Drug Testing Myths Busted!

When it comes to drug testing, it sometimes seems as if there is more misinformation floating around online than legitimate facts. There are plenty of people and businesses claiming to know the secret to passing a drug test, but is there any truth to what they claim? The expert mobile collectors here at Workplace Safety Screenings encounter new rumors about drug testing methodology and cheats all the time. Let’s take a moment to dispel some of the more popular ones:

Myth #1: All drug tests are urine tests.

Fact: WSS utilizes multiple testing methods for drugs and alcohol.

Urine tests are the most common form of drug screening. The standard 5 panel drug screening urine test is routinely relied upon by private employers and government agencies. This test screens for the five most commonly abused substances: THC, cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines, opiates, and PCP.

However, there are more than one way to test for drugs and alcohol. Hair tests and oral fluid tests can also determine a person’s drug and alcohol history. Both of these tests can be performed by WSS in addition to urine tests. Blood tests are also sometimes used as drug screenings by doctors and other professionals.

Myth #2: Drinking a lot of water can help you pass a urine test.

Fact: Water cannot erase the presence of a drug in your urine.

While it is possible that consuming lots of water, cranberry juice, pickle juice, or other beverages in the days before a drug test can slightly dilute your sample, your drug history will still be detectable by WSS collectors. To ensure proper results, all samples have a Creatinine level determined to evaluate whether the sample is too diluted to provide a valid test result. If a urine sample appears to be diluted, it is likely that WSS will run additional tests to make sure that accurate results are obtained.

Myth #3: Exposure to second-hand marijuana smoke (THC) can cause a positive test result.

Fact: It is practically impossible for second-hand marijuana smoke to cause a false positive test.

Passive exposure to a drug such as marijuana smoke can make it appear in your urine, but actual consumption of the drug makes it appear at a much higher concentration. To avoid the argument that a positive result is due to passive contact, cut-off levels have been established. These cut-off levels are set to make it virtually impossible for a specimen to screen positive from passive contact.

Myth #4: Working out cleanses your body of drugs.

Fact: Simply working out cannot completely cleanse your body of any drug.

While sticking to a strict diet of water and exercise for a month before your test could slightly alter your results, a quick trip to the gym the morning of a surprise test will do nothing to help your chances of passing.

WSS provides drug testing solutions for individuals and businesses across Houston and the United States, whenever and wherever you need us. If you are an employer looking to institute a reliable drug testing program, our on-site mobile collectors are safe, professional, and discrete. Contact us today to learn more about how WSS can make your workplace healthier and happier!