Happy Kitty
Well-Known Member
Hi, this is my first post. Drug testing for marijuana is the focus of this report. The report is lengthy, but has lots of useful information.
The Drug Testing FAQ (v. 4.11)
Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive
Archive-name: drugs/drug-testing
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 1996/7/4
Version: 4.11
URL: https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt
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Fooling the Bladder Cops
(Frequently Wanted Information on how to beat drug tests)
by Justin Gombos <jgombos@csun.edu>
<INTRODUCTION>
During a job interview, have you ever been asked to piss for your new
employer? New applicants for many of the Fortune 500 corporations are now
being forced to take a drug test. In fact, 15 million will be tested this
year. Drug byproducts can be detected in urine, blood, hair, external
residue, and even perspiration! Drugs aren't the only things they test
for; employers are using urinalysis to test women for pregnancy. Pregnant
women are getting laid off or denied employment after taking such a test.
Parents are spying on their children. The DOD Directive requires the
military to screen all active duty members annually. If you don't want to
be a victim of the drug war, this text will help you. If you are well
known, this text may protect your reputation. I strongly recommended that
drug users (pot smokers in particular) read this. Other drugs are covered
as well, but marijuana is the main focus of this paper.
<CONTENTS>
1. DETECTION TIMES
1.1 Halflife of TetraHydroCannabinol
1.2 Detection times of several drugs
1.3 Positive (definition)
1.3.1 Second hand smoke and positives
1.4 Decreasing detection times
2. TEST METHODS
2.1 Substances that are detectable
2.2 DrugAlert
2.3 Gas Chromatography
2.4 Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry
2.5 Hair testing
2.6 High Performance Liquid Chromatography
2.7 Immunoassay
2.7.1 Radio ImmunoAssay (aka Abuscreen)
2.7.2 Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique
2.7.3 Fluorescence Polarization ImmunoAssay
2.8 PharmChek
2.9 TestCup
2.10 Thin Layer Chromatography
3. TEST STANDARDS AND ACCURACY
3.1 Procedures used
3.2 False positives
3.2.1 Ibuprofen
3.2.2 Cold remedies, pain relievers, hay fever remedies, & diet pills
3.2.3 Antibiotics
3.2.4 Melanin (black skin)
3.2.5 DHEA
3.3 True positives (legitimate)
3.3.1 Poppy seeds
3.3.2 Testosterone supplements
4. A NOTE ON COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
5. THINGS TESTED TO DETECT COUNTER MEASURES
5.1 Color
5.2 Temperature
5.3 Creatinine
5.4 pH
5.5 Specific gravity
5.6 Age
5.7 Gender
6. PRODUCING CLEAN URINE
6.1 Dilution
6.1.1 Water
6.1.2 Creatinine level
6.1.3 Vitamin B
6.2 Diuretics
6.2.1 Ultimate Blend (c) (was Test Free)
6.2.2 Detoxify Carbo Clean (c)
6.2.3 Naturally Klean Herbal Tea (c)
6.2.4 Goldenseal
6.2.5 Certa or Certo
6.2.6 Vales Original Formula
6.2.7 Lasix
6.3 Vinegar
6.4 Dexatrim
6.5 Fiber
6.6 Vitamin lecithin
6.7 How to give a clean sample
6.8 Exercise
6.9 Beta-2 agonists
6.10 Beta-3 agonists
6.11 Low dosaging
7. DRUG SCREENS
7.1 Drug screens that work
7.1.1 Aspirin
7.2 Drug screens that do not work
7.2.1 Goldenseal
7.2.2 Niacin
7.2.3 Zinc sulfate
7.3 Untested drug screens
7.3.1 Puri-Blend (c)
7.3.2 The Stuff (c)
8. DOPING SAMPLES
8.1 Effective additives
8.1.1 Bleach
8.1.2 Klear (c)
8.1.3 Water
8.2 Ineffective additives
8.2.1 Ammonia
8.2.2 Blood
8.2.3 Draino
8.2.4 Goldenseal
8.2.5 Hydrogen peroxide
8.2.6 Lemon juice
8.2.7 Liquid soap
8.2.8 Mary Jane's SuperClean 13 (c)
8.2.9 Purifyit (c)
8.2.10 Sodium nitrate
8.2.11 Table salt
8.2.12 UrinAid (c)
8.2.13 Vinegar
8.2.14 Visine
8.2.15 WD40
8.3 Untested additives
8.3.1 Papain
9. SUBSTITUTION
9.1 Substitution methods
9.1.1 Concealed container
9.1.2 Injection
9.1.3 Catheterization
9.2 Where to get clean urine
9.2.1 Urine from a donor
9.2.2 Powdered urine
9.2.2.1 Making your own powdered urine
9.2.3 Dog urine
10. STEALING URINE
11. IF YOU FAIL THE TEST
12. WHO DRUGTESTS?
12.1 Which companies test, and which don't?
13. POLITICS AND ETHICS OF DRUG TESTING
14. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
14.1 Contacting the author
15. FOOTNOTES
16. SOURCES
16.1 Contributors
16.2 Works cited
16.3 For more information
16.3.1 Drug testing consultants on the net
16.3.2 Drug testing mailing list
16.3.3 Sites
16.3.4 Newsgroups
17. DISTRIBUTION RULES
(c) indicates that the item is a commercial product.
1. <DETECTION TIMES>
Drug tests detect drugs as well as metabolites. Metabolites are the
byproducts of a substance after it has run through your system. To
determine whether you will pass or not, it is important to know how much of
the illicit metabolites are in your urine and how much is tested for. Table
1.2 will give you an approximation; however, it varies depending on a
number of factors. Testing method and levels tested for are major factors.
1.1 Halflife of TetraHydraCannabinol: The halflife of THC concentration
ranges between 0.8 to 9.8 days. There is too much human variation to even
approximate how long THC will be detected in the urine of an individual.
Infrequent users with a fast metabolism will have the shortest detection
time. Frequent users with a slow metabolism will have long detection
times. The only way to estimate a detection time is to consider the lower
and upper bounds (3-30 days), and decide based on the factors I've
mentioned.
1.2 Detection times of several drugs.
[TABLE 1.2]
Drug Approximate Detection Time in Urine using EMIT
- - ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Amphetamines 2-4 days
Barbituates
Short-Acting (ie. secobarbital) 1 day
Long-Acting (ie. phenobarbital) 2-3 weeks
Benzodiazepines 3-7 days
Cannabinoids 3-30 days
Clenbuterol [PE] 2-4 days [F1]
Cocaine 2-4 days
Codeine 2-5 days
Euphorics (***,MDMA,psilocybin) 1-3 days [F2]
Methadone 3-5 days
Methaqualone 14 days
Nicotine ? [F5]
Opiates 2-4 days
Peptide hormones [PE] undetectable
Phencyclidine (PCP) 2-4 days [F4]
Phenobarbital 10-20 days
Propoxyphene 6 hours to 2 days
Steroids (anabolic) [PE] oral: 14 days [F3]
parenterally: 1 month [F3]
[PE] Performance Enhancers
[F1] 0.5 ng/mL by GC/MS
[F2] By RIA and GC/MS only. Not Detectable by EMIT.
[F3] By HPLC, RIA, and GC/MS. Not Detectable by EMIT.
[F4] 8-14 days as was reported in earlier versions and was incorrect.
[F5] No data available yet. I expect the detection time to be long because
nicotine is fat soluble.
Note: Detection times vary depending on analytical method used, drug
metabolism, tolerance, patient's condition, fluid intake and method and
frequency of ingestion. These are general guidelines only.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Try to call in sick on test day to delay one more day if possible; it will
help.
Other factors determining degree of intoxication include metabolism,
tolerance, frequency of intake, fluid intake, amount of marijuana, potency
of marijuana, and length of time you've been a user. If you use marijuana
on rare occasions, your urine may be clean of metabolites in less than a
week. There is a common and strange phenomena that occurs with chronic
users. You would expect a chronic user to have the longest detection time
and the smallest chance of passing. This is not always the case. A
chronic user with a high tolerance will eliminate drugs quicker than an
occasional user. Chronic users have tested negative after a week long
binge. Lipid tissue also makes a huge difference. Skinny users not only
have a faster metabolism (usually), but also lack storage for THC
metabolites. Fat will cause a lag in excretion pattern, and lead to a
longer detection time. You should now be able to understand why an
individuals detection time for THC is so unpredictable. Please don't post
or e-mail a question "how long will it take..." This is the single most
frequently asked question. Many people can't even begin to estimate a
detection for their own bodys, let alone the unseen, unknown body of a lost
internet explorer.
There is an inaccurate program that will plot a graph of time versus
percentage of THC in your system given the days you've smoked. The program
is called CALC_THC.EXE and can be found on the internet. CALC_THC cannot
possibly be accurate because it doesn't have any way of measuring the
potentcy of the weed, and it leaves metabolism out of the equation. (see
14.2.3)
1.3 Positive (defined): 50 nanograms of THC metabolites per milliliter
defines a "presumptive positive" by NIDA certified labs. This value was
originally 20 ng/mL, but too many false positives resulted. So the level
was raised to 100 ng/mL to reduce false positives. As of January 1995, the
threshold was lowered back down to 50 ng/mL because drinking water would
easily bring a positive below 100 ng. Be aware that these cutoffs are not
universally consistent. I recently heard of a lab using a 15 ng/mL cutoff!
Following is a table for cutoffs of other drugs:
[TABLE 1.3]
DRUG SCREENING CUTOFF GC/MS CUTOFF
Amphetamines Class 500 500
Amphetamine 500
Methamphetamine 200
Barbituates 200 100
Cocaine 150 150
Marijuana 50 15
Opiates 300
Codeine 300
Morphine 300
Phenyclidine 25 25
All cutoff levels are in micrograms/mL
1.3.1 Passive smoke and positives: "Second hand marijuana smoke in a car
can cause you to fail the next day" (Nightbyrd). It is possible that
second hand [marijuana] smoke will raise someone to the 50 ng/mL level;
however, *extreme* exposure is required. For instance, a closed car full
of pot smokers and a non-smoker may render the non-smoker positive for both
urinalysis and the hair test, provided that they are sealed in the car for
a while. The non-smoker would have to take in virtually as much second
hand smoke as a smoker. Non-smokers are safe in a ventilated area, as long
as they don't get a hair test. According to Clinton, simply blowing crack
smoke on ones hair may cause a positive hair test. Second hand pot smoke
doesn't affect the hair test results as much as crack smoke does mainly
because exhaled smoke contains no THC. The only pot smoke that contains
THC is the smoke that hasn't entered the lungs.
1.4 Decreasing detection times: Increasing metabolism is probably the
most effective way to decrease the time period that drugs can be detected
in your system. Physical activity can increase your metabolic rate as much
as two thousand percent! Nothing beats proper training taken to an
extreme. A high calorie diet is the next best way to increase metabolism.
Consuming mass quantities of high calorie food will increase metabolic rate
by up to 10 percent. On the contrary, a malnutritious (light) diet could
lower your metabolism by 10 percent. Speed (the drug) will also increase
metabolism. Unfortunately, labs usually test for speed, and could get you
into trouble. So exercise with intensity, and eat big.
2. <TEST METHODS>
There are four types of urine tests, a hair test, a perspiration test, and
a residue test. Before continuing, I must say that this text mainly
applies to urinalysis. However, I try to cover methods for beating all
drug tests.
It would be helpful if people could somehow find out which test they are
getting ahead of time. Though caution must be taken. Asking your boss
whether you're getting an EMIT or GC/MS would imply that you know too much,
or seem too curious. The law doesn't protect you from unjust hiring
practices, and your boss to be may refuse you employment for any reason.
If simply drinking a cup of water makes the boss feel uncomfortable, the
verdict may be guilty before you even take the test.
2.1 Substances that are detectable: An assay can be developed for any
drug using GC/MS. The table below indicates what can be dectected in
screening tests.
[TABLE 2.1]
EMIT RIA HPLC
Amphetamines Y Y
Antidepressants Y .
Barbituates Y Y
Benzodiazepines Y Y
Cannabinoids Y Y
Carbamazepine Y .
Cocaine Y .
Ethanol Y .
*** . Y
Methadone Y .
Morphine . Y
N-Acetylprocainamide Y .
Opiates Y .
PCP . Y
Phenobarbital Y .
Propoxyphene Y .
Steroids . Y Y
Theophylline Y .
Y = detectable
. = not detectable
(blank) = unknown
2.2 DrugAlert: DrugAlert is a $19.95 home test kit enabling parents to
test their children. This is the most inaccurate test being used, and it's
also the newest. The test kit is a small brown pad giving off an Oxy pad
odor. The [uninformed] parent wipes the child's clothes, books, and
anything belonging to the child. Then the pad is sent to Barringer
Technologies via mail. (Note that it's a felony to send controlled
substances through the mail. If the sample is positive, Barringer
Technologies is knowingly urging parents to break the law). The lab puts
the pad in a microwave looking machine, which detects residue from seven
different illicit drugs. The child fails the test if s/he uses drugs, or
unknowingly comes in casual contact with a drug user. Simply borrowing a
pencil from a classmate that uses drugs will pass enough residue to render
a positive test and an angry parent. When we have statistics like - 90% of
all paper currency shows traces of cocaine, this test kit is quite foolish.
Your only defense is to continually clean everything you touch with
disinfectants.
2.3: Gas Chromatography: Defined by Thein and Landry:
Gas chromatography uses a separation technique to divide the urine
extracts into the component parts. An inert gas carries the urine
through chromatographic columns, and the samples are separated by
their boiling temperature and by their affinity for the column.
Compounds are identified by separation time, called retention
time. The retention time is unique and reproducible for each drug
in a given chromotographic column.
2.6 Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry: Defined by Thein and Landry:
The most precise procedure for detection of banned substances is a
combination of GC and MS. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is
a two-step process, where GC separates the sample into its
constituent parts, while MS provides the exact molecular
identification of the compounds. Compounds are separated by GC
and are then introduced, one at a time, into a mass spectrometer.
As the sample constituents enter the MS, they are bombarded by
electrons, which cause the compound to break up into molecular
fragments. The fragmentation pattern is reproducible and
characteristic, and is considered the "molecular-fingerprint" of a
specific compound. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is
considered to be the most definitive method for confirming the
presence of a drug in the urine and is approximately 100 to 1,000
times more sensitive than TLC. Selective ion monitoring has been
used to improve the GC/MS results. This procedure is the most
costly, averaging approximately $200 per sample to test.
The GC/MS is typically used to confirm "positive" EMIT test results. GC/MS
will indicate precisely what chemical is present. This is necessary
because the EMIT will only indicate whether something similar to what's
being tested was found. The GC/MS is difficult and more costly, which is
why the EMIT is given first. (Hewlett Packard produces the GC/MS equipment,
including computer, for about $50-75k depending on options.) Abstinence
and substitution are the only ways to defeat the GC/MS test. GC/MS is very
precise when done right. However, it's still subject to human error. For
example, if the equipment isn't cleaned well, the previous test sample
could get mixed with the next sample. According to Dr. Edward Cone, the
GC/MS is 99 percent accurate; not very accurate on a large scale when you
realize that 10 thousand out of every million will get false results. (more
on accuracy in section 3).
2.5 Hair testing: When THC metabolites are in the blood, they go through
the blood vessels in the head, and get filtered through the hair. THC
metabolites remain in the hair as a permanent record. The hair test costs
several hundred dollars ($150-$300) and is rarely given because urinalysis
is cheaper (approximately $65) and more accurate. (The hair test equipment
and setup goes for over a million). According to Jeff Nightbyrd, hair
tests are "widely used in the casino industry." They cut 50 strands of
hair from the scalp, and send it in to the testing lab where they liquefy
it. "A hair sample is disolved in a series of solvents which extract the
drug metabolites and then are analyzed via GC/MS." It can take several
hours to days just to extract metabolites. Average hair grows 1/4 inch per
month. Typically they just use hair one and a half inches from the scalp;
though some labs will take enough to test for up to 3 years. The liquid is
run through the most sensitive GC/MS machines available, and can detect as
little as 1 ng/mL! The hair test discriminates in that detection is easier
in dark hair. Colored people may be discriminated against further because
melanin is in their hair, which can be mistaken for THC. However, there is
conflicting data as to whether melanin can be detected as THC.
Psychemedics Corporation has a PDT90 kit for $75. This home test kit is
for parents that want to chop off a lock of their child's hair to find out
what drugs s/he is using. Kids- lock your bedroom doors at night if your
parents don't trust your judgment on the drug issue.
Beating the hair test is extremely hard, and there are false positives.
Bleaching or dying your hair is rumored to work, but it doesn't. I imagine
you can shave every hair on your body and claim that you're a swimmer.
According to NORML, Aloe Rid by Nexus is a shampoo that will aid in testing
negative. Aloe Rid is available only in salons. Healthy Hair, from Sampson
Health Products, is another shampoo designed to beat the hair test.
Healthy Hair is sold in retail stores throughout Las Vegas. Keith Thrash
from Sampson Health Products reccommends precleansing with Aloe Rid prior
to using Healthy Hair. Healthy Hair is used in the morning and before
going to bed. Each session takes 20 minutes. According to Steve at
Sampson Health Products, two out of a thousand people failed the hair test
when using Healthy Hair. Byrd Labs is currently developing a shampoo to
defeat the hair test. Some have suggested treating hair with oil because
THC is oil based and oil soluble. However, there is no proven way to beat
the hair test, so it's all heresay and guessing at this point. (If anyone
has any success with the shampoos or the swimmer excuse, please let me
know). Swimming and washing your hair removes toxins, and Keith Thrash
recommends doing both as much as possible. Fortunately, the hair test
cannot be used alone as evidence because there are no forensic standards.
It can only be used when substantiated by other evidence. Also, there are
no intoxication standards. I believe if you tested positive for the hair
test that you would probably have a good chance of fighting it.
(BlockBuster Video uses the most up-to-date equipment, and passing such a
test can be difficult). It takes several months of precleansing to beat
the tests given by Psychemedics.
2.6 High Performance Liquid Chromatography: Usually used to detect
anabolic steroids. Defined by Thein and Landry:
High-performance liquid chromatography is similar to GC, except a
liquid carries the sample through the chromotographic columns and
the columns are not placed in a heated compartment.
High-performance liquid chromatography is both sensitive and
specific, and it is simpler and faster than GC. Gas
chromatography and HPLC are reliable methods for screening, and
they allow for simultaneous determination of a wide variety of
different compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography is
used to screen for urinary caffeine levels and has been used to
confirm the positive results obtained from other screening
techniques. Some steroids can be analyzed with this technique,
whereas HPLC and GC lack appropriate sensitivity to detect
beta-adrenergic blockers.
2.7 ImmunoAssay: This procedure is best described in Thein and Landry's
word's:
Immunoassays use antigen-antibody interactions to detect illegal
substances. Antibodies that bind selectively to certain drugs or
drug metabolites are chosen, and the sensitivity and the
specificity of this test are only as good as the antibody chosen.
The binding is proportional to the amount of drug in the urine and
can be detected through enzymes, radioisotopes, or fluorescent
compounds. With this technique, very small amounts of drug can be
detected in a very small amount of urine, although this test may
not differentiate between specific drugs within a class of drugs.
Immunoassay has yielded false-positive results with some
decongestants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Radiommunoassay (RIA) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay
(FPIA) are specific IA techniques currently being used.
Radioimmunoassay can detect some 17 alpha-methyl, 17 alpha-ethyl,
and 19-nortestosterone steroids despite its low specificity.
Immunoassay is both more sensitive and more specific than TLC.
2.7.1 Radio ImmunoAssay (aka AbuScreen): "Of all the screening methods .
. . (EMIT, TLC, RIA), RIA is the best method available." The RIA test is
applied the same way as the EMIT. "The only difference btw RIA and EMIT is
that RIA uses radioactive iodine as the detection mechanism rather than an
enzyme NAD/NADH rxn which is detected by a scintillation counter" (anon1).
The scintillation counter is used to measure the amount of radioactive
particles present. Radioactivity is inversely proportional to metabolite
level. RIA tests are a little more sensitive than the EMIT, and harder to
beat. The most known user of the RIA test is the US government; in
particular, the US military. The EMIT is more common because RIA produces
radioactive waste, and radioactive waste is difficult to deal with. The US
government uses RIA because a "company gives the government the
instrumentation free in exchange for buying their reagents (reagent rental
contract)." Some non-government labs use the RIA, so don't be surprized if
your pre-employment screening is a RIA rather than an EMIT.
2.7.2 Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique: The EMIT is the cheapest,
easiest to perform, and most common; also the easiest to fail. It's the
easiest to pass if you're well informed (ie. reading this text). Most
pre-employment screens will give you the EMIT first; though some businesses
will surprise you with a GC/MS test up front (discussed later).
Unfortunately, there is no standard procedure to expect. (One who has read
this file and is well informed may still fail because of the random nature
of drug testing labs.) If you don't know which urinalysis will be
administered, focus on beating the EMIT. If you pass the EMIT, you're off
the hook. If you fail the EMIT, they'll give you the confirmation GC/MS
test, which is extremely sensitive. Lewis Maltby, director of the
Workplace Rights Office, said the EMIT test is wrong 25 to 30 percent of
the time.
2.7.3 Fluorescence Polarization ImmunoAssay: No information yet available
on this test.
2.8 PharmChek: A band-aid type patch is worn for a week or more to absorb
perspiration. If illicit drugs are used during the time the sweat patch is
worn, the patch will be positive when the lab tests it. The patch has a
tamper-proof design - no thanks to 3M, who manufactures the patches.
(Don't sweat it; we'll find a way to tamper with the silly patch
PharmChem Laboratories Inc. created the patch, and got market approval from
the FDA. The FDA permitted the patch for detecting cocaine, amphetamines,
and opiates. They are working on getting FDA clearance to use the patch to
test for marijuana and PCP. The FDA already gave permission to use it in
the workplace. PharmChem will sell the patch to law enforcement and drug
rehabilitation agencies in 1996. Accuracy of the sweat patch remains
unknown. No one has disclosed any information reguarding how inaccurate
this test is. Bad lab procedure is a very big problem in the testing
industry, and it's hard to tell how prone to human error the sweat patch
test is.
2.9 TestCup: No details available yet. This new test by Roche involves
urinating into a cup, where the cup has an indicator on the side displaying
what drugs are positive.
2.10 Thin Layer Chromatography: TLC "involves adding solvent to urine to
extract drugs and then comparing color spots on a TLC plate to that of a
standard" (Nightbyrd). Accuracy is very poor, and this test is rarely
used. A TLC kit called ToxiLab is available. This kit has been abandoned
for the most part, since EMIT has been improved. Fortunately, it's not
used for confirmation anymore. Thein and Landry's definition:
Thin-layer chromatography testing is based on the differences in
the migration rate of various substances through a porous
supporting medium. The degree of migration and the color are
characteristic of certain drugs. Thin-layer chromatography can
demonstrate the presence of a drug, but this procedure cannot
specify the quantity of drug present. This technique is both time
consuming and nonspecific, and provides only a positive or
negative response. Thin-layer chromatography is capable of
detecting only a limited number of substances 12 to 24 hours after
ingestion, resulting in a high number of false-negative results.
3. <TEST STANDARDS AND ACCURACY>
The accuracy of drug testing is an area where I've decided to neglect all
statistics. Those who oppose drug testing provide numbers indicating a
high level of false positives. Those who favor drug testing provide
numbers indicating high levels of accuracy. The fact is that accuracy
varies widely from lab to lab. Generally speaking, NIDA labs are accurate.
Clinton writes:
NIDA (The National Institute of Drug Abuse) is the government
organization responsible for regulating the drug-testing industry.
The vast majority of urine drug screens done these days conform to
NIDA specs, and ALL testing associated with the government
(department of transportation, etc.) complies with the NIDA
standard. It is NIDA that decides what the "safe" cutoffs are to
avoid false positives....
Despite what you might hear on the net, urinalysis, if done
correctly, is a very accurate scientific procedure. I know of no
labs that simply report the results of the initial EMIT screening
without confirming the sample on GC/MS. The fact is, labs WANT
you to test negative, because then they only have to run an EMIT
test on your urine (a few cents). If you test positive, they must
then confirm the positive result on GC/MS, which is considerably
more expensive. . . . Incidentally, the machine which tests the hair
is a relative of the GC/MS, but is FAR more precise. It can
accurately detect levels of THC in a solution that are below 1
ng/mL!
CAP (College of American Pathologists) also certifies laboratories the way
NIDA does. NIDA keeps it's labs in check by sending positive and negative
double-blind samples. Lab personnel does not know what samples came from
NIDA. If the lab results are wrong, NIDA may take away the labs
certification. Only labs that perform the GC/MS on site can be NIDA
certified. Labs that send samples to another laboratory for GC/MS
confirmation are ineligible for NIDA certification. "Drug testing when
done properly with all required controls and confirmation procedures is
very accurate and reliable" (anon1).
Not all labs are NIDA/CAP certified. Some labs do not properly and
thoroughly clean the GC/MS equipment. Some labs don't even do a GC/MS
confirmation! Some labs use cheap alternative methods to reduce expenses.
Many human errors occur in labs and cause inaccurate results. Some are
careless or irresponsible errors, and some errors are accidents. Human
error can ruin the results of ANY test, screening or confirmation GC/MS.
The only lab you should be concerned with is the one that is testing you.
Only Federal jobs require NIDA standards. Your typical private employer
may use any lab s/he chooses, which would very likely be the least
expensive. Businesses don't always choose NIDA labs that follow-up a
positive screening test with a confirmation GC/MS.
3.1 Procedures used: In the workplace, an EMIT screening is typically
used, with a CG/MS confirmation if the EMIT is positive. However, this is
not a rule; employers can, and some do, use unusual procedures. Some
employers use the RIA, and some use the hair test. The government uses
RIA. They may or may not supervise the subject. Olympic athletes must be
monitored by courier after a competition. The courier stays with the
athlete until the athlete urinates, with a time frame of up to sixty
minutes.
3.2 False positives: No laboratory process is completely free from error.
The GC/MS test is virtually error free, but the EMIT is far from accurate.
There are some false positives you should avoid if you're getting an EMIT
test. Take this seriously; false positives run high. If you know that
there will be a GC/MS confirmation test, you can disregard this section.
It would be too lengthy to list all of the false positives here. Jeff
Nightbyrd's "Conquering the Urine Tests" pamphlet lists a majority of the
false positives in detail. (If you are clean, want to get back at the
testing industry for conducting these absurd tests, and know that there
will be a confirmation test, you could consume several false positives.
This would force labs to pay for the high priced GC/MS test, eventually
drive up test expenses. You will still pass the test as long as you didn't
use any true positives.)
3.2.1 Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a common pain reliever that (even in low
dosages) used to cause a false THC positive on the EMIT test. The EMIT has
been changed to use a different enzyme to eliminate false positives due to
Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen in very high doses will still interfere with both the
EMIT and the GC/MS. There is some conflicting data here because some
sources say that the GC/MS tests can distinguish between Ibuprofen and THC
(as well as other over-the-counter drugs).
3.2.2 Cold remedies, pain relievers, hay fever remedies, & diet pills:
Decongestants and diet pills result in false positives for amphetamine use
in one third of the test samples given to 40 of the countries leading
laboratories. There are roughly 300 over-the-counter drugs that cause
false positives on the EMIT.
3.2.3 Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics (like Amoxicillin) are claimed to
cause a positive for heroin or cocaine. My expert source was unable to
verify this, so I regret that there is some uncertainty here.
3.2.4 Melanin (black skin): Melanin is the brown pigment that protects
your skin from UV rays. It was raised as a discrimination issue in the
1980's, and argued that melanin's molecular structure is similar to that of
a THC metabolite. Subsequent research revealed flaws in the data. Melanin
was found to have no effect on THC metabolite testing.
3.2.5 DHEA: DHEA taken by AIDS patients will cause a false positive for
anabolic steroid use.
3.3 True positives (legitimate): Some legal products actually contain
small amounts of illegal chemicals. All tests, including the GC/MS, will
test you positive because the metabolites derived from the true positive
are identical to the metabolites of the illegal drugs. One exception:
poppy seeds will not cause a positive GC/MS (explained below).
3.3.1 Poppy seeds: Poppy seeds, usually on breads, contain traces of
morphine, and lead to positives for opiates. According to Dr. Grow, eating
a pastry filled with poppy seeds will bring results showing that you are a
*high level* opiate user. Harold Crossley, a nationally known chemical
dependency expert, said you would have to eat 100 poppy seed bagels to
score a positive on a drug test. When taken into account that very few
poppy seeds are sprinkled on bagels, you can see that poppy seeds from a
hundred poppy seed bagels will easily fill a single large pastry. Purim
cookies, a Jewish food known as Hamantashen, may have five to six
tablespoons of poppy seeds. A couple Purim cookies may cause a positive
test. Poppy seeds can be distinguished from illicit drugs on the GC/MS
test. Although poppy seeds have the same metabolites as opium, these
metabolites are shown to have different patterns when viewed with the
GC/MS.
3.3.2 Testosterone supplements: Orchic extract (found in bull's balls)
will give a positive for anabolic steroid use. It is a legitimate
substance that causes the test to imply that you abuse steroids.
4. <A NOTE ON COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS>
There are commercial and household products that will help you pass the
test. Some people are object to commercial products because they "are just
trying to cash in on the War on Drugs." They also charge high prices and
water alone tends to work for most. Also, be aware that Texas outlawed
products with the sole purpose of creating negative results on urine tests.
I have put a (c) next to the commercial products to indicate that they are
developed specifically for beating the test. Those of you that oppose them
or reside in Texas can skip items with a (c).
Ignore money-back guarantees. Companys that suck in thousands of High
Times readers make so much, that a few returns from motivated users are
insignificant. People could even get away with offering a money-back
guarentee for Goldenseal because all the water that people drink with
Goldenseal causes most of them to pass. Some companys don't keep their
word. A urinator who tested positive sent the lab results back, only to be
told that marijuana is illegal. He was not even compensated for buying a
failing product.
5. <THINGS TESTED TO DETECT COUNTER MEASURES>
Laboratories know how easy it is to tamper with urine samples and alter the
results. Labs often do tests to find out if the sample is legitimate.
5.1 Color: If a urine sample looks clear, the lab will suspect that it's
watered down. They can't report it as positive, but they may reject the
sample and inform your employer that you tried to beat the test. If this
happens, the sample might as well be positive, because you won't get hired.
Take vitamin B complex to color your urine yellow.
5.2 Temperature: Urine should be between 91 and 97 degrees. NIDA
certified labs will verify temperature. If it isn't, they will suspect you
added water to the cup, or used substitution. Disposable pocket hand
warmers (sold in department stores) will keep a urine sample warm, provided
that the urine is in a condom or douche bag.
5.3 Creatinine: Creatinine is a substance produced by vertebrates, and it
shows up in urine. If someone substitutes their urine with something other
than urine, like Mountain Dew, they will test negative for drugs. The
testee will most likely not get away with it because Mountain Dew contains
zero creatinine, and labs test creatinine levels to ensure that the sample
is valid. Creatinine levels drop below normal when people dilute their
urine. This tests to ensure that the subject didn't drink unusual amounts
of water. An *accurate* creatinine "clearance" test would require a urine
and blood test 24 hours before the drug test to determine the normal
creatinine level for that individual. This is almost never done. You
should still be cautious because they do often use the inaccurate method of
comparing your creatinine level during the drug test to an average. Eating
foods rich in protein like red meat will slightly increase creatinine
levels. There is no significant variation between vegatarians and
armavors, so the effect protein has is little. Sexual activity also raises
creatinine levels. I doubt sexual activity influences creatinine level
with much significance. However, a vegetarian that doesn't have much sex
should be concerned. People who are drug-free sometimes lose their jobs
for having too low of a creatinine level.
5.4 pH: pH is often changed when people spike their sample with household
products. Use caution when doping urine, pH is usually tested.
5.5 Specific gravity: An unusual specific gravity indicates that a sample
has been tampered with.
5.6 Age: Age can not be tested using urine. There is a rumor that
approximate age can be detected in urine, and is tested in medical
insurance exams. It's a myth.
5.7 Gender: Gender cannot be tested either. As with age, there is a
rumor that gender can be detected in urine, and is tested in medical
insurance exams. It's another myth. It may be argued that a pregnancy
test can be used to detect the gender of the urine provider, but the same
test is used to detect prostate cancer in males.
6. <PRODUCING CLEAN URINE>
THC is fat soluble, and it gets stored in your fat cells. Cleaning it out
of your lipid tissue is very difficult. Many herbal products claim to
clean out your system, yet they do nothing to remove THC byproducts from
fat cells. A study was done in Germany in 1993 on 50 of the most common
herbs used by people trying to pass the test. All 50 herbs failed to cause
a negative. Unfortunately, this rumor will not die. Goldenseal (plant) is
useless; yet it's the most common thing for people to use. The only way to
extract THC from fat cells is to exercise (5.8). Fat cells secrete fat
with THC metabolites at a constant rate, regardless of what herbs you
consume. You may be able to temporarily clean THC metabolites from your
bloodstream, or dilute your fluids to yield a larger urine/THC ratio, but
your bloodstream will continue collecting THC metabolites from fat. Your
urine will continue collecting THC metabolites from your bloodstream.
6.1 Dilution: Hyper saturating your body with fluids will dilute
metabolites possibly below the 50 ng/mL threshold, depending on your
metabolism. Be aware that creatinine levels are often tested, and will
show that the sample has been diluted. Diluting your sample will also
produce clear urine, with virtually no yellow color. They will assume that
you've diluted your sample, and they may reject your sample on the basis of
color alone. It's only necessary to start drinking just before the test.
Those who drown themselves in fluid days before a test are only causing
unnecessary discomfort. Those who stay up all night drinking don't have
any better chance than one who drinks heavily first thing in the morning.
Get up early if the test is early, but don't lose sleep over a test that's
given in the daytime.
6.1.1 Water: Drink at least eight hefty glasses of fluid (preferably
water) just prior to the test. Many people start drinking water several
days before the test; which is useless. Water does *not* clean any THC
metabolites out of your system because THC is not water soluble. Water
only dilutes urine temporarily. Do not over do it; you can get water
intoxication. People can actually overdose and even die from water
intoxication. It's very hard to do, and you'll vomit before anything
gets serious.
6.1.2 Creatinine level: Eating red meat will boost creatinine levels. If
you eat a lot of red meat for the 3 days prior to the test, your creatinine
level will be normal, and the lab won't know that you've diluted your urine
sample.
6.1.3 Vitamin B: Color your sample yellow by taking 50 to 100 milligrams
of vitamin B. Many vitamins will work, but B-2 or B-12 (found in
B-complex vitamins) are the most effective, though some will argue that
vitamin C is better. This will also help if you plan to dope your sample
(section 7). This does not guarantee that dilution will work. Diluted
samples have been red-flagged when specific gravity and creatinine levels
are tested and below normal. If you're taking vitamins at the last minute,
check to see if they're time release. If so, crush it up and consume the
powder. Coloring your urine isn't all that important because it's normal
for people to have clear urine even when they don't consume much fluid.
6.2 Diuretics: Diuretics make people urinate frequently. Coffee,
cranberry juice, beer, iced tea, herbal tea, and Pepsi are all good
diuretics. Grapes are known to be very good diuretics. Diuretics without
caffeine or alcohol are recommended because caffeine and alcohol have
negative side effects. Cranberry juice is also the cheapest. Avoid salts.
Herbal diuretics do better than home remedies like juices.
6.2.1 Ultimate Blend (c): This product used to be known as Test Free, but
the name was changed. Ultimate Blend is a diuretic designed for the test,
but works no better than other diuretics. Ultimate Blend is sold by Zydot
Unlimited Inc.
6.2.2 Detoxify Carbo Clean (c): This is a very new product, untested by a
third party. It claims to absorb toxins, however, experts say that
absorbing THC metabolites from fat cells is impossible. Here is a copy of
the ad from Party Hut Enterprizes:
[Detox] Is a scientifically formulated carbohydrate blend that
works by absorbing toxins and imuurities[sic]. It has been
featured in High Times, and we are so confident of the results
that we are offering a double-your-money-back guarantee for any
failed results. This is the most complete program for the
cleanest results! Precleanse (tm) herbal capsules are enclosed in
every box of Carbo Clean. This extra advantage helps you begin
cleansing the evening before the deadline. B-Complex tablets
complete the program.
6.2.3 Naturally Klean Herbal Tea (c): Naturally Klean claims to clear any
drug metabolites for a few hours after taking. Drink this shortly before
the test. Naturally Klean was also listed as a drug screen in previous
versions, but according to Nightbyrd, "it will do NOTHING to help you pass
a urine test;" with the exception that it will dilute your urine. You can
get Naturally Klean from Martha Butterfield-Jay Foundation: one sample is
$25. An anonymous user provided the ingredients list: dandelion root,
burdock root, red clover top, chamomile flower, alfalfa leaf, licorice
root, slippery elm inner bark, hibiscus flower, dog rose hips, natural
fruit flavors. Dandelion root is said to be the effective diuretic.
6.2.4 Goldenseal: Goldenseal is a plant and you can get either the root
or the leaves in pill form. It's also a liquid or tea. The liquid is
rumored to absorb slower than the capsules. Goldenseal is a diuretic, but
works no better than other diuretics. Furthermore, NORML reports that
Goldenseal is now being tested for. Taking Goldenseal is a foolish waste.
6.2.5 Certa or Certo: This is an untested diuretic. Certa "has something
to do with canning. Some people swear by it. Trouble is, it's always
somebody else, a third party not present during the conversation, who uses
it" (Pearson). I've heard rumors about people who smoked right up to the
day before the test, consumed fruit pectin (a canning substance similar to
Certa), and passed the test. However, there hasn't been any tests to
validate those claims. Will someone with a lab at their disposal please
test this stuff?
6.2.6 Vales Original Formula: Another herbal remedy like Goldenseal. It
does nothing. The water you must take with it does everything Vales claims
to do.
6.2.7 Lasix: Take an 80 milligram dose of prescription diuretic lasix
(furosemide). Prescription diuretics are the most potent. Some over the
counter diuretics will color your urine blue and should be avoided.
WARNING! -Diuretics can be harmful to people with kidney problems, pregnant
women, and diabetics.-
6.3 Vinegar: There is a myth that drinking vinegar will mask drugs; it
won't. However, vinegar lowers the pH of urine. Amphetamines are excreted
up to 3 times as fast when urine is acidified. So vinegar could reduce the
detection time period for amphetamines. The effects on detection time are
generally insignificant, and it in my opinion it really wouldn't be worth
it to drink vinegar. If you do decide to drink vinegar, I hear it's
easiest to get a shot glass and do it in shots. It will cause diarrhea.
