What Causes False Positive For Alcohol?

Posted on Tue, 7 Apr 2015

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

Tue, 7 Apr 2015 Answered on

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : On March 31st I tested positive fo alcohol. I have not drank since feb 21. is there anything else that would cause this result. I am very concerned about this.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
False positive test

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

False positive test for alcohol is know to occur in certain situations, in order to help you I need more info

1. Was urine tested or breath for alcohol
2. Are you a diabetic ?
3. were you hungry when the test was being tested??
4. Did you gargle with mouth wash or were you on any cough syrup at that time?

Please get back to me, I am awaiting your reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 hours later)

It was a urine test.

I had not eaten at all

I do not have diabetes.

I had used mouthwash

Have you had an opportunity to review my any answer? It has been 11 hours. I Kknow you are busy. an answer when you have time would e appreciated. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply. I just got back from the hospital and I was on call last night.

False positive test can occur because of ketones.
1. Ketones are produced and released in the urine when one is fasting or extremely hungry.
2. The other reason could be that Mouth wash contains small quantity of alcohol which when swallowed ( unknowningly) can lead to a false positive test

The problem with urine alcohol test is that it is extremely sensitive and it can detect even minute quantities of alcohol.

I am once again sorry for the delay

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Thank you. I understand your busy schedule. No apology is necessary .

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Please feel free to get back to me with any doubts you might have. I try my best to answer within 12 hours however sometimes it gets delayed for one reason or the other.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (48 minutes later)

how long will alcohol remain remain in the the system

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Alcohol can be detected in the system by urine test for upto 5 days

Regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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