Drug Testing Pregnant Women Produces False Positives (And Kills Babies)
A major and underappreciated problem with drug testing is that the stupid tests don’t even work. They say people took drugs when they didn’t. The problem is particularly apparent in the case of pregnant women who are frequently targeted for drug screening, but whose changing body chemistry throws off the results:
Of course, drug policy and science cannot coexist harmoniously, thus babies are taken from mothers who test positive, even though the tests are constantly wrong. In one tragic case, a child died in foster care after being wrongly separated from her mother:
I hope I'm not being generous, but I really think almost anyone would agree that this is just sickening and horrible. The press coverage will hopefully initiate progress towards cleaning up the procedures that contributed to this travesty. I will hold out hope that common sense can prevail over the mindlessness of taking children from their parents based on evidence that is proven to be wrong up to 70% of the time, particularly now that the alternatives we have available for those children have been demonstrated to be fatally inadequate.
But there is also a larger lesson here that must not escape our attention. Think for a moment about how many women have already been falsely accused under this wildly unjust policy. Think about the social consequences of tearing families apart based on deeply flawed science in a criminal justice system that strikes without hesitation but drags its heels when it comes to righting such ubiquitous wrongs. Ask yourself, also, how such a policy was ever implemented in the first place, doomed as it was to destroy innocent families so capriciously.
Once again, we are faced with a monumental travesty, grand in scope, yet remarkably simple in origin; we should protect unborn children from drug-using mothers. We've wreaked unimaginable and undue suffering upon innocent parents and children in pursuit of the noblest of ideals. That, unfortunately, is the story of most aspects of our drug policy when they receive appropriate scrutiny. The totality of such repeated travesties forms a terrifying mosaic, the true, yet largely untold story of how our drug policies destroy innocent lives each and every day in ways we might never expect.
It is precisely because the idea to protect babies from drugs is such a no-brainer that a plan was drafted with no brains.
Hospitals' initial urine- screening drug tests on pregnant women can produce a high rate of false positives - particularly for methamphetamine and opiates - because they are technically complex and interpretation of the results can be difficult, some experts say.
Tests for methamphetamine are wrong an average of 26 percent - and possibly up to 70 percent - of the time, according to studies by the University of Kansas Medical Center, U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. [DailyNews]
Of course, drug policy and science cannot coexist harmoniously, thus babies are taken from mothers who test positive, even though the tests are constantly wrong. In one tragic case, a child died in foster care after being wrongly separated from her mother:
Growing up in Los Angeles County's foster care system, Elizabeth Espinoza is sure of one thing: A baby needs its mother.
Espinoza, who was separated from her own mother when she was young because of neglect, also had her newborn baby taken by the foster-care system when she tested positive for marijuana and cocaine at the hospital after giving birth.
Just three months later, the baby, Gerardo, died when his foster mother strapped him into a car seat, took him to a neighbor's home and left him in the car seat on a bed, according to a lawsuit filed against the county's Department of Children and Family Services seeking unspecified damages. [DailyNews]
I hope I'm not being generous, but I really think almost anyone would agree that this is just sickening and horrible. The press coverage will hopefully initiate progress towards cleaning up the procedures that contributed to this travesty. I will hold out hope that common sense can prevail over the mindlessness of taking children from their parents based on evidence that is proven to be wrong up to 70% of the time, particularly now that the alternatives we have available for those children have been demonstrated to be fatally inadequate.
But there is also a larger lesson here that must not escape our attention. Think for a moment about how many women have already been falsely accused under this wildly unjust policy. Think about the social consequences of tearing families apart based on deeply flawed science in a criminal justice system that strikes without hesitation but drags its heels when it comes to righting such ubiquitous wrongs. Ask yourself, also, how such a policy was ever implemented in the first place, doomed as it was to destroy innocent families so capriciously.
Once again, we are faced with a monumental travesty, grand in scope, yet remarkably simple in origin; we should protect unborn children from drug-using mothers. We've wreaked unimaginable and undue suffering upon innocent parents and children in pursuit of the noblest of ideals. That, unfortunately, is the story of most aspects of our drug policy when they receive appropriate scrutiny. The totality of such repeated travesties forms a terrifying mosaic, the true, yet largely untold story of how our drug policies destroy innocent lives each and every day in ways we might never expect.
It is precisely because the idea to protect babies from drugs is such a no-brainer that a plan was drafted with no brains.
Looking for the easiest way to join the anti-drug war movement? You've found it!
Even if the tests were 100% accurate,
the pretense of protecting babies from drugs doesn't justify the reckless destruction of families.
And I do mean "pretense." Like everything else about prohibition, taking babies from "drug-using" mothers was NEVER about protecting anybody; it's merely one more way to penalize people who use illegal drugs. The babies are merely one-use tools.
Use them once and throw them away.
Innocent Mother Without Her Three Month Old Baby
I am currently a victim of a false positive initial urine test at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN. There was apparently drugs found in my system when I came in for emergency c-section for my son. There was none found in his first bowel movement. I did not find this out from doctors or nurses, but CPS who came to interrogate me after my son and I almost lost our lives due to an abruption of my placenta (which according to my OBGYN - was no fault of my own). My son was then in NICU and I had to have 2 units of blood, and wasn't even able to lay eyes on him until almost 36hrs after giving birth. My son was in NICU for almost 3 weeks. I wanted him to have best possible start so I was pumping breast milk at home and running it back and forth trying to find time and ability having a 4 year old, and a troubled 17 year old. I am a single mother. I lost my job due to early labor, lost my car because I could not pay for it. He fought hard and made it home. About a week and a 1/2 later he ended up in hospital again due to RSV for four days. He was throwing up mucous, and therefore throwing up his food and was not gaining, but not losing. We overcame that and made it home again. He was finally getting strong enough to build up my breast milk, and gaining weight. THEN CPS took my children, gave my 17 and 4 year old to my ex-husband who hasn't been around since april of 2007 (he pled quilty to Felony Domestic Battery on myself, and two misdemenors on my two children. My poor 3-month old sits in Foster Care currrently. I cannot get him back home because I am a drug user according to CPS that is going by a false positive urine drug test done on me upon entry into hospital the night I gave birth. He has 2 health issues that require surgery at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, In. He has missed 2 appointments with these surgeons because of being in Foster Care. CPS is requiring I take drug evals, drug assessments, drug tests, and drug counseling - which has yet to be set up by them. They were taken from home June 19, 2009. I have seen my 4 year old for 1 hour, my 3-month old 4 hours, and today is July 16, 2009! I cannot afford an attorney and they know this. I lost my breast milk. I am just more than devastated! I will keep fighting for the return of my children. I am never giving up until they are back with their Mother where they belong. I just can't help but wonder if my children think I abandoned them! If anyone knows of help for my family - all would be greatly appreciated!!! Pray for us!!!
i feel for u
i know how u feel i had a false positive and just got done with the cps bullshit it took just shy of 9 months, me and the father had to jump through a million little hoops they cost us our home, my job, hundreds of dollars, well 1395.67 total, and turns out that the drug screen that stemed all of this was taken without my consent which i just found out through research, that the supreme court had ruled infavor of a mother because without my consent it was unreasonable seizer of my body fluid . the dr office was surpossed to get my permission and they didnt, so im unsure where to go from here i want to sue them for malpractice but all i can say is that stick it out do everything cps wants u to do and more, if u have to do drug classes like me do them with all of ur being, go to extra aa/na meetings it looks great maybe even seeing a theripist one time a month it all looks good on u and as long as u comply with what they want u to do they cannot keep ur children from u if u do everything right the judge will order them to close ur case it cant be open too long if ur not messing up....but be informed and educated on ur rights if i knew when i had my son what i know now things would have been a lot smoother in my favor...good luck god bless, just keep praying and remain vigilant on ur requirements from cps... also contact legal aid for sure know ur rights they can help with a lot
Hi I know this was posted in
Hi I know this was posted in 2009 but I have a similar case and wanted to know what the outcome was of yours if you dont mind.
hello my name is Ava and my
hello my name is Ava and my sister is currently dealing with the same situation. they are accusing her of taking drugs while pregnant with her son. He came two months early and had to perform a c section. they did not let her see her baby for 24 hours. A day later sent in a social worker and told her she was a drug user when clearly she wasnt. The night before a nurse came in an said are you ready for your next dose of methadone. She was very confused as to why they would even say that to her. Was it to be rude or a mistake? we do not know. A doctor told us they dont even carry methadone in this Pacific hospital RWJ. She is very upset that they are accusing her of something she did not do.
reason for false positives in delivering women
how many pregnant women have chronic heartburn? did you know that zantac 150 will cause false positives for amphetamines and methamphetamines and what makes more sense than exactly that that explaines why it is so much higher in pregnant women its the heartburn medicine thats why they are supposed to do a confirmation test because for heartburn meds the gas confirmation test rules out the false positive for heartburn meds how crazy all these women loose their children and cant figure out why when they knew they were not drug users and baffled how the test could be positive unfortunately they dont confirm the positive result and have already made a report to cps and then conveiniently lost all the other tests to save face how sick is that
Reason testing false positive in delivering woman
This is March 28th 2017. My daughter just had her second child last week. She had an emergancy c section. She received a urine test before the c section. The c section went as planned and my daughter was placed in her room with her new baby. The next morning children serv. made a visit to her room saying that her urine test showed she had pot and meth in her system. So she asked for another urine test since she doesn't, or hadn't done either and it was without a doubt a false pos. Well, they refused to give her another test and placed her children with her husband's parents for now until they get the blood test from the baby's cord blood back. BUT, for 9 long month my daughter has taken rantidine tablets (150 mg. twice daily) her entire preg. She had severe heart burn and was told by her Dr. to buy the rantidine tabs. and it would help. My daughter is without her two children now. She's still waiting for the results of the cord blood, but it's going to be 100% neg. without a doubt. I went in 2015 and applied for a job, and it required a urine drug test. I'm 57 years old. I smoke cigs, take a few motrin once in a blue moon, but have GERD so I too take 300 mg of rantidine daily, and have been for many years. I failed my drug test. I just laughed it off because I knew better. Then I went and applied for another job a few months after that and BAM, again I tested positive for Meth. So they told me to wait and come back in a week so I did, and again, I tested pos. for Meth. So I complained, griped to every friend and stranger that I knew, shared my experience on my face book page and left it alone. So there was one more job that I wanted to apply for so I applied. I told them about my exprience with urine tests...they just looked at me and had me go pee for them. Again! It came back positive for Meth. This is 4, count them 4 false positives for Meth. I didin't have to work. I just wanted something to do. It's a good thing because I would be working at sonic, or on welfare because I couldnt get a good job because I kept showing pos. for Meth. SOMEONE NEEDS SEWED!!!! I don't know who's at fault here but the needs to be a class action law suit against these companies. My daugher is going to have hell even after the text come back neg. She told my that they treat her like a drug addict. the entire birth experience has been a nightmare for her and her husband. Neither of them can be around their childen by themself. Until these companies are sewed, the urine test companies are going to ruin a lot of peoples lives. This is bullshit.
help aginst dfax
your best bet is the ACLU if anyone out there knows how to start a law suite against them on behalf of all familes hurt by DCFS i would be more than willing to help the start up cost AFTER MEETING with the lawyer
Re: willing to help with start up cost for females
DCS IN AZ
I am in AZ and I am in process of trying to proceed with Federal Suit against DCS. I have a Paralegal Degree but unfortunately when taking claims to Federal Level, Pro Se is probably not going to have a favorable outcome. I have tried legal aid, pro bono, activist groups, advocacy organizations and lawyers in other states; but NONE are willing to take on DCS. I have a CLEAR AND CONVINCING SOLID case against DCS. I have documented proof I just need the Legal Professional Assistance; but because of this case, i have lost everything. So if your offer to help with start up cost is valid and still stands; please let me know what the stipulations are?
Thank you
Me and my husband are going
Tim my name is Kayla. I live
I'm in South Carolina and
Get proof from the doctor of
Get proof from the doctor of the fa
Se positive test and what caused it
I know about this travesty
I know about this travesty personally as I was blindly drug tested when giving birth to my son. I tested positive for marijuana. I was required to meet with a social worker and then child protective services before being allowed to take my baby home from the hospital. The meeting with the social worker was ridiculous. All that she asked were questions about my (and my husband's) financial situation. I own a small business and my husband is a partner in a large regional law firm, so the questions seemed a little inapplicable. I ultimately met with child protective services who was required by law to refer me to an alcohol and drugs assessment center where I was mandated to take a month's worth of "drug education" classes. Since I have money (the classes cost $100), a car and a husband, it really wasn't too much of a hardship. The women who were without a car, money and a husband or someone who could take care of their baby while they attended these classes were much more inconvenienced than myself. I was shocked that every week the classes consisted almost entirely of women. On the last class, I summoned up the nerve to ask the other women why they were there. Overwhelmingly the class consisted of women like myself who tested positive for marijunana when giving birth. I don't expect anyone to sympathize with me for using marijuana while pregnant, a decision that I researched and knowingly made and don't regret, rather for the civil rights violation. Here we have another clear example of ill conceived drug war strategies by the government that disproportionately affect the poor. If I were to get pregnant again, I realize my options are abortion or home birth. I will never go to a hospital again EVER.
drug testing babies
I know you chose to be anonymous for a reason, but, im bout to be in the same situation and i kinda wanted to know where your from so i can know if i might face the same thing... thanx
reply
I am located in Kentucky, but having researched this thoroughly since giving birth, many states have some type of law enabling hosptials to drug test women giving birth. In Kentucky, the law says that the woman must give consent to the drug test, but I never consented to such a test.
I AM A CANNABIS PATIENT IN KENTUCKY WHICH OFFERS NO PROTECTION
WHAT AM I TO DO ?
RISK MY HEALTH THE HEALTH. THE HEALTH OF MY CHILD DEPENDS ON WHILE I CARRY... MY HEALTH DEPENDS ON MY CANNABIS USE.
AM I TOO TRY TO START OVER SOMEWHERE WHERE THERE IS PROTECTION ???
THIS TOO PUTS MY HEALTH IN A STRAIN AND PLACES MY PREGNANCY AT RISK.
CARRY FACE ARREST HAVE MY CHILD TAKEN AND FIGHT LATTER TO GET HIM OR HER BACK... ???
THIS TOO PLACES OUR HEALTH AT RISK.
I WANT TO SUE THE STATE AT THIS POINT FOR PLACING ME AND MY CHILD'S LIFE AT RISK.
THEY KNOW I AM A MARINOL PATIENT.
AND THAT THE MAN MADE FORM OF THE MEDICATION IS NOT ADEQUATE...
CURRENTLY FACING CHARGES ALREADY IN KENTUCKY AGAIN FOR MY MEDICAL USE.
I NEED HELP !
MAJOR HELP IN A MAJOR WAY !
I NEED A MIRACLE
SINCERELY,
REV. MARY
CANNABIS PATIENT & EXPECTING MOTHER IN KENTUCKY
http://www.diversesanctuary.ning.com
ky marijuana mom
move
drug mother
What disease except addiction is dependant on drugs?? Do you have ANY clue as to what that does and did to your baby while he or she was inside of you? Do you have any education about health and drugs and being pregnant? If you can not give up your drugs for your own baby, then you do not deserve her. Being a mother is doing what is best for your child, you are being very selfish, and your only concern in the whole letter is how to protect your drug use, nothing about your baby!!!! Why don't you find some help, get off your pot, and be a mom. Moving doesn't harm a baby, the only thing that you talked about that will harm your baby is your drug use. I wish you the best, especially that baby, for his or her sake, please get help! And if you REALLY feel that you just CAN'T stop your drugs, then PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, don't have anymore children!!
you're very rude and
you're very rude and judgmental...i sure hope your poisonous hatred doesn't come back to haunt you.
Hey drug mother, how about
Hey drug mother, how about you educate yourself and realize marijuana does nothing more than benedryl, and there are illnesses marijuana helps with other than addiction, you idiot. How about YOU do us a favor and not produce anymore children with low brain capacity with only the skill of rambling and insulting someone about a subject they clearly know nothing about. The world is full of pompis, ignorant fools such as yourself. We don't need anymore.
I meant to say this to
I meant to say this to "concerned mother".
DONT JUDGE!! FAT ASS OVERWEIGHT EXPECTANT MOTHER'S CAUSE RISK
So true!
You are a ignorant. You go on
You are a ignorant. You go on a rant about weed obviously because you have had a personal problem with it. If you had a single brain cell you would think before you speak. Did you know that the university of Yale has been doing research for decades and never once found any link to weed causing birth defects to this day?? Bet not huh...Thats because your dumb. You obviously don't research what you rant about....But thats ok. take your dumb ass to a library or a book store and take a nice look at what to expect when expecting... They have a whole chapter on why your rude ass comments are not only disrespectful...but incorrect.....By the way...I hope you have not reproduced. Our country does not need anymore dullards.
Marijuana use and pregnancy
Do your research hun! My OBGYN was only opposed to me smoking because it was illegal for her to suggest it. Smoking marijuana can actually help during pregnancy. I was vomiting up to 8 times a day and i lost 20 lbs. because of it. Marijuana was the only thing that allowed me to eat when my baby was in such need of nutrition. I was also hospitalized numerous times for being dehydrated because even water was hard to keep down sometimes. Dehydration could have caused me to have a miscarriage and her amino fluid was the first place my dehydrated body seemed to seek out the fluid I needed. It also helped with the anxiety I suffered from when my body was literally falling apart which statistically is way safer than taking prescription pills that many pregnant women are prescribed during pregnancy. My OBGYN has also seen a major decrease in preeclampsia. The only thing that smoking marijuana has pointed to in research is that it can lead to ADHD which in these times is drastically overly diagnosed. My daughter is perfectly healthy. She's ahead on all her typical milestones and extremely happy. The only advice that I got from my OBGYN was that I would need to stop far enough in advance to get it out of my system before delivery.
so very true.i know for a
so very true.i know for a fact with 3 straight a students that it does does not make your child stupid.none of my children have any problems physicaly or mentaly thet are great and i have 5 children the only thing i suggest is to stop 2 months prior to your due date because cps are very strict on it which is bs but going thru the bs with cps now and wish i would of saved myself alot of grief.
So true
i agree with you i have a
i agree with you i have a child and i smoked when i was pregnant with her i know many people that have and their children are fine some are smarter than most idk why it is illegal it has never killed anyone it helps out alot for morning sickness..and other heath problems why dont people be judged over drinking it kills people un like smokeing a little bit of pot?
Please help look I know some
Do some reasearch
Maybe you should do some research before preaching to people. For example: \
"Do you have ANY clue as to what that does and did to your baby while he or she was inside of you? Do you have any education about health and drugs and being pregnant?"
These lines indicate to me that YOU have no clue about what marijuana does to a baby, as well as no education about health and drugs while pregnant. My best friend is about to give birth in Texas, and her midwife told her from DAY ONE to smoke a little marijuana rather than be stressed, because it was NOT going to hurt the baby, and the stress was extremely dangerous to the health of the child. What research have you done on the issue?
ur a judgmental bitch
i just want to put out there that just because someone who smokes pot doesn't mean they are being selfish. it means they may have some problems that pills and other addicting drugs cant help them with. now i see how you put out there that she should stop smoking and be a mom, 1st off she is being a mom just by self medicating herself with something that has been put on this earth to help us. it was put here by god and was intended to be used for us when in need obviously every body who hasn't smoked or has but got sick from it don't understand the use of marijuana. It helps with eating habits, sickness, pains in the body as well as helping cancer patients. the only reason all who think its way illegal is because you don't know how it works and what its real reason is. there has been no study on how marijuana hurts babies and the mother. i think its terrible how someone like you can say how its bad and that its a drug when hello all things are drugs. now what if you drink every day while pregnant now just because its legal its ok no but they don't look into that. now when someone is asking for answers we don't mean someone like you who put them down for trying to figure a way to live life with out people judging i am so sick of people like you who think because you can get away with your habits like pills and drinking that you can put someone down who cant do what you do. hope you get the point stop talking your shit and keep you nose out of the business cuz you really don't know what the hell you are talking about
For 1. there is NO proof that
For 1. there is NO proof that MJ can cause birth defects. & 2. How can you even say she isn't educated etc when it's clear you're not? I find it very sickening that so many women are out to judge other women & call them a "Bad mother" for such pity shit! Look up Dr. Melanie Dreher(an actual DOCTOR!) & read her actual research on the subject. I find it more ignorant to take a new born child or any child from a parent who hasn't actually harmed her child. Abortion is legal, why? because they don't even consider it human until it's born but yet they can take a baby for having MJ in it's system at birth? Where is your research to back up your words, huh? NO WHERE because it doesn't exists. Maybe you need to seek medical attention for being a delusional bitch. Doctors prescribe pregnant women things that can cause serious birth defects every day but yet a women can't even take the "nature way" without being accused of such hateful things. You hurt the child by taking it away & you hurt the mother who has to deal with such emotional stress from not seeing their babies. It's wrong!!! You're hurting them more than "saving" them. These drug tests aren't getting the actual addicts like crack heads, meth heads, pill poppers etc because none of those stay in your system long enough to show up in a test. There is not research that can be found that babies born by mothers who use ONLY MJ even have anything wrong with them but there is proof that children born by mothers that use MJ are alert, focused & are better adjusted. It does not cause nerve damage & all that other garbage that judgmental assholes want to feed you. Do your own research & don't ask anyone about it because all you'll get is ignorant people like this to answer without even having medical training of any kind.