6.4 Dexatrim: There is a myth that taking phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim's
active ingredient) will work. It won't. In fact, Dexatrim is a false
positive, and may work against you. The myth may have originated because
Dexatrim was claimed to speed metabolism. However, the fact that Dextrim
causes a positive makes it useless.
6.5 Fiber: A high fiber diet will help by redirecting fat soluble
metabolites to the colon rather than bladder. "THC is eliminated primarily
in the stool via bile acids. Both EMIT and RIA detect a secondary
metabolite which is reabsorbed from the intestines. Thus a person with a
high fiber diet will excrete a majority of THC [metabolites] in the stool"
(anon1). A fiber-based laxitive will also help by binding bile-acids. Use
caution. Fiber laxitives can alter one's bowel schedule and lead to
dependancy.
6.6 Vitamin lecithin: A recent method that's still under development is
to take vitamin lecithin. This vitamin breaks down your stored fat and
disperses it into your blood stream, to help clean out drugs that store
themselves in lipid tissue, such as THC. NORML recommends taking Lecithin
right up to the day of the test. To me it sounds as though this would work
against you because by putting THC back in your blood stream, you are
increasing metabolites in the urine. Someone has suggested that you take
vitamin lecithin on a regular basis to clean lipids of THC metabolites.
Then quit before the test, which seems to make more sense. It MAY be
useless to take lecithin supplements orally. I've been told that the
digestive system breaks it down too much before entering the blood stream.
Most aren't willing to take vitamins intravenously. (If you do decide to
take lecithin, you might as well take B5 with it. B5 aids in the process
of turning lecithin into acetylcholine.) Another solution is to take
nutrients which help the body manufacture lecithin. Lipotrophics cause the
liver to produce lecithin. A good source for this information is Austin
Nutritional Research page.
6.7 How to give a clean sample: Don't give urine from your first
urination of the day. It's the dirtiest, and can be heavily filled with
metabolites. Urinate a couple of times before giving a test sample. Also,
don't give the beginning or end of the stream. Piss in the toilet, then
quickly stop and go in the cup. Stop, and shift back to the toilet for the
last portion. Only give a midstream sample. Just be sure to give 60 cc's.
6.8 Exercise: Athletes have a big advantage over normal civilians. When
fat is burned, THC byproducts are released into the blood. This is the
only way to get THC metabolites out of lipid tissue. "Normal living will
burn them slowly, as your fat reserves get turned over" (Dr. Grow). Due to
an athletes high metabolic rate, THC moves through an athletes system
significantly faster. Exercising between drug tests will clean THC
metabolites from the system at a faster rate, thus lowering the detection
period. It is important to stop burning fat cells near test time. On test
day, it doesn't matter what's in your lipid tissue. What's in your blood
and urine does matter. Exercise increases the amount of THC metabolites in
the urine; so quit exercising a week before the test. Be lazy, and eat
big. This will put the body in an anabolic fat-storing stage. At this
point, the "buried" THC metabolites won't escape and go the the urine.
There are drugs that will increase metabolism the way exercise does, but
these are the same drugs that they are usually testing for. Exercise
should only be considered when the subject knows that he or she will not
be given a pop quiz in the near future.
6.9 Beta-2 agonists: Studies have shown that Clenbuterol reduces fat,
which would help rid lipid tissue of THC metabolities. Clenbuterol also
increases metabolism. No studies have directly shown that Clenbuterol will
help pass a drug test. However, provided that it reduces fat, I would
assume that the fat breakdown would result in less fat soluble substances
in the system. Caution: Clenbuteral is labeled as a performance enhancer,
and it's on the banned list for athlete testing. If are being tested as an
athlete, avoid Clenbuterol!
6.10 Beta-3 agonists: Beta-3 agonists are drugs that stimulate the beta-3
andrenergic receptors on brown fat cells. The beta-3 andrenergic receptor
is located on the surface of fat cells, and controls the amount of fat the
cell releases into the bloodstream. When brown fat is stimulated, white
fat is burned (converted into heat). Many people have mutant beta-3
andrenergic receptors, causing calories to be burned too slowly; thus
leading to obesity. These people will benefit most from beta-3 agonist
drugs. If the drug works as claimed, I believe it would reduce the
detection time of fat soluble drugs by continually excreting metabolites
into the bloodstream at a faster pace. As with vitamin lecithin and
exercise, you would take beta-3 agonists between tests, and quit a couple
days prior to the test. Beta-3 agonists have been in the development phase
for the past 13 years. One firm is already testing a beta-3 drug in early
clinical trials. It's not on the market yet.
6.11 Low dosaging: If you're an athlete and get tested for steroids, you
can still use anabolic steroids and possibly beat the cutoff. The body
naturally produces testosterone (a steroid), and small amounts of
testosterone show up in urine by default. Some athletes are able to keep
their steroid intake low enough to indicate a natural level of steroids. A
study was done finding that 67% of steroid users take more than the
recommended amount, and they stack (meaning they take two or more different
kinds of steroids). Steroids are only meant to be used in small amounts to
begin with. Anything over a normal dose goes unused. Also, no study has
shown stacking to be beneficial.
7. <DRUG SCREENS>
Some chemicals taken orally supposedly will mask traces of drugs in urine.
Advertisers like to present their diuretic as a masking agent to make the
sale. Consequently, diuretics are often mistaken for drug screens. Most
herbal products claim to do a lot more than they actually do. Don't be
fooled by herbal potions that claim to flush or absorb toxins.
7.1 Drug screens that work:
7.1.1 Aspirin: According to Jeff Nightbyrd, there is testing industry
data that taking 4 aspirins a few hours prior to the test might help you.
". . . aspirin interferes with the Syvia [sic] EMIT assay. It seems that
aspirin absorbs at the same wavelength that NAD does which is how it
interferes with the assay" (Clin Chem 34 (90) 602-606). Two reliable
sources have tested aspirin and found it to interfere with the EMIT. In
the future they will try to find a way to circumvent this test flaw. Until
then, I certainly recommend taking advantage of the situation and using
aspirin.
7.2 Drug screens that do not work:
7.2.1 Goldenseal: Goldenseal has shown to work on occasion. However, some
labs are reportedly testing for Goldenseal. Goldenseal is very unreliable,
and California NORML advises against using it. Goldenseal (as a screen)
only works on the TLC test, which is not used anymore.
7.2.2 Niacin: Niacin has been shown to work on occasion. Byrd Labs tests
conclude that niacin doesn't work at all. In other words, something else
probably caused a negative, not the niacin.
7.2.3 Zinc sulfate: Zinc sulfate is claimed to bond with THC metabolites,
and because it's a solid, it gets passed as stool rather than urine. Jeff
Nightbyrd says it does nothing. Anne Watters Pearson said "zinc sulfate is
no miracle drug for pissing. Forget it."
7.3 Untested drug screens:
7.3.1 Puri-Blend (c): Puri-Blend is claimed to "block" metabolites from
entering the bloodstream and to "neutralize" all drugs in the urine. I
don't believe it myself. Sold in GNC stores.
7.3.2 The Stuff (c): The Stuff is claimed to absorb toxins in the body
and block detection of true and false positives. Sold by J&J Enterprises.
8. <DOPING SAMPLES>
"Doping" samples consists of spiking the sample with different chemicals.
Chemicals that defeat immunoglobulin/antigen binding will cause a false
negative on the EMIT. Most of these additives only work on the standard
EMIT screening, not on RIA or GC/MS tests. In many cases, passing the EMIT
is good enough, because they will never do a RIA or GC/MS confirmation on a
sample that showed negative. I should also add that you may be watched, so
don't rely on this method. You should be able to find out ahead of time if
you will be supervised. Some of the following additives alter the urine's
pH, and most labs now test the pH to see if the sample has been
adulterated. If you are subject to random tests, you may want to carry an
additive in your wallet. Additives are illegal in the state of Texas, and
commercial vendors will not ship their product to Texas addresses.
8.1 Effective additives: These additives are recommended.
8.1.1 Bleach (powdered): Chlorinated bleach will test negative, and it's
the best household additive. In an emergency, Jeff Nightbyrd recommends
adding unscented bleach crystals to a diluted sample. It's recommended to
grind the powdered bleach to a finer grain. 1/4 teaspoon is recommended
for a 60cc sample. For liquid bleach, add six to ten drops. Bleach will
throw the pH outside the normal body range; so it may be apparent that the
sample was tampered with. Some bleaches foam or leave residue, so
experiment with different brands before selecting which to use.
8.1.2 Klear (c): Klear is a powdered additive. Jeff Nightbyrd, Ann
Waters Pearson, and Party Hut Enterprises currently endorses Klear. It is
the most advanced and least detectable. Klear will clear up THC
metabolites, as well as nicotine byproducts on the EMIT. If
methamphetamines are present, Klear won't help. Klear is only designed to
work on the EMIT. It will also work on the RIA when there is a good time
span between the urine getting spiked, and getting tested. If the RIA test
is not performed on-site, there is a good chance Klear will cause a false
negative. Two samples of Klear can be purchased from Martha
Butterfield-Jay Foundation for $30. Party Hut Enterprizes now carries
Klear for $30. You can also get Klear direct from Klear (the
organization).
8.1.3 Water: You can dilute your sample heavily with water. Don't
confuse this with drinking water; you can also add water directly to the
sample. Be sure to use hot water (between 91 and 97 degrees), they will
likely take the temperature of the sample. This method isn't dependable
because some facilities have the sink water shut off so people can't do
this. If there is running water, they may listen to you. If you turn on
the water, make it sound like you're washing your hands or something.
8.2 Ineffective additives: These additives are not recommended. Many of
these may give negative test results, but are not recommended for other
reasons.
8.2.1 Ammonia: 2 ounces will render the sample negative. The pH is
altered, and the ammonia odor is strong enough to be recognized.
8.2.2 Blood: It's been said that a few drops of blood will fix your
sample; it doesn't.
8.2.3 Draino: Draino will test negative. However, Draino is NOT
recommended because it doesn't work well even when half a teaspoon is
added. It colors the sample blue, and will put the pH outside the normal
body range. Draino foams, and leaves metal specs that must be removed.
8.2.4 Goldenseal: A myth. Goldenseal put directly in the sample doesn't
alter test results. It only turns the specimen brown. Do not dope your
urine with Goldenseal. Goldenseal is more commonly used as a screen, to be
consumed. See Goldenseal under section 7.2.1.
8.2.5 Hydrogen peroxide: Industrial grade will destroy half the THC
metabolites. Household strength hydrogen peroxide does nothing. 30% H2O2
may "oxidize the THC metabolite into something that would not react in the
screening test and would show up as something different by GC/MS" (anon1).
8.2.6 Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a myth; it will not change the test
results.
8.2.7 Liquid soap: Will test negative, but makes the specimen cloudy,
which certainly draws suspicion.
8.2.8 Mary Jane's SuperClean 13 (c): This additive was effective for a
very short period. SuperClean had to be strong enough to beat the tests,
but weak enough to be undetectable. It failed to cause a false-negative in
3% of the tests. In fact, it also causes a false-positive on the EMIT for
alcohol! Don't use it.
8.2.9 Purifyit (c): Imported from Europe, Party Hut Enterprises sells
Purifyit with a money-back guarantee. PHE claims there have been no
returns. Oklahoma NORML refuses to endorse this product because it has
flunked too many truck drivers.
8.2.10 Sodium nitrate: This is more effective than table salt (below), but
dissolves poorly.
8.2.11 Table salt: Two tablespoons of salt will test negative, but puts
the density out of normal range. Residue can also be seen at the bottom of
the cup.
8.2.12 UrinAid (c): UrinAid, produced by Byrd Labs, is very potent and
works every time for masking pot and nicotine, but not cocaine or heroin.
They have recently developed a test solely to detect UrinAid. UrinAid is
tested for in 5% of the labs. Oklahoma NORML has stopped selling this
product because it's "too detectable."
8.2.13 Vinegar: Adding vinegar to your sample will test negative, but
also drops the pH. In fact, lowering the pH is what causes the sample to
test negative. "If the urine is extremely acidic or alkaline the
antigen-antibody reaction will proceed at a slower rate which COULD produce
a false negative" (anon1). This method is not recommended because if you
are lucky and lower the pH enough to produce a negative, there's a chance
that the pH itself will also be tested.
8.2.14 Visine: This is debatable. Byrd Labs concluded that Visine does
not work. Clinton said that the lab he worked in tested Visine, and
concluded that Visine works every time as a false negative for the EMIT.
It can be detected due to inability of the sample to foam.
8.2.15 WD40: Another myth. WD40 can only do harm.
8.3 Untested additives
8.3.1 Papain: This is a papaya enzyme available over the counter. It
isn't known whether this does anything. Dr. Grow said that Papain is an
antibody to THC, and in theory may destroy THC when added to the urine
sample. However, positive urine doesn't actually contain THC; it contains
THC byproducts. Papain has not been tested, and may or may not work.
9. <SUBSTITUTION>
This method works for every urine test, every time. You simply give them
clean urine (not yours). This works very well