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Drug Screening Test Positive For Codeine. What Kind Of Drugs Cause This?

I recently had a drug screening as a pre employment requirement. It came back positive for codeine . It was a hair sample test, so is able to pick up on things for several months. I have recently had some surgeries which is where I most likely took something with codeine in it. What types of drugs would tes positive for codeine or is it unique?
Tue, 2 Apr 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Hair tests for drug screening are very sensitive and accurate. Like you have mentioned rightly, hair tests can pick up drug use even several months ago.

Secondly, such tests are specific for specific substances. So a test for codeine would detect codeine specifically. Codeine can be found in certain cough syrups and certain pain killer or sleeping aid preparations. So, if you have had a positive hair test for codeine, it's almost certain that you have taken codeine in the recent past.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Psychiatrist Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM

Drug screening tests in pre employment check ups are non specific tests and that can't exactly determine which particular drug was used. It came positive for codeine. A number of drugs contain opioids and any opioid will be positive in drug screening tests. Commonly used drugs as Pentazocine, Tremadol, common opioid analgesics etc all show positive on drug screening tests. So you have to check your discharge card of surgery to find which drug was behind positive test.

Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
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Drug Screening Test Positive For Codeine. What Kind Of Drugs Cause This?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Hair tests for drug screening are very sensitive and accurate. Like you have mentioned rightly, hair tests can pick up drug use even several months ago. Secondly, such tests are specific for specific substances. So a test for codeine would detect codeine specifically. Codeine can be found in certain cough syrups and certain pain killer or sleeping aid preparations. So, if you have had a positive hair test for codeine, it s almost certain that you have taken codeine in the recent past. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist