Expert: Eric Brandt - 5/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: i just took a drug test at my pain clinic and tested positive for oxy and opi.  i have a script for hydrocodone and have never taken oxy anything...i know they are both opiates but why would i have tested positive for oxy?  my dr didnt say anything about the test i just looked at it when i got home

ANSWER: Hi Anne,
You need to ask the lab if their  test can distinguish between hydrocodone and oxycodone. It just may be testing for opiates and can not distinguish between the two.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the quick response.  If that was the case then i should have just tested for opi and not oxy, right?  i apologize for my ignorance, i just dont understand.  thanks again

Answer
Hi Anne,
You need to check with the lab see if they can actually distinguish between the two. I have not been able to find out exactly what the metabolic byproducts of hydrocodone are. It may be the metabolites that are being identified in the lab results.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincrerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm