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Can Metformin Be Detected In A Blood Test?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Oct 2016
Question: I have a DOT physical coming up and want to know if metformin can be detected by the broad spectrum blood test they run. I also use Levemir will it show in the test?
Also I have been off of my 40 mg per 24 hrs hydrocodone for 9 days. Will it still show in s blood test?
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
DOT physical

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are concerned about your upcoming DOT physical. I am a DOT approved Physician so I know the rules. The first I will tell you is that you may only get a one year certification depending on your diabetes. The DOT handbook will only allow for a 1 year certification and only if you are well controlled.

The urine screen done at the physician's office is only for glucose and protein testing. If either is positive it will need to be addressed and will impact your length of certification.

You will need to do a urine drug screen which is separate from the DOT Physical but it will check for opiates like hydrocodone. If you stop using your hydrocodone 9 days prior to your drug test it will be negative.

So when you go for your physical you need to be honest and write down all your medications including insulin Lantus and metformin. You should also bring documentation from your primary care doctor as to how well your diabetes is controlled including labs. This will aid your DOT doctor and help improve your chances of getting approval without a waiting period.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Can Metformin Be Detected In A Blood Test?

Brief Answer: DOT physical Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns You are concerned about your upcoming DOT physical. I am a DOT approved Physician so I know the rules. The first I will tell you is that you may only get a one year certification depending on your diabetes. The DOT handbook will only allow for a 1 year certification and only if you are well controlled. The urine screen done at the physician's office is only for glucose and protein testing. If either is positive it will need to be addressed and will impact your length of certification. You will need to do a urine drug screen which is separate from the DOT Physical but it will check for opiates like hydrocodone. If you stop using your hydrocodone 9 days prior to your drug test it will be negative. So when you go for your physical you need to be honest and write down all your medications including insulin Lantus and metformin. You should also bring documentation from your primary care doctor as to how well your diabetes is controlled including labs. This will aid your DOT doctor and help improve your chances of getting approval without a waiting period. I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions