What Causes False Positive For Oxytocin In Urine Test?

Posted on Thu, 8 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 8 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 28 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : In a urine drop for work I tested positive for benzodiazepines, opioids and oxytocin. I have a prescription for Xanax and Norcos. I have never taken oxytocin and may loose my job. This test was taken in a lab, what could have caused the false positive?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
false positive due to hydrocodone

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The screening test you would have done can cause both false positive and false negative reactions.

Oxytocin is a hormone that is injected to cause contraction of the uterus. It is possible that there was a false positive reaction to oxycontin.

Oxycontin is semi synthetic opioid. Norco contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, hydrocodone is also in the opioid family.

Because you use the norco to help with pain, the hydrocodone aspect can cause a false positive reaction for the oxycontin.

There are additional tests that can be done to prove that the response is false positive.
GC-MS tests (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry) are highly accurate and may be suggested. This tests can more accurately identify medications.

In addition, your doctor can confirm that you have prescriptions for your medications and may also be able to confirm that the reaction is likely a false positive.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar