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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Urinalysis Shows Drug Abuse. But Am Not Into Any Drugs. Is The Sample Being Tampered?

I recently had a urinalysis at my PCP due to medications that were stolen. The results of the test are baffling to say the least. Drugs that I am prescribed to and take on a daily basis did not show up, and drugs that I do not take showed up. I do not abuse any drugs and take major steps to keep my rxs secure (dispensing from Pharm weekly - now I have changed to daily). I do not understand how this could happen. My age is 49 (dob 7.29.63) - menopause is either happening or beginning. I have noticed strange bruising (one time on my foot - one on my upper right arm). within the past two weeks during this quagmire. The local police do nothing. I'm afraid for my family's safety - and I am scared that either the test was tampered with or someone is injecting these substances into me while I am sleeping. The PCP refused to give me another urinalysis, and by the way the problem is opiates, which reduces blood pressure, and at the time of urine collection my bp was 140/80 which is extremely high for me. Can you think of any other reason why these tests are not reflective of what is going on? I need professional answers. Thank you
Fri, 7 Jun 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you are quite distressed by the fact that your urine drug screen has come positive when you are sure that you haven't abused any drugs. Usually urine drug tests are reliable and have a high degree of specificity - which means that they are able to correctly detect the specific drug which is being screened for. However, very rarely, there can be false positive tests. The most common cause for a false positive test is ingestion of medication or substances which have a similar molecular structure as the drug being screened for. Regarding opiates, certain OTC medication like cough syrups or sleep formulas or certain pain medication or even certain herbal extracts can possibly cause a false positive result. You have not mentioned what prescription medication you are taking, so I will not be able to comment whether they can possibly cause a false positive drug screen.

Having a high BP doesnt necessarily imply that it is due to the effect of the drugs. You will need regular BP monitoring to see if you have hypertension and if you need to be treated for the same.

I would suggest that you discuss about the drug tests with your doctor and also clarify regarding your health issues. It may also be a good idea to take the support of your family members and consider what resources and options are available to tackle the current situation.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Urinalysis Shows Drug Abuse. But Am Not Into Any Drugs. Is The Sample Being Tampered?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you are quite distressed by the fact that your urine drug screen has come positive when you are sure that you haven t abused any drugs. Usually urine drug tests are reliable and have a high degree of specificity - which means that they are able to correctly detect the specific drug which is being screened for. However, very rarely, there can be false positive tests. The most common cause for a false positive test is ingestion of medication or substances which have a similar molecular structure as the drug being screened for. Regarding opiates, certain OTC medication like cough syrups or sleep formulas or certain pain medication or even certain herbal extracts can possibly cause a false positive result. You have not mentioned what prescription medication you are taking, so I will not be able to comment whether they can possibly cause a false positive drug screen. Having a high BP doesnt necessarily imply that it is due to the effect of the drugs. You will need regular BP monitoring to see if you have hypertension and if you need to be treated for the same. I would suggest that you discuss about the drug tests with your doctor and also clarify regarding your health issues. It may also be a good idea to take the support of your family members and consider what resources and options are available to tackle the current situation. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist