These days, drug testing is often standard procedure before being hired for a new job. Certain professions, such as health care, utilize them as a pre-hire tool more than others. While the idea of a drug and alcohol test can be worrisome, there's usually nothing to fear. Preparing for a drug test is simple.
Step 1
Avoid contaminants before the test. According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, certain over-the-counter medications may cause false positive test results on a Enzyme Multiple Immunoassay Test (EMIT) and other common immunoassay tests for amphetamines and other illegal drugs. The National Center for State Court website lists poppy seed bagels and cold medications as contributors to false positives. Several days prior to your drug test appointment, refrain from ingesting substances that might contaminate the results.
Step 2
Drink plenty of water, especially if you are taking medications. Water helps flush your system of toxins, and will help give you a safer reading. NORML suggests upping fluid intake to fill the bladder about an hour before the test.
Step 3
Take a vitamin. If you're flushing your system with water, your urine may look watered down, which runs the risk of your test getting rejected. To give your urine more color and make it look less watery, NORML suggests taking 50 mg of vitamin B-2 the morning of the test.
Step 4
Insist on an afternoon test, especially if you're worried about potential contaminants. Urine is more concentrated in the mornings, since it contains metabolites from drugs that built up overnight.
Step 5
Plan ahead. If you know you're going to be applying for new jobs, make sure you don't use any drugs or medications that will impair a drug test. Check the Medline Plus website for a list of how long certain drugs take to clear from your system.
Tips and Warnings
- Always inform the tester up front about any over-the-counter medications you've been taking.
- Don't try to cheat the drug test. Chances are, your method won't work and you'll have a false sense of security.
Things You'll Need
- 50 mg vitamin B-2 supplement
