I have been taking Hydrocodone as needed with a prescription on and off for a month for tooth pain. I have a drug screen and want to know if I will pass. I don't take them every day but have had to the past few days and wonder if I will be questioned as to why my script is a month old. It is that old because I don't need them daily. Any advice? Also out of curiosity are drug screens able to tell the amount of a drug in your system?
I have a drug screen and taking Hydrocodone will I pass?
Question posted by cbabygirl on 21 July 2010
Last updated on 6 November 2017 by Governor Goofmajian
8 Answers
Governor Goofmajian
6 Nov 2017
After Medical School, I worked in a Pre-Employment Drug Screening Lab as a Sample Analysis Evaluator.
There are very strict rules and procedures involved in this field of testing.
If a screen comes back "Positive" for Opiates or other Controlled Substances that have SAFETY implications in the workplace, I was required to contact the patient being tested to determine what type of work they were applying for. I was then required to have the patient prove that the medication involved was recently prescribed by a licensed Physician. The patient was required to photograph the prescription bottle, or original prescription with all of the prescribing information visible and then email the photos to my office. I would evaluate the information provided and contact the Doctor if necessary for verification.
If the initial patient screening was positive, and they provided the proper Physician documentation as to why they were prescribed an Opiate, my response to the requesting employer was "Verified Negative" for illicit drugs.
If the initial patient screening was positive for Opiates and they were classified in a "Safety Sensitive" work position. Even with a Doctor's documentation, the response would be "Un-Verified Negative". Which would open a can of worms and require further High Tech Screening.
beanmarie
22 July 2010
hi cbabygirl, You will undoubtedly test positive for the hydrocodone, but don't worry about that. You have a prescription for it, and still having some a month later tells the Doctors that you are not abusing. If you were, your meds would be gone already. Just do take your prescription with you and tell them upfront (before you test) that you have been taking a prescription for pain and are waiting for your appt. That's all you need. And yes, it can tell how much is in your system, which is not a problem unless you've been taking too much in these last few days. That would show a higher level, and since I don't know why you are having a drug screen done, I can't tell you what kind of problem that could be. If you've been taking them as prescribed, I really wouldn't worry about it too much... Good luck, and God bless... beanmarie
christineATU
22 July 2010
It may show positive. But it will also see the metabolites in your system. Which means they can tell how long you have been taking them. But with a legal script, and you tell them upfront you have been on hydro's, the test will come back "Consistent"
christineATU
22 July 2010
I found this article rather interesting...
According to R. Brookler, "Industry Standards in Workplace Drug Testing," Personnel Journal, (April 1992). Laboratories admit that urine tests are not always accurate. The manufacturers of all drug testing equipment acknowledge that all positive results should be confirmed with a more sophisticated test. The only acceptable drug confirmation test is the costly gas chromatography/mass spectrometer. Without confirmation by an alternative testing method, urine drug tests are not sufficiently reliable to hold up in court.
"Only 85 of the estimated 1,200 laboratories in the United States currently testing urine for drugs meet federal standards for accuracy, qualified lab personnel, and proper documentation and record-keeping procedures. Because private companies are not required to use certified drug testing labs, workers are being asked to put their job security in the hands of a drug test that has insufficient quality controls."
Even in labs that do meet the minimum standards, there is plenty of room for error. Your urine sample will change hands many times before its actual drug analysis, which increases the risk of mix-ups and errors. Also, the chemical reagents used in drug testing have a limited shelf life, which can cause "false positives". (A false positive is a sample showing a positive for drug metabolites when there are no metabolites in the person's system.)
Most states do not regulate the operations of urine drug test labs; in fact, some labs have fewer quality control regulations than restaurants. Your typical private employer may use any lab she/he chooses, which would most likely be the least expensive. Findings from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta stated: "... the labs somehow detected cocaine in as many as 6 percent, and amphetamines in up to 37 percent of urine specimens that were 'blank" (those containing no drugs at all)."
christineATU
22 July 2010
In other words, you should be good to go.
sTigerrr
22 July 2010
In my office, we do swab testing on our patients. They hold it under their tongue, then it gets sent to a lab- it will tell my docs what meds you have (or haven't) been taken for a certain duration of time.
christineATU
23 July 2010
The most accurate I believe (beside blood work) is the hair follicle test. But it's so pricey, not many use it.
Inactive
22 July 2010
You will test positive for opioids. But if you have a prescription from your doc then all you need to do is show that you have it and it shouldnt be a problem. So take either the actual bottle or the little pamphlet thingy that came with the script
arcanoidcyst16
22 July 2010
I have the same question because I am on benzo's and what if I get drug tested and they won't give me a job or something.I don't want my manager to know that I take medicine.ANY ADVICE??? :((
Inactive
22 July 2010
arcanoidcyst16, Benzos have a reputation for providing false-positive results in tests, they also can't tell when you used them last. They stay in your system for an average of 7-10 days, but it ranges from 3 days to 4-6 weeks! If you have a script and legitimate reason to take them, legally they can't do anything (unless you've taken too many and get sloppy) Lots of fluids, spring water,gatorade, clear fluids will help flush your system. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Julie
arcanoidcyst16
23 July 2010
I have a legitimate reason and it is that.I have seizures several times a day and I take Klonopin to help me with them.I was just wondering that.If they found those drugs in my system would they think worse of me because I have health problems or would it ruin my chance of getting the job??
Inactive
24 July 2010
It shouldnt cause that would be considered discremination cause you have health problems.
Inactive
24 July 2010
It shouldnt cause that would be considered discremination cause you have health problems.
cbabygirl
21 July 2010
I didn't see a Dentist. I go to a clinic in town due to no insurance and they said I could not get in until November. I was referred to the ER and I was prescribed the hydrocodone there. I guess I am just wondering if they are going to want to know why I am still taking it because it has been a month but I have not been able to get a dentist to see me yet. I am just probably making myself nervous because I don't typically take meds and I have never had to take a UA while on any meds.
sTigerrr
22 July 2010
You should probably test positive, but your rx will validate that you were perscribed it for a legitamate reason. I wouldn't think it would be legal to fire, suspend, or otherwise reprimand you for taking legal medication as perscribed, and hydrocodone is not a major narcotic, such as oxy, roxy, you get the picture. Just make sure you bring your Rx bottle with you, and explain that the medication is to help you for the pain until you can see a dentist once your insurance becomes active, if it makes you feel beter about it, or if you are questioned. They can always call the phone # on the rx bottle to verify- but i highly doubt that will be necessary. There is no shame in not wanting to be in pain. Best wishes...
barbles2413
21 July 2010
dID YOU GO TO A DENTIST? yOU KNOW THE ONE WHO ORDERED THE MEDICATION IF SO YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM BUT I HAVE A FEELING THAT IS NOT THE CASE. HOPE THE TOOTH GETS BETTER
Inactive
21 July 2010
Hi cbabygirl, I am no expert on U/A's, but I believe you will test positive for opiates. But just wait a bit and the other, more knowledgable people here will answer your question.
Best o' luck,
sweetlemon
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Further information
- Hydrocodone uses and safety info
- Hydrocodone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Hydrocodone (detailed)
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