sometime poster for a while. I've found you all so helpful since I joined in 2014. Now I'm reaching out. I have been in my monitoring program a while now. Due to certain circumstances (a combination of psych meds and long distance running), I have had multiple hardships with keeping my creatinine above the "legal" limit of 20. Finally, with the help of my psych MD and my own personal pleads with the BON, I have been able to secure alternative testing, at my request (and painfully expense).

We all know that hair can go back 90-days... but if I was just tested two weeks ago (negative), should I be concerned that I am being tested again by hair today? If I get tested by hair every month, I'll be bald... or I'll have to stop shaving my pits. At least it's winter.

My question is, at what point would you question that it's excessive? I realize they can do what they want, but I only have a limited amount of hair.

Thanks in advance for your input!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
3 hours ago, cfvincent said:

We all know that hair can go back 90-days... but if I was just tested two weeks ago (negative), should I be concerned that I am being tested again by hair today? If I get tested by hair every month, I'll be bald... or I'll have to stop shaving my pits. At least it's winter.

I don't have an answer for you but I love your sense of humor. At least it's winter! Hang in there.

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Oh hell yea I would have to ask them. It’s a financial burden that isn’t necessary. Be nice. But ask.

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I have a friend in a similar situation. She spoke up and they realized they had changed the type of testing but made an error and neglected to change the frequency.

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Specializes in Addiction Medicine, ER, and Psychiatry.

Thanks, Valerie! If this happens a few more times, I'll say something... I mean I know I asked for the alternative testing, but I'm going to look like my old Barbie doll soon.

I knew I could count on you guys to help me through a challenging situation.

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