Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Why Does Drug Screen Test Show Positive Without Taking It?

Hello. I have been taking medications for pain for several years. Always going through a pain management dr because that is their specialty. In February I changed my pain management dr because I didn t think I was getting the level of care I needed. I found a new dr that not only prescribed medications but also did procedures which seemed to help me more than just being on medication. I have had several drug screens over the years all of which I ve never had a problem with. Recently one of my drug screens came back with methadone and morphine. I didn t even know what methadone was until it was explained to me. I have NEVER misused my medications or taken ANYTHING other than what has been prescribed to me. I guess my question is how would I test positive for medications that I have never taken?
Fri, 31 May 2019
Report Abuse
Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

The usual test done is a dipstick. There is some animal serum that was immunized against a particular drug and made to light up if it binds the drug.

BUT it can bind to similar compounds that are not a drug and sometimes it just misfires.

A better and far more expensive test is MASS SPEC. It is less likely to misfire.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
I find this answer helpful

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Why Does Drug Screen Test Show Positive Without Taking It?

Hello, The usual test done is a dipstick. There is some animal serum that was immunized against a particular drug and made to light up if it binds the drug. BUT it can bind to similar compounds that are not a drug and sometimes it just misfires. A better and far more expensive test is MASS SPEC. It is less likely to misfire. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist