Toxicology Tests

Drug Screening Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons the results may not be helpful include:

• Some drugs that may be mistaken for others. For example, some cough medicines that do not contain narcotics may be identified as a narcotic.
• Drinking or eating some types of food (such as a food containing poppy seeds).
• Having blood in the urine.
• The amount of time between taking the drug and collecting the sample.
• Using salt tablets, bicarbonates, or detergents.
• Not having a large enough urine sample.

Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take.

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Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: May 9, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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