Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by
If you fail a drug screen, find out the steps for re-testing and the process of how to dispute a false positive drug test result.
Failing a urinalysis can have big effects on your health and personal life. Urine tests are cheap and easy to do. They check for drugs you’ve used recently or in the past. But, they can be tampered with, leading to false positive results.
It’s important to know what happens if you fail a drug test. We’ll talk about the serious effects and how to handle a false positive. This includes issues with urine temperature.
Key Takeaways
- Urinalysis is a common method for detecting drug use, but it carries risks of false positives.
- A failed drug test can have serious clinical and personal consequences.
- Understanding the implications of a failed urinalysis is important for patients and healthcare providers.
- Factors like urine temperature can affect test results.
- Knowing how to handle a false positive result is key.
Understanding Urinalysis and Its Importance
Knowing about urinalysis is key for health checks and drug tests at work. It’s a tool to find health problems and keep places safe.
Types of Urinalysis Tests
There are many types of urinalysis tests. Each one has its own job. Here are a few:
- Routine Urinalysis: Checks for health signs like pH levels, blood, and infections.
- Drug Screening: Finds drugs or their leftovers in urine, used at work.
- Pregnancy Tests: Looks for hCG to see if someone is pregnant.
Urine tests are very accurate but can be tampered with. To avoid this, drug testing staff follow strict rules. This keeps the testing fair.
Common Reasons for Urinalysis Testing
Urinalysis is done for many reasons. Here are a few:
- To find health problems like UTIs or kidney disease.
- To watch health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- To keep workplaces safe with drug tests.
Knowing why you’re getting tested helps you prepare. It’s good for routine checks or if you test positive on a drug test.
The Role of Drug Testing Staff
Drug testing staff are very important, mainly at work. They do:
- Tests following set rules.
- Make sure the test is safe from tampering.
- Explain the test results to the right people.
If you test positive on a drug test, it’s important to know what to do. This includes fighting false positives and understanding the effects of a positive test.
Clinical Implications of Failed Urinalysis
A failed urinalysis can show many health problems, like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. It means something is wrong in the body and needs to be checked out.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, hitting 12.6% of women and 3% of men worldwide each year. They happen when bacteria get into the urinary tract. Symptoms include burning while urinating, needing to go often, and stomach pain.
A failed urinalysis might show bacteria, blood, or other issues in the urine. This could mean a UTI.
It’s important to catch UTIs early to avoid kidney damage. We should take them seriously and treat them quickly to prevent long-term health problems.
Kidney Disease Indicators
A failed urinalysis might also show kidney disease. This is when the kidneys can’t filter waste from the blood well. Kidney disease can cause serious problems, like heart disease and kidney failure.
- Presence of protein or blood in the urine
- Abnormal levels of waste products in the blood
- High blood pressure
These signs mean the kidneys are not working right. Finding and treating kidney disease early can greatly improve a patient’s health.
Signs of Hypertension and Other Health Conditions
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can also be shown by a failed urinalysis. High blood pressure can cause heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease if not controlled.
“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and early detection through urinalysis can be lifesaving.”
” American Heart Association
A failed urinalysis can also show other health issues, like diabetes, by finding glucose in the urine. It’s a key tool for checking many health aspects.
Knowing what a failed urinalysis means is key for both doctors and patients. It helps start treatment early and improve health outcomes.
Workplace and Legal Consequences of Failed Drug Tests
Knowing what happens after a failed drug test is key for everyone. It can change a person’s job and legal status a lot.
Employment Repercussions
Getting caught in a drug test can hurt your job a lot. Employers might take actions like suspending or firing you. This depends on the company’s rules and your job.
- You might lose your job because of drug policy violations.
- You could be forced to go to drug rehab to keep your job.
- It could also affect your chances of getting a job in the future because of your drug history.
Legal Penalties and Program Disqualifications
Failed drug tests can lead to legal troubles, too. This is true for people in certain jobs or programs that test for drugs.
- You might face fines or have to do community service.
- You could be kicked out of government programs or contracts.
- There’s a chance you could sue your employer if they didn’t follow the rules.
Impact on Professional Licensing
For those in jobs that need licenses, failing a drug test is very serious.
- You might lose your license or have it taken away.
- You might have to join a monitoring program to keep your license.
- It could also make it harder to get licenses or certifications in the future.
If you got a positive drug test result, knowing your rights is important. You might wonder, “Will Quest Diagnostics call if I fail a drug test?” Usually, places like Quest Diagnostics have rules, and how they contact you can depend on these rules and the test’s reason.
A drug screen negative result is good news, but knowing about failed drug tests is key. If you’re worried, talking to a doctor or lawyer can help you understand what to do next.
Common Causes of Failed Drug Tests
Knowing why a drug test fails is key for those being tested. Many things can cause false positives or other problems.
Urine Temperature and Drug Test Failure
Urine temperature is a big deal in drug tests. If the urine is too hot or too cold (usually between 90 °F and 100 °F), it might be seen as invalid or tampered with.
Medications That Can Trigger False Positives
Some meds can make drug tests show false positives. For example, some cold meds and prescription drugs can show up as other substances. It’s important to tell the test administrators about any meds you’re taking.
- Certain antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
Foods and Supplements That Affect Test Results
Some foods and supplements can mess with drug test results. Eating a lot of poppy seeds, for example, can make it seem like you’ve taken opiates. Knowing these can help you get ready for a test.
Understanding Negative vs. Positive Results
Getting your drug test results can be a big deal, like not knowing when to expect them. If you took a test on Monday, you’ll usually know the results in a few days. It’s important to know the difference between negative and positive results.
A negative drug screen result means no substances were found. But a positive result doesn’t always mean you used a substance. It could be because of other things we’ve talked about.
