Work drug test failed

[Kingfisher101]

Hi, I've had to have a works drugs test for a new job. So I provided the urine sample and they were then ages and I had to wait outside of the room. They said that there was an issue with it and had to ring someone. Anyway I thought it was that they found I was a diabetic or something, but no it was positive for traces of opiates. Well I dont take any drugs or drink or smoke etc. The last time I had a painkiller was over a week ago and it was a cheap Ibuprofen . They said it wasn't that. After a very long discussion it was decided that the sample would go off to the lab for further testing. They said it couldn't be muddled up because I was the first in. I said well then its a false positive because I haven't taken anything.
I came home and looked on the internet about drugs tests being providing false positives came up. It then mentioned poppy seeds!
I quickly looked at a loaf I had eaten this morning and it was stuffed full of them. One of those seeded farmhouse loaves.
I rang the company who did the test and they said explain all that in an email and send in photos etc of the loaf I did that and I also told the guy I deal with about the job in HR. He said not to worry and to thank me for telling them.
Its been moved to the clinical team at the place that did the medical to discuss. I bet I have the job offer taken off me. I feel sad and badly done to. I didn't even know this about poppy seeds. I just feel I cant do right for doing wrong and that no matter how hard I try I just get a kick in the teeth all the time.

 

[markemark]

Yep. Saw a news item on that a few years ago. A poppyseed bagel was enough to fail the drugs test.

At least you knew and could try and explain. The news item said many people simply had the job/college offers etc withdrawn with no explanation.

 

[Kingfisher101]

I have explained, if they withdraw the offer I will just move on. If its a known issue I think its a bit bad though.

 

[markemark]

I have explained, if they withdraw the offer I will just move on. If its a known issue I think its a bit bad though.

They can't differentiate as that's where opium comes from. The best you can do is offer and maybe a future test and stay off the poppy seeds.....and heroin, obvs.

 

[Dadam]

They can't differentiate as that's where opium comes from. The best you can do is offer and maybe a future test and stay off the poppy seeds.....and heroin, obvs.

Well clearly the sensitivity needs lowering. You want to catch the substance abusers but minimise false positives.

 

[markemark]

Well clearly the sensitivity needs lowering. You want to catch the substance abusers but minimise false positives.

Depends on the levels of drug traces from 2 weeks ago and a poppy seed bagel the day before. Upping the cut-off may allow through all opiod users.
https://drugandalcohol.synlab.co.uk/the-poppy-seed-defence/

Depends on how bothered they are. The best action is to retest, but again, depends on whether they bother.

 

[presta]

I've just looked up the bread I eat, and that's got poppy seeds in it too.
https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui...ced-wholemeal-bread-taste-the-difference-800g
I think perhaps there ought to be a warning on the packet.

 

[C R]

The poppy seed interaction is a well known issue of workplace drug tests. They should have asked you about having had anything with poppy seeds before taking your sample.

 

[Dadam]

Depends on the levels of drug traces from 2 weeks ago and a poppy seed bagel the day before. Upping the cut-off may allow through all opiod users.
https://drugandalcohol.synlab.co.uk/the-poppy-seed-defence/

Depends on how bothered they are. The best action is to retest, but again, depends on whether they bother.

Sounds like that company know what they're doing and have considered it. I'd suspect that a lot of testing will be lowest bidder contracts, more for corporate box ticking than anything else.

 

[Milzy]

A work mate was taking codeine but informed HR. Weeks later called for drugs test and reminded them. Failed obviously then was suspended for two weeks with full pay. Fully reinstated afterwards, ohh it’s those painkillers you told us about. Some company’s are a total joke. He saw it as an extra two weeks paid holiday.

 

[numbnuts]

I didn't know that as i use to put poppy seeds in my bread

 

[Kingfisher101]

I just dont think they believed me when I said I hadn't had any drugs or medication with opiates in. A lady in the waiting room said her sister was employed in drug testing and false positives come up all the time. People do lie all the time about not taking drugs as well.

 

[Webbo2]

One the things with opiates is they are out of your system fast. Used be drug of choice for prison inmates due to regular drug testing, things like Cannabis can remain in your system for up to 28 days.

 

[Drago]

Nice to know that non clinically qualified test personnel are happy to give annopinion about what would or would not cause a false positive.

 

[MichaelW2]

Some middle eastern potentates treat poppy seeds as drug smuggling, even if you bought the poppy seed role at the departure airport. Jail time can ve considerable