Drugmother you are obviously
Where do you get off? Have
Where do you get off? Have you had your children taken away from you before you could even give them their name? do you know what it is like to have a false positive drug test ruin your life and kill your children! Children are 5 times more likely to die in foster care then they would be abused at home. I hope someone pays your life a visit and shows you a little bit of the real world that isnt all green grass fire works and bbq.
U clearly have no clue the
Ask for a blood test
I can't imagine that these tests are as wrong as advertised. I know that there are instances of false positives, but baby poop doesn't lie and neither does blood. Stand up for yourself and demand more proof. If there is no way you are a drug user you will pass the interview with the CPS worker, if not, you are probably needing some help. There are reasons these things are mandatory and that is because society is full of liars and cheats. If you are not one then demand more. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so raise hell and don't let it be about money and false positives.If it really a mistake fix it
Ask for blood test
Anonymous, you don't know what you're talking about. You don't emagine these tests are wrong? You are without a doubt wrong! I took 4 urine tests for jobs and failed all for tests. I've never done drugs in my life. Meth? Come on! Unless this has happened to you, you wouldn't know and you're just sticking your nose into something you know nothing about. I, my daugher, and countless others are being judges by people just like you. We're all drug addicts because a urine test says we tested pos. for a certain drug. when in reality there countless legal drugs, and over the counter drugs that cause a false pos. it's a known fact. Do you understand? It's a fact, not some crack head trying to get out of a bad deal, but normal people who's being accused of using drugs and their lives being disrupted, and ruined over false readings. This is wrong and the companies need sewed, and people like you need to stop commenting on something you know nothing about. Dumb ass
False Positives only Occure
false positives only occure if using certain medication, and i am sure most of this stuff you can not take while pregnant. if you are using it will show up that you are using drugs. for anybody in authority to take away a child, the amount of a substance that is in a child will have to be at high levels. more than likely if a person has false positives due to these medications, the child at birth will not test positive for them because the levels would be too low. if a mother is using drugs that is when they will take the baby away because they know for certain that the mother is incapable of caring for her child if she can not be sober during pregnancy.
http://www.askdocweb.com/falsepositives.html
Substances that cause false positives
4-Way Nasal Spray - false positive for Amphetamines, Morphine (Ref: 1, 2, 7)
Accutrim - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 11, 16, 18)
Acetaminoph w/codeine - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Acet-AM - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Acro-Lase Plus® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
A.P.C. w/codeine - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
A.R.M. - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Actifed - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 2, 3, 7, 18)
Actifed with Codeine Cough Syrup® (Ref: 18)
Adderall® - is an amphetamine, positive for Meth (Ref: 2008 PDR, 18, 19)
Advil - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1, 14, 16, 18, 20, 26, 29) (Ref. 22 says NO)
Afrin - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Aleve - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Alka-Seltzer - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 2, 7)
Alka-Selzer Plus - false positive for Amphetamines, Morphine (Ref: 1, 2, 7)
Allerest - false positive for Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Meth and Morphine (Ref: 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 16, 18)
Alprazolam contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Amantadine (Ref: 32)
Ambenyl contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Amesec - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Amfepramone - false positive for Amphetamines, Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16)
Amifepramone - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Amineptine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Amitriptyline - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3)
Amogel PG® contains opium/morphine (Ref: 18)
Amoxicillin - false positive for cocaine (Ref: 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 26, 29)
Ampicillin - false positive for cocaine (Ref: 29)
Amphetaminil metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Ampicin - can cause false positive for opiates (Ref: 20)
Anaprox - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1, 3, 18)
Ansaid - false positive for marijuana (Ref: 3)
Anti Anxiety medication, most - false positive for benzodiazepines (Ref: 3)
Anti Inflammatories such as Naproxyn (Ref: 26)
Antiasthmatics that contain phenobarbitol - false positive for barbiturates (Ref: 3)
Antibiotics - false positives for Heroin, Cocaine (Ref: 13, 18, 20)
Antrocol Elixor® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Apo-Naproxen - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1)
Artane - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3)
Ascriptin w/codeine - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Aspirin with Codeine (Ref: 18)
Asthma medications - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 20, 21)
Astramoprh PF ® contains morphine (Ref: 18)
Ativan® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
B2 vitamin - false positive for THC (Ref: 21)
Bayer Select Maximum Strenght Sinus Pain Relief Caplets - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Bayer Select Pain Relief Formula - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Bentyl® - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3, 18)
Benylin - false positive for Opioids (Ref: 3)
Benzatropine/Artane® (Ref: 18)
Benzedrine® - Amphetamines (Ref: 18)
Benzphetamine - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Biphetamine® for Amphetamines (Ref: 18)
Black Pearls (Tung Sheuh pills) contain benzodiazepines (Ref: 32)
Broncholate CS contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Bromocriptine/Parlodel® (Ref: 18)
Bromocription - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3)
Bromphenlramlne - false-Positive for Amphetamine (Ref: 22)
Bronkaid - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates, Ecstasy, Meth (Ref: 1, 3, 16, 18)
Bronkotabs - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1, 11)
Buprenex® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Buprenorphine contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 12, 31, 32)
Cafergot® - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3, 18)
Caldecon - false positive for Amphetamines, Morphine (Ref: 1, 2, 7,)
Capital and Codeine Oral Solution - false positive for Opioids (Ref: 3, 18)
Captagon® metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Cathne - false positives for Amphetamines, Meth and Ecstasy (MDMA) (Ref: 3, 11, 16)
Cheracol contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Cheracol Sinus - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3)
Chinese herb pills contain benzodiazepines (Ref: 32)
Chlordiazepoxide contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Chiorpromazlne - False-Positive for Amphetamine (Ref: 22, 26)
Chlorpromazine - false positive for Opiates (Also false for pregnancy) (Ref: 23, 32)
Chlorpromazine - false positive for phencyclidine (Ref: 32)
Cipro (antibiotic) - false positives for opiates (Ref: 25, 32)
Clinafloxacin - (Ref: 25)
Clinoril - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Clobenzorex - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Clonazepam contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Codeine - false positives for Amphetamines (Ref: 14)
Codeine - will test positive (not false) for opiates (Ref: 20)
Codinal PH® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Coffee-Break - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Cold remedies with dextromethorphan - positive for opiates (heroin) (Ref: 21)
Combivent inhaler - false positive for meth in urine tests (Ref: 19)
Comtrex - false positive for Opioids (Ref: 3)
Concerta - false positive for meth in urine tests (Ref: 19)
Contac - false positive for Amphetamines, Morphine (Ref: 1, 7, 20)
Contact - false positives for Amphetamines, Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 2, 3, 7, 11, 16, 18)
Contact Non-Drowsy Formula Sinus Caplets - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Control - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Cough medicines - See if any ingredients are on this list (Ref: 6, 20)
Cough suppressants with Dextromethorphan (DXM) - false positive for Heroin (MDMA) (Ref: 16)
Cows head pills (Chinese herb) contain benzodiazepines (Ref: 32)
Cramp End Tablets - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Cylert - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Dalmane® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Datril - false positives for Marijuana (Ref: 1)
Darvon® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Daypro - false positives for benzodiazepines (Ref: 34)
Deconsal contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Demerol - tests positive for opiates (Ref: 26, 29)
Deprenyl - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Desipramine (Ref: 32)
Desoxyephedrine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Desoyn® contains d-methamphetamine (Ref: 18)
Diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim) - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 11, 16, 18)
Dexatrim - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Dexdenfluramine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Dexedrine is an Amphetamine (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Dexfenfluramine - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 11)
Dextroamphetamine - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3)
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide or DXM - false positives for amphetamines (Ref: 6, 11)
Dextromethorphan - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1, 3, 16, 21, 26, 29, 32)
DHEA - false positive for anabolic steroid use (Ref: 13)
Diabetes - false positives for Amphetamines, Cocaine, THC, Ecstasy, Meth and Opiates (Ref: 3, 15, 16, 20, 21)
Diabismul® contains opium/morphine (Ref: 18)
Diazepam - false positive for PCP (Ref: 29)
Diazepam (generic name for Valium) - contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18, 20, 26)
Dicyclomine (Ref: 18)
Didrex - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 11)
Diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim) - false positive for amphetamines (Ref: 2, 10, 16)
Dietac - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1, 2, 7)
Dihyrocodeine contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Dilantin - false positives for Barbiturates (Ref: 3, 20)
Dilaudid® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Dimetane-DC Cough Syrup ® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Dimetapp - false positive for Morphine, Meth, Ecstasy (Ref: 1, 2, 7, 11, 16, 18)
Dimethylamphetamine metabolizes to methamphetamine and amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Dietac - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 7)
Dimetapp - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 7)
Dinintel® metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Diphenhydramine - false positive PCP results (Ref: 24)
Diphenhydramine - false positive for phencyclidine (Ref: 32)
Doco children's cough syrup - false positive for Opioids (Ref: 3)
Dolobid - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Dolophine® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Donnagel-PG ® contains opium/morphine (Ref: 18)
Donnatal® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Donnatol (for irritable bowel syndrome) - false positive for barbiturates (Ref: 3)
Dormonocet® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Doxylamine - false positive for phencyclidine (Ref: 32)
Dristan Cold caplets - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3)
Dristan Cough Formula - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1, 18)
Dristan Nasal Spray - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 26, 29)
Drixoral Cold and Flu - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Dronabad® (Ref: 18)
Dronabinol (Marinol) - false positives for THC (Ref: 16, 18)
Duramorph® contains morphine (Ref: 18)
Durophet® Amphetamines (Ref: 18)
Edecrin - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Efavirenz - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 32)
Effexor Tablets (venlafaxine hydrochloride) - false positive for PCP (Ref: 27, 33)
Efidac/24 - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Efotamine - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3)
Elavil - false positives for opiates for up to three days, LSD (Ref: 3, 26, 29)
Eldepryl - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Elderpryl® metabolizes to methamphetamine and amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Emprin with Codeine® (Ref: 18)
Ephedrol, Ephedra (Ma Haung) - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Ephedrine - false positive for Amphetamines, Meth, and Ecstasy (Ref: 2, 3, 11, 16, 18, 29, 30, 32)
Empirin w/codeine - false positive for Morphine, Opioids (Ref: 1, 3, 20)
Enoxacin - false-positive for opiates (Ref: 25, 28)
Ergostat® - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3, 18)
Ergotamine (Ref: 18)
Estasule Minus - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Etafediabe - false positive for Amphetamines, Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 16)
Ethylamphetamine metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Excedrin IB - false positives for Marijuana (Cannabis) THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Ephedra - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 20, 22)
Ephedrine-based compounds - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 20, 22)
Famprofazone - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Feldene - false positives for THC (Ref: 3, 18)
Fencamine metabolizes to methamphetamine and amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Fenelylline - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Fenfluramine - false positive for Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Fenoprofin - false positive for Marijuana, Amphetamines, Barbiturates (Ref: 1, 7)
Fenproporex metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Fenproyorex - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Finedal® metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Fioricet with Codeine® (Ref: 18, 20)
Fiorinal w/codeine - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1, 3, 18, 20)
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics - false positive for opiates (Ref: 28, 32)
Fluoxetine (Prozac) - false positives for amphetamines (Ref: 31)
Flurazepam contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Flurbiprofen - false positive for marijuana (Ref: 3)
Fluriprofen® (Ref: 18)
Fluspirilene may test positive for amphetamines (Ref: 26)
Furfenorex metabolizes to methamphetamine and amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Gatifloxacin (Ref: 25)
Genpril - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Gradumet® contains d-methamphetamine (Ref: 18)
Haltran - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Hamantashen may test positive for opiates. (Ref: 13)
Hempseed Oil - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 21, 29)
Hold Cough Suppressant - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Homatropine Methylbromide contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Hycodan® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Hydergine - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3)
Hydrocodone Bitartrate contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Hydrocodone contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Hydromorphone contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Hydroymethamphetamone - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3)
Ibuprin - false positive for marijuana (Ref: 3)
Ibuprofen - false positive for Marijuana (THC) (Ref: 1, 3, 16, 18, 29))
Ifenoprofen - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 13, 18, 21, 26)
Imitrex Hydergine® (Ref: 3, 18)
Indocin - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Infantol Pink ® contains opium/morphine (Ref: 18)
Infumorf contains morphine (Ref: 18)
Isoclor Expectorant contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Kaoden with Codeine® (Ref: 18)
Kaodene with Paregoric® contains opium/morphine (Ref: 18)
Kenesed® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Ketamine - false positive for PCP (Ref: 16, 32)
Ketoprofen - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Kidney disease - false positive for Cocaine (Ref: 3, 16, 20)
Kidney infection - false positive for Amphetamines, THC, Ecstasy, and Opiates (Ref: 3, 15, 16, 21)
Klonopin® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Levaquin® - false positive for opiates (Ref: 35)
Levofloxacin (antibiotic) - false positives for opiates (Ref: 25, 28)
Libritab® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Librium® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Limbitrol® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Lisuride - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3)
Lisuride/Dopergin® (Ref: 18)
Liver Disease - false positive for Opiates, Ecstasy, THC and Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 15, 16, 20, 21)
Lodine - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18, 20)
Lomefloxacin (Ref: 25)
