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What Causes False Positive Result For Nicotine On Drug Test?
Question: My wife just got denied for a life insurance policy because of a positive urine test for cotinine/nicotine. However, she is a non smoker and does not use any tobacco product. She also has not been exposed to second hand smoke or "vaping." My question is if there are any Meds or holistic products that could give a false positive. She is taking meds for ADD, heart rhythm control, and hormones, as well as some holistic vitamins and herbs. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
there are some things that cause a false positive
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
There are some foods and environmental exposures that can cause a falsely positive test for cotinine/nicotine. The most common foods to do this are broccoli, cabbage, mustard, garlic, radishes, almonds and horseradish. Also sometimes vegetarians can have elevated levels of a substance called thiocyanate, which can be a source of a false positive on a blood test for nicotine.
In addition people who works with metals at their job or as a hobby may also have elevated levels of thiocyanate, which can cause a false positive.
In addition, there are also incorrect laboratory reports.
Your wife deserves a second test if she is not a smoker.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
there are some things that cause a false positive
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
There are some foods and environmental exposures that can cause a falsely positive test for cotinine/nicotine. The most common foods to do this are broccoli, cabbage, mustard, garlic, radishes, almonds and horseradish. Also sometimes vegetarians can have elevated levels of a substance called thiocyanate, which can be a source of a false positive on a blood test for nicotine.
In addition people who works with metals at their job or as a hobby may also have elevated levels of thiocyanate, which can cause a false positive.
In addition, there are also incorrect laboratory reports.
Your wife deserves a second test if she is not a smoker.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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