Understanding Cross-Reactivity

In the realm of drug testing, accuracy is paramount. However, certain medications or products can cause false “UNCONFIRMED” results due to a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. Understanding cross-reactivity is essential for interpreting drug test results correctly and ensuring a fair and accurate assessment.

What is Cross-Reactivity? Cross-reactivity occurs when an antibody reacts with a substance other than its corresponding antigen. In the context of drug testing, this means that the test may react with a substance that is chemically similar to the targeted drug, leading to a false positive result.

Common Substances That Cause Cross-Reactivity? Several common substances can cause cross-reactivity in drug tests, including:

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can interfere with drug tests.
• Energy Drinks: Popular energy drinks like Mother, V, Monster, and Red Bull may also cause cross-reactivity.
• Pre-Workout Powders: Certain pre-workout supplements can lead to false positives in drug tests.

How to Handle Unconfirmed Results? When an oral fluid drug screening test produces an unconfirmed result, a second confirmatory test is conducted. This confirmatory test is packaged according to AS/NZS 4760:2019 standards and sent to a NATA Accredited laboratory. The laboratory then provides a report indicating a positive or negative result. Importantly, unconfirmed results are never treated as positive until confirmed by the laboratory.

The Importance of Confirmatory Testing – confirmatory testing is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of drug test results. It helps to eliminate false positives caused by cross-reactivity and provides a definitive answer regarding the presence of drugs in the system. This process contributes to a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace by ensuring that only accurate and reliable results are considered.

Understanding cross-reactivity and the importance of confirmatory testing is essential for maintaining the integrity of drug testing programs. By being aware of the substances that can effect results ensures a fair and effective drug testing policy that supports workplace safety and productivity.

For more information on drug testing and cross-reactivity, please get in touch with our team.