Work drug test failed

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Dadam

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

I'm always happy to give an opinion and at no charge too. You're welcome!

But my opinion is based on:
1: logic. The purpose is to find people who abuse pharmaceuticals, they're not really interested in who eats seeded bread. So it's surely in their interests to make the tests do that better.
2: ethics, i.e what should not cause a false positive. It's not right that someone who's never taken illegal drugs should go through this crap just for eating a normal every day food product.
 
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markemark

Veteran
What’s worse for the organisation doing the testing? False positives or false negatives?

Obviously, in an ideal world, neither, but which side is better for the organisation doing the testing?

They may lose the odd, excellent candidate, or they may take on someone with an opioid addiction.
 
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Gwylan

Guru
Location
All at sea⛵
Really saddened to hear that.

All a bit sloppy scientifically.
Didn't they give you a share of the sample, for reference. And for you to get tested independently, if necessary.

In the circumstances a second test after 48 hours or similar.

What's the complaint policy of the unit doing the testing? They are, it seems, judge, jury and axe sharpener. No sort of justice seems to be involved. .

Depends how much you want the job and what the repercussions of the failed test might be on your career.

In the event I'd want a letter confirming that the test was shown to be negative or inconclusive.


Hope it gets resolved for you.
 

figbat

Slippery scientist
In the case of consuming poppy seeds it isn’t a “false positive”. The test has successfully and correctly identified the presence of metabolites of an opium source. Retesting won’t change that, just reaffirm it.

It is the source of the metabolites that is in question.
 

BigSid

Guru
Location
Hungerford
I've been eligible for drug testing for most of my career. I don't think random drug/ alcohol testing was really a thing in the late 70's/early 80's. It was only if there was an accident. I got called in for random testing just the one time. I was quite disappointed when they didn't give me any to test. ^_^
 

Gwylan

Guru
Location
All at sea⛵
In the case of consuming poppy seeds it isn’t a “false positive”. The test has successfully and correctly identified the presence of metabolites of an opium source. Retesting won’t change that, just reaffirm it.

It is the source of the metabolites that is in question.

Calls into question the validity of the test that is being used.

Most of us (I hope) are more likely to turn up positive for the poppy seed option.
 
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Ripple

Veteran
Location
Kent
Antidepressants can also show as a positive when urine is tested for drugs. A few years ago I was tested for a new job, urine sample immediately showed positive result for cocaine or heroin (can't remember which one) albeit the possibility was low. The person who tested me asked if I'm on any medication, I confirmed I am indeed and can prove it if necessary but my word was enough for him. I got the job with no problems.
 

markemark

Veteran
Antidepressants can also show as a positive when urine is tested for drugs. A few years ago I was tested for a new job, urine sample immediately showed positive result for cocaine or heroin (can't remember which one) albeit the possibility was low. The person who tested me asked if I'm on any medication, I confirmed I am indeed and can prove it if necessary but my word was enough for him. I got the job with no problems.

Was the job picking up packages from the Dog and Duck and dropping them around to Fat Tony?
 

Ripple

Veteran
Location
Kent
Was the job picking up packages from the Dog and Duck and dropping them around to Fat Tony?
No but it was a crappy place to work for anyway. Picking orders for Morrisons. Compulsory overtime, picking targets, time deducted from the pay for going to wc - that sort of paradise. If you've ever seen videos about working conditions in Amazon warehouses - Morrisons was the same.
 

si_c

Guru
Location
Wirral
If the potential employer handling of drugs tests is anything to go by, the OP may be better off not working there anyway.

Drug testing is notoriously inaccurate - this is one reason why roadside drug tests are not evidentiary, just indicative. Unless there were narrowly defined parameters, such as if I was in charge of machinery or a large goods vehicle for example, I'd refuse employment anywhere which requires a drug test even though I have never taken recreational drugs of any kind. It's an unneccesary invasion of privacy and life outside work should have no bearing on suitability for employment.
 
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