How to Dispute a False Positive Drug Test
Getting a false positive drug test result can be very stressful. But, knowing how to dispute it can help a lot. If you got a positive result, it’s important to know how to challenge it.
Immediate Steps After Receiving Positive Results
Stay calm and follow the right steps to dispute a positive drug test result. First, request a copy of the test result and learn about the testing process. It’s also key to ask about the cutoff levels and if you can retake the test.
- Request a copy of the test result.
- Understand the testing procedure.
- Inquire about cutoff levels.
- Ask about retesting options.
Documentation and Evidence Collection
Collecting documentation and evidence is key to support your dispute. This includes medical records for any legitimate reasons for a positive result, like prescribed medications. For more info on disputing false positives, visit https://checkr.com/blog/how-to-dispute-false-positive-drug-test.
- Collect medical records.
- Document any prescribed medications.
- Gather witness statements if relevant.
Working with Medical Professionals
Getting help from medical professionals can offer valuable insights. They can spot any medical conditions or factors that might have caused the false positive. Their knowledge is important for building a strong case.
Legal Options and Rights
Knowing your legal options and rights is key when disputing a false positive drug test. You might have the right to a retest or to legally challenge the result. Talking to a legal expert can give you advice specific to your case.
By following these steps and knowing your rights, you can effectively dispute a false positive drug test. Remember, staying informed and getting professional advice when needed is important for successfully navigating this process.
Navigating the Testing Process
Drug testing can seem scary, but knowing what to expect helps a lot. We’ll cover the basics of drug testing. This includes what happens after you get your test results and how to understand them.
Will Quest Diagnostics Call If I Fail a Drug Test?
Many people worry about how they’ll find out about their drug test results. Quest Diagnostics, a big name in drug testing, usually tells you through your preferred method. This could be a call, email, or letter. But, the way you get your results can change based on the test and the company asking for it.
Key points to consider:
- The way you get your results depends on the test and the company’s rules.
- Quest Diagnostics usually tells you how to get your results clearly.
- If you fail a drug test, knowing what to do next and your rights is important.
Passed Home Drug Test But Failed Pre-Employment
It’s common to pass a home drug test but fail one at work. There are many reasons for this. These include the test’s sensitivity, the substances in your body, and when you took the test.
Reasons for the discrepancy:
- Work tests might be more detailed or sensitive.
- Some medicines or foods can cause false positives.
- When you take the test matters, as substances can show up at different times.
Understanding Drug Screen Negative Results
A negative drug screen means the test didn’t find any substances. But, it’s key to remember that a negative result isn’t always a sure thing. Things like the test’s sensitivity and when you took it can affect the results.
Same-Day Testing Considerations
Same-day testing is quick and easy, but it’s important to think it through. The type of test, what substances are being tested for, and how ready you are can all affect your results.
Tips for same-day testing:
- Know what the testing process is and what’s expected of you.
- Follow any instructions given by the testing place before the test.
- Know what substances are being tested for and any possible issues.
Conclusion: Moving Forward After a Failed Urinalysis
Failing a urinalysis can be very stressful. But knowing what happens and what to do next can help. If you’re wondering about the consequences of failing a drug test, they can vary a lot.
When you explain a failed drug test, it’s key to give context and any important details. We talked about how some medicines and foods can cause false positives.
If you got a negative test result but were asked for more tests, you might be worried. Knowing how tests work and your rights can make you feel better.
We hope this guide has helped you understand urinalysis and what to do if you fail a test. Being informed and ready can help you feel more confident moving forward.
FAQ
What happens if I fail a drug test?
Failing a drug test can lead to serious issues. You might face job loss, legal trouble, or problems with professional licenses. We help you understand these risks and how to deal with them.
Will Quest Diagnostics call if I fail a drug test?
Quest Diagnostics usually tells employers about test results, not directly to you. Always check with your employer or the testing facility about their notification methods.
Why did I fail a drug test because of urine temperature?
Urine temperature is key in drug tests. If it’s not between 90 °F and 100 °F, the test might fail. We explain why urine temperature matters and how to manage it.
I passed a home drug test but failed pre-employment screening. What’s the reason?
Home tests and job screenings use different methods. This can lead to different results. We look into why this happens and what you can do next.
How do I dispute a false positive drug test?
To dispute a false positive, act fast and gather evidence. You’ll need to work with doctors. We guide you through the process and your rights.
What are the common causes of failed drug tests?
Failed tests can be due to medications, foods, or supplements. Also, urine temperature issues can cause problems. Knowing these can help you prepare for tests.
How long does it take to get results from a drug test taken on Monday?
Results time varies by testing facility and test type. Usually, it’s a few days. Always check with the facility or employer for exact times.
Can I pass a drug test on the same day?
Same-day testing is possible. But, it’s important to know the challenges and limits. We discuss what to consider when choosing same-day testing.
What does a negative drug screen result mean?
A negative result means no substances were found. But, it’s important to know the test’s limits and what can affect results.
How can I ensure accurate drug test outcomes?
For accurate results, understand the testing process and what can affect it. We offer tips on how to prepare and navigate testing confidently.
References
- Saitman, A., Park, H.-D., & Fitzgerald, R. L. (2014). False-Positive Interferences of Common Urine Drug Screen Immunoassays: A Review. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 38(7), 387“396.https://academic.oup.com/jat/article/38/7/387/2798054
- “Buyer Beware: Pitfalls in Toxicology Laboratory Testing. (2018). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6170116/
- Urine Drug Screening: Minimizing False-Positives and False-Negatives to Optimize Patient Care. (n.d.). U.S. Pharmacist. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/urine-drug-screening-minimizing-false-positives-and-false-negatives-to-optimize-patient-care
