Expert: Barbara Judge - 7/6/2007

Question
Hi Barbara
I am a pain patient that was tested today for several different substances.  My test showed positive.  They would not believe that I had not smoked marijuana.  The test showed very low results yet it showed positive. Any idea why this would happen? Thank you for your time and answer.  Sincerely Carol


Answer
    There are several substances which can in some tests show false positives. I would recommend that you check out the information at this website.  "www.erowid.org"  It is the most comprehensive drug testing website I have been able to locate.  Since I am unsure about all of the specifics of your drug test you may find your best answer here.  Other wise I would need to know if you were being tested by your practitioner to see if you were taking your medications and only your medications properly in accordance with your pain contract or if this was a random drug screening or pre-employment drug screening.  Each of those usually have very different parameters and use different testing methods.  

    Drugs that could cause false positives are ibuprofen, naproxen, Protonix, promethazine, ketoprofen, riboflavin, and Marinol.  Any drug you have a current prescription for should not be held against you when reviewing results of a drug screening.

Thanks

Barb Judge