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What Does a False Positive Drug Test Mean?

Your drug test results can be affected by medications and even food.

Lauren Smith, MAMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on June 28, 2024
Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | June 28, 2024

Drug tests officially have two results: positive or negative. In general, positive means you have evidence of the drug in your system, and negative means you do not. However, the answers aren't always so black and white.

In this video, learn what it means to get a false positive on a drug test, and possible reasons why this may occur.

References

Baden, L.R., et al. (2001). Quinolones and false-positive urine screening for opiates by immunoassay technology. Journal of the American Medical Association.

Baron, J.M., et al. (2011). The trazodone metabolite meta-chlorophenylpiperazine can cause false-positive urine amphetamine immunoassay results. Journal of Analytical Toxicology.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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