What Can Cause A False Positive Cocaine Test​? Top Causes And Prevention Tips

A single false positive on a drug test can absolutely ruin one’s life. Even worse if the test is related to cocaine. The person might face immediate workplace suspension or even termination. They might also get into some legal issues as cocaine is an illegal substance. It is really unfair to get punished for something you haven’t even done. What you need to understand is that even though a false positive on a cocaine test is very rare, it is still possible. Now the only logical question that comes to mind is “What Can Cause A False Positive Cocaine Test​?” We will discuss the answer to that exact question in this article. But before we go on to what causes the false positive, let us first discuss what a cocaine drug test is.

What Is a Cocaine Test & How Does It Work?

A cocaine test is a chemical analysis of your biological sample (blood, urine, saliva or hair). It is used to detect past or present usage of cocaine. It identifies cocaine itself and its primary metabolite – Benzoylecgonine. Since cocaine leaves the body quickly, the test relies on benzoylecgonine (a substance made by our liver while processing the cocaine). These tests are often used for medical reasons, employment purposes and legal reasons. The detection time for cocaine depends on how long cocaine stays in your system. Depending on that urine drug test is the most commonly used drug test all over the world. 

Types of Cocaine Tests And Their Accuracy 

There are different ways to test the presence of a drug in your body. Specificily 4 different types of drug tests:

• Urine test – The most common way to test for drugs. Accuracy is about 95%. It is not invasive. It is easy and comfortable to conduct. 
• Hair test –  often used for long-term detection of drugs (up to 90 days). But it cannot detect recent usage of drugs (between 5-7 days).
• Saliva test – This is excellent for detecting recent usage of drugs. It works best when conducted within 24 hours of drug usage. It is also not invasive but can be uncomfortable to some. 
• Blood test – this gives the most accurate results (95%-99%). But it is invasive and it is also expensive. Making it not the most common approach to test the presence of drugs. 

Notice how the most accurate these tests can get is about 99%. Which means there is still 1% chance of it giving the wrong results. For the best and most conclusive results, opt to GC-MS test (the gold standard of drug tests)

What Does a False Positive Cocaine Test Mean?

A false positive on a cocaine drug test means that your urine test was flagged to contain a trace amount of cocaine in it even though you haven’t taken any. Now this is quite rare but it can still happen if any other substance with some chemical similarities to cocaine cross-reacts with the test. In such cases there is generally a follow-up test conducted called the GC-MS test for the confirmation of the presence of cocaine. Now if you haven’t taken any cocaine, this follow-up test should be able to confirm that for you and no further action on your part should be taken in this case. But what could cause a false positive cocaine test?

What Can Cause A False Positive Cocaine Test​?

Let’s just clear out one thing up. A false positive is only possible when another substance mimics the cocaine metabolite (Benzoylecgonine).  If you have not taken any kind of substance in recent times, there will not be a false positive on its own. Now what medications can cause a false positive cocaine test? Certain antidepressant drugs and some local anesthetics can cause a false positive cocaine test. Drinking tea made from coca leaves can also affect your cocaine drug test but it’s still very uncommon. If this ever happens to you then make sure you ask for a confirmation follow-up test.

What Drugs Can Cause A False Positive Cocaine Test?

Medical drugs can sometimes mimic the same effect as cocaine. Local anesthetics like lidocaine, benzocaine, and procaine that are used for dental and medical procedures or some antibiotics like amoxicillin or rifampin may sometimes cross-react. Though studies have shown that the chances of this happening with the modern-day drug tests are next to nothing.

Medical Conditions That May Interfere With The Tests

In addition to certain medications, some medical conditions can affect the drug test. Health conditions like liver disease, kidney infections and some autoimmune conditions can also cause the metabolite detection and flag you positive for the cocaine drug test. If you have any of these conditions then do not forget to mention them before taking the test. 

Lab Errors And Testing Mistakes

When it comes to the question of “What can cause a false positive cocaine drug test?” One of the most common reasons is mistakes while conducting the test. Something as simple as careless handling of the urine sample can lead to a false positive. It can also flag a false negative if the urine is too diluted. The thing to keep in mind is that common field tests are presumptive and not conclusive 

What To Do If You Test Positive By Mistake

If you have tested positive for cocaine and you are sure that you have never been involved in that business then there is not much to worry about. But if you think any other substance or medication could be responsible or maybe you have any of the medical conditions mentioned before then do not hesitate to let your testing inspector know that. Or if you can think of nothing else then just simply ask for a follow-up drug test to confirm your innocence. If the situation seems to escalate out of your hand then the best option is to take legal assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Conclusion 

What can cause a false positive test for cocaine? Not one thing in particular. Could be medication or it could be your health condition. Or it could be as simple as drinking coca tea. The thing to keep in mind is that these tests are not always 100% accurate. False positives can be worrisome and can cause unnecessary tension but they are just technical issues and will resolve in due time.