Loprazolam contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Lorazepam contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Lortab - an opioid analgesic (PDF)
Luminal® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Lysergol - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3, 18)
Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 20, 32)
Marax - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Margestic - false positive for Opioids (Ref: 3)
Marinol® false positive for Marijuana (THC) (Ref: 3, 18)
Maximum Strength Sinus Gelcaps (Ref: 18)
Maximum Strength Sine-aid - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3)
Maximum Strength Sudafed Sinus - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3)
Maximum Strength Tylenol Sinus gelcaps - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Meclomen - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Mediprim - false positive for marijuana (Ref: 3)
Medipren - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Mefenorex - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Menstrual cramp medications like Midol and Trendar (Ref: 26)
Meperidine - false positive for phencyclidine (Ref: 32)
Mephentermine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Mesocarb - false positive for Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Methadone contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Methoxyphenamine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Methphenidate - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 11)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is an Amphetamine (Ref: 3, 18, 32)
Methysergide/Sansert® (Ref: 18)
Methysergiside - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3)
Midol - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18, 26, 29)
Mini-thins - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 20)
Miracle herb pills (Chinese herb) contain benzodiazepines (Ref: 32)
Morazone - false positive for Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 16)
Morax - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Motrin - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1, 3, 16, 18, 20, 26, 29)
Moxifloxacin (Ref: 25)
MS Contin Tablets® contains morphine (Ref: 18)
MSIR® contains morphine (Ref: 18)
Mudrane GC® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Naldecon - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Nalfon - false positive for Marijuana, Amphetamines, Barbituates, Benzodiazephines, Methaqualone (Ref: 1, 3, 7, 18)
Naprosyn - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1, 3, 18)
Naproxen (Aleve) - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1, 3, 16, 21)
Naproxyn (Ref: 26)
Nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin) - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 2, 10, 16, 21)
Navonaprox - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1)
Nembutal Sodium contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Neosynephren - false positive reading for Amphetamines (Ref: 26, 29)
Neosynephrine - False positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18, 26)
No Drowsiness Sinarest Tablets (Ref: 3, 18)
Nonprescription products that contain opium (i.e., morphine) (Ref: 18)
Norfloxacin (Ref: 25)
Novahistine DH® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Novahistine Expectorant® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
NSAIDS - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18, 20, 32) (Ref. 22 says NO)
Nucofed Expectorant contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Numorphan® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Nuprin - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18, 20, 26, 29)
Nyquil - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates, Morphine, Meth, Ecstasy (Ref: 1, 3, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 26, 29)
Obetrol® Amphetamines (Ref: 18)
Ofloxacin (antibiotic) - false positives for opiates (Ref: 25, 28)
Oramorph contains morphine (Ref: 18)
Ornade - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Ortain - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 2, 7, 11)
Orudis KT - false positives for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Orudis® (Ref: 3, 18)
OTC diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim) (Ref: 11)
Over-the-counter nasal sprays (See Vicks inhaler, Afrin) (Ref: 11, 16, 18, 20)
Oxaprozin - false positive for THC, Marijuana, Benzodiazepines (Ref: 3, 18, 34)
Oxazepam contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Oxycodone contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Oxymorphone contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Pamprin® - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18, 20)
Pantoprazole - false positive for THC (Ref: 37)
Paracodine® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Paregoric contains opium/morphine (Ref: 18)
Par-Glycerol-C (CV) contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Pedacare - false positive for Opioids (Ref: 3)
Pediacof® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Pefloxacin - false positive for Opiates (Ref: 25, 28)
Pemoline - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Pentobarbital Sodium contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Percocet - will test positive (not false) for opiates (Ref: 3, 20)
Percodan® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 3, 18, 20)
Percovil - will test positive (not false) for opiates (Ref: 20)
Perylamine (Ref: 26)
Phenaphen with Codeine® (Ref: 18)
Phendimetrazine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Phenergan-D (Ref: 18)
Phenegan-D - false positive for Amphetamines, Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Phenergan VC® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Phenergan with Codeine® (Ref: 18)
Phenergan® - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Phenobarbital contains barbiturates (Ref: 18, 20)
Phenmetrazine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11)
Phentermine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy on urine tests (Ref: 3, 4, 11)
Phenylephrine - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Phenylpropanolamine - false positive for amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18, 22, 30, 32)
Phenylephrine - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 11)
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) - false positive for Meth (Ref: 11, 16)
Phenypropanolamine - false positive reading for Amphetamines (Ref: 29)
Phenypropan-Olamine - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 2, 7) (This is an active ingredient in Actifed, Alka-Seltzer, Alka-Selzer Plus, Allerest, Caldecon, Contac, Dietac, Dimetapp, 4-Way Nasal Spray, Ortain, Sinarest, Triaminicin)
Pholedrine - false positive for Amphetamines, Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 16)
Poly-Histine contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Pondinil® metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Poppy Seeds contain morphine - positive for Heroin (MDMA), Opiates (Ref: 3, 16, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 32)
Potentsex pills (Chinese herb) contain benzodiazepines (Ref: 32)
Prenylamine metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Prescription medications that contain codeine (Ref: 18)
Prescription NSAIDS (Ref: 18, 20)
Prescription sleeping pills will test positive for Benzodiazepines (Ref: 3, 20)
Primatene-M (Ref: 26, 29)
Primatine Tablets - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Promethazine - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Promethegan - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Propanolamine (Ref: 26)
Propoxyphene contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Propylephedrine - false positive for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Proton pump inhibitors - false positive for THC (Ref: 37)
protonix - false positive for THC (Ref: 37)
Prozac (Fluoxetine Hydrochloride) - false positives for amphetamines (Ref: 31)
Pseudoephederine - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 20)
Pseudoephedrine may be detected as amphetamines (speed) (Ref: 3, 11, 18, 21, 30)
Pseudoephedrineare - false positive for amphetamines (Ref: 22)
Purim cookies contain poppy seeds, false positive for opiates (Ref: 13, 16, 17)
Quadrinal® - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1, 18)
Quelidrine - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Quelichine - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Quibron Plus - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Quinine in Tonic water - positive for opiates (Ref: 26, 29, 32)
Quinolones (Ref: 25)
Ranitidine - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 32)
Redux - false positive for Amphetamines, Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 16)
Relafen - false positive for Marijuana (Ref: 3)
Rescudose contains morphine (Ref: 18)
Rexatal® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18, 21)
Rifampin - false positive for Opiates (Ref: 25, 32)
Rifampicin (antibiotic) - false positive for Opioids (Ref: 3)
Ritalin® is an Amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Rivotril® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Robitussin - positive for opiates (Ref: 20)
Robitussin A-C® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Robitussin Cold and Flu - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Robitussin DAC® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Robitussin DM - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Romilar - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Roxanol contains morphine (Ref: 18)
Rufin - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 1, 3)
Secobarbital contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Secobarbital Sodium Bellergal-S® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Seconal Sodium contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Selegiline (Eldepryl) - false positive for Meth, Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 18)
Serax® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Shampoo containing hemp (Ref: 29)
Silexin - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Sinarest - false positive for Amphetamines, Morphine (Ref: 1, 2, 7)
Sine-Aid Tablets Maximum Strength (Ref: 18)
Sine-Off - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Sinex - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3)
Sinubid - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Sinus Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Solfoton® contains barbiturates (Ref: 18)
Soma with Codeine (Ref: 18)
Sparfloxacin (Ref: 25)
St. Joseph's Cough Syrup - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Sudafed - false positive for Amphetamines, Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18, 20, 26, 29)
Sustiva (Efanirenz) - false positive for THC or Marijuana (Ref: 38)
Synalgos DC® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 18)
Tanning lotion containing hemp (Ref: 2)
Tavist-D - false positive for Meth and Ecstasy (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Tedral - false positive for Amphetamines, Heroin, Opiates (Ref: 1)
Tegisec® metabolizes to amphetamine (Ref: 18)
Thioridazine - false positive for phencyclidine (Ref: 32)
Tolectin® - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18, 20)
Tonic water - false positive for cocaine (Ref: 16, 18)
Trazedone (Ref: 32)
Trendar Cramp Relief Formula - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18, 26, 29)
Triaminic 12 - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 3, 18)
Triaminic Expectorant with Codeine® (Ref: 18)
TriazolamHalcion® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Triaminicin - false positive for Amphetamines, Morphine (Ref: 1, 2, 7)
Triminicol - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Triprolidine - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3, 18)
Trucal - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Tussagesic - false positive for Morphine (Ref: 1)
Tussaminic - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Tussar 2® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Tussar SF® contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Tussi-Organiden contains codeine (Ref: 18)
Tussinic - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Tylenol (acetaminophen) with Codeine® (Ref: 3, 18, 20)
Tylenol 3 - can cause positive for opiates (Ref: 20)
Tylenol 4 - can cause positive for opiates (Ref: 20)
Tylenol Sinus - false positives for Amphetamines and Ecstasy (Ref: 20)
Valerian Root and extract - false positives for Benzodiazepines (Ref: 36)
Valium® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18, 20)
Valrelease® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Venlafaxine hydrochloride (Effexor) - false positive for PCP (Ref: 27, 33)
Vicks Formula 44M - false positive for heroin (Ref: 1, 14, 26, 29)
Vicks Cough Syrup - false positive for Heroin, Opiates, Morphine (Ref: 1)
Vicks Inhaler - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Vicks Nasal Spray (Ref: 26, 29)
Vicks Nyquil - false positive for Ecstasy (MDMA), Meth (Ref: 3, 11, 16, 18)
Vicodin ES® contains synthetic opiates (Ref: 3, 18)
Vitamin B2 - false positive for THC (Ref: 3, 16, 18)
Voltaren - false positive for THC, Marijuana (Ref: 3, 18)
Wellbutrin - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 12)
Wigraine® - false positive for LSD (Ref: 3, 18)
Wygesic - will test positive (not false) for opiates (Ref: 20)
Xanax® contains benzodiazepines (Ref: 18)
Zantac - false positive for Amphetamines (Ref: 30)
Zoloft - false positive for benzodiazepines (Ref: 31)
wrong! in illinois they will take a child even if its clean
i am currently going on 3 weeks of being investigated by dcfs for a positive amphetamine urine screen while i was in labor. the babys results came back negative but dcfs has removed all my children and put them in a "safety plan". IT HAS BEEN 3 WEEKS THEY HAVE BEEN GONE ALREADY. I had been taking Zantac regularly over the counter since 2009 and had told my doctor about it at my first prenatal exam. Due to him being an idiot and not having good knowledge of just about anything else besides removing a baby from a vag he told dcfs once they contacted to ask him about it it was impossible for ranitidine to come up as positive for amphetamine in a drug screen. Since the pharmaceutical companies like Zantac wont release that information to consumers only medical professionals at their request but will admit if you call in a complaint over the phone that yes it does i basically thought i was screwed since dcfs decide to listen to him and not look further into it. My doctor will not cooperate with me or look into the facts by calling the company to confirm the information because he believes his knowledge is superior to them. I was told by dcfs if i can get my doctor to cooperate and confirm my false positive results they will close my case but thats not going to happen. I was also told by them that if i can find credible evidence saying it can cause a false positive they will close my case. Well guess what BAM!! http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm070612.htm
Theres proof from the fda a government website that is highly credible seeing as dcfs/cps/dhs also work for the government. If you have proof you were taking any of the medication listed in section III, letter C, number 3 interference, you should print out the entire page along with the full web address and reference i just listed and hand it to them to get your case closed and your babies back home. This article is only on the regulations and guidance for urine drug screens, and may not hold up for blood or follicle tests but if you believe it may have been something you have taken do some research and search possibilities in the search box on the fda website also make sure you know the active ingredients in anything over the counter you have taken. Make sure you can back up your claims with medical records and always when seeing a new doctor have them document anything you are taking prescription or over the counter no matter how harmless it may seem yes even asprin if you occasionally take it. I hope this can help someone who is innocent get their life back as I wish this info was posted on other forums for me. Always remember dcfs/cps/dhs will always believe you are guilty and will not look into other possibilities if you present it to them it is your job to do the research and make them listen and look at the information you find, and even if you are innocent until you can present them with all the proof you need make sure to jump through hoops and do anything they say. I know it's upsetting but also keep your cool so they have no reason to keep your kids unless you have an outburst which may give them probable cause to.
Is anyone really listening?
I am the mother of 5 children and currently a RN who works in a maternity center. What is wrong with you people? Maybe you could come to work with me one day and watch these babies who are struggling due to their addictions from the choices mothers are making. Those of you who are trying to blame hospitals and the government are being ridiculous. You chose to do drugs, so you must reap what you sew. I think every women should be drug tested in their OB office and when entering the hospital. We, the healthcare providers, need to know what to expect in order to take care of these babies and who do you think gets blamed if complications arise with newborns and they cant be addressed timely because we did not know they had been exposed to drugs? The healthcare providers. There are 2 issues here, women using drugs during pregnancy, causing harm to their unborn child and society always looking for someone else to blame. If my physician or hospital wanted to drug screen me I wouldn't mind becuase I have nothing to hide. I actually would appreciate the fact that they are going a step above so that they treat me and my newborn to the best of their ability. Everyone, no matter what job they have, wants to be prepared and that is what drug screening is all about, being prepared.
just because your an RN doesn't mean you have superior knowledge
um hi, yeah i agree the people who do use drugs should just admit it to their doctor for the sake of the babys health and yes every pregnant woman should be tested but honestly there are false positives and obviously most healthcare providers dont know or look into that possibility such as yourself. i have medical documentation dating back to 2009 from a couple different doctors office that have it in the document i had been taking Zantac(ranitidine) otc for many years. I told my OB about it at my first doctors exam and the hospital staff upon arriving while in labor yet was not told not to take it since its perfectly safe. My drug test came up positive for amphetamine while in labor and when i asked to be retested was told no, when i asked if they were positive it couldn't have been anything i took was told no. Not being a drug user once i got home i looked into tums, tylenol, and zantac (the only things i had been taking) after dcfs took my kids (even though the baby was perfectly healthy happy and negative in his tests they ran on him for drugs at the hospital) and told them that zantac had to be what caused me to come up positive for amphetamines they asked my doctor who again said no its impossible. Once my case is over the nurse that conducted and read the test is being sued for not knowing the device regulations and guidelines of the test performed on me refusing a retest when requested and being very rude and judgmental towards me after the results, my doctor for negligence and not looking into the interference possibilities of any medication i was taking before calling in social services, the hospital and their social services for not conducting a proper interview and character assessment prior to contacting dcfs on the matter. I have a probono layer who is taking on my case because there is no chance of losing and he believes what was wronged should be fixed and is willing to take them for everything they have since it took over 3 weeks of sorting through facts with dcfs to get my children back. Before you go on being all judgmental towards someone based on a urine screen look into the facts of possible interference would you really want to have to go before a judge and risk losing your job and being sued because you were ignorant in the use of the device you used to screen for drugs? Would you be willing to go on the stand against documentation by the fda that states otherwise of that than your personal opinion. It's people like you who believe everyone is guilty and you have superior knowledge that ruin peoples otherwise perfect lives. All i did was take my otc medicine for my acid reflux and now people are getting sued because of it remember i also had nothing to hide and most people who do will refuse or try to put off taking a drug screen. By the way heres the information from WWW.FDA.GOV to prove your not always right. reference Section:III Letter C Number 3 Interference http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm070612.htm
Hope you learned something today, and to anyone whos innocent who may have stumbled on this I hope it can possibly help
I understand you being a
I was just going over my
I was just going over my youngest's medical records and noticed where they tested his meconium for drug use. I had no idea at the time and it really didn't bother me because I don't use, I was just sort of scratching my head as to why the did.. Is it standard practice for preemies? Anyway, as I was scanning down that page I noticed that of all the things they tested for, cocaine showed up as presumptive positive.... That is what brought me here, through searching for answers as to how a false + occurred.
Now nothing ever came of it, no cps/dps/leagal issues, the baby was released 7 days after delivery to my husband and I when they were predicting a 6 week stay in NICU. I do find it alarming that not only was I not informed they were testing the meconium, with me or my spouse and there is no record of the final result when they apparently retested for cocaine usage. I find it highly alarming that the hospital can not only run this test without the knowledege of the patient/parent but that they do not discuss it with the patient/parent when a positive pops up, no discussion on what to expect if the retest shows the same results, what might cause a false positive etc etc etc. In our case it was "no harm no foul" but I can only imagine how devastating it could have been. The medical community clearly didn't have any faith in me at all so had the retest come back with the same findings would have been hit with a shock and likely would have had to jump through major hoops to obtain custody of our child.
There is something clearly wrong with this process and if false positives are AT ALL positive, they had better take steps to make damn sure they get the story straight before they go ripping families apart like that.
The child in this scenario is 4 now so this was a fair while ago.
Just food for thought.
Pardon all those typos....
Pardon all those typos.... That second to last bit should read if they are AT ALL possible. ;)
Previous Commenter
Anonymous,
You sound like someone who is affluent. I wonder how they knew to test you. Do they target all pregnant women? I also wonder if the drugs that they give to ease pain during childbirth may have an effect on those drug tests. It alarms me that these folks will violate a woman's civil rights without just cause.
this happend to me
when i had my first daughter in 07 my blood preasure dropped suddenly and they gave me ephedra and i falsely tested positive for meth! that is why my daughter got taken away for 4 months!
I know About This Injustice Also
My daughter was given a morphine IV in labor for nineteen hour's because the baby was placenta-previa, which we were never told. She was also a month early, due to my daughter being anemic, hyperthyroid and had hyperemesis gravidarum, which we were never told and she was never treated for any of these complication's. When her daughter was born, she was accused of doing drug's the day she went into labor. Toxicology test's done on the baby showed morphine. The morphine given to my daughter in labor.The baby was taken and put in fostercare and my daughter's right's terminated. We are still fighting for the return of my granddaughter. The court's won't listen.
My daughter can't have any more children. Her pituitary gland was damaged while she was pregnant due to being anemic. There was no blood going to the pituitary gland. She now has Sheehan syndrome and a mass on her brain, all due to bad medical care. I will fight for the return of my granddaughter if it takes the rest of my life. Drug testing pregnant women does give false positive's and so does illnesses. This injustice against women need's to be stopped.
Addressing the above comment
The point that the above commenter correctly makes ("the question is whether the interest in using the threat of criminal sanctions to deter pregnant women from using cocaine can justify a departure from the general rule that an official nonconsensual search is unconstitutional") is exactly where we have gone with drug laws where there are no limits to civil rights violations for "the greater good of society" or for the "message it sends to children". What you will see if this becomes common practice is an increase in abortion rates, at home deliveries, women going without prenatal care and children in foster care. This administration's pathetic approach to drug abuse is drug testing everyone where it matters most: Women giving birth, men and women in their jobs and students in school. These tactics are not lowering drug use but disenfranchising people from those they should trust (i.e. doctors, employers and teachers). I am the same person who posted above and tested positive for marijuana when I birthed my son. Legally there is no difference between cocaine and marijuana. (actually I believe cocaine is a Schedule II while marijuana is in the more "dangerous" Schedule I category), so drug testing new mothers is not at all limited to cocaine users. In fact, it seems from my experience (as with most drug testing) that marijuana, a less dangerous drug than alcohol or tobacco, is most often the culprit of positive drug screens. Drug testing is bullshit. Plain and simple. It is a means of punishing people based not on their performance at work or school or the health of their child, but for their life choices. Drug laws have made a mockery of the principals on which this country was founded. I was pretty matter of fact in my earlier posting. What I did not convey was the tremendous fear of losing my child, my only child, who I had tried to conceive for 2 years. The drug counselor with whom I was mandated to speak, threatened me with losing my son if they showed up at my house unannounced, and I failed a drug test. My doctor asked my husband and I, just hours after giving birth to my son, if we were married before telling us that we would have to speak with child protective services prior to taking our son home which obviously speaks to the bias against unmarried women in my situation. I thought it was a weird question coming from a doctor until I realized that he was asking us because he knew we would be less likely to lose our son if we were married. Like I said earlier, I will NEVER go to hospital again. This is the perfect example of broken trust from those that were supposed to help me. It is difficult for me to go near the general area where the hospital is, and I haven't had an annual gynecological exam since this traumatic experience. My only hope is that when we get more objective leaders in the White House this type of state sanctioned crime will lessen if not cease. It is nothing short of a tragedy, certainly for the 23 year old whoose baby died at the hands of a foster parent which originated this blog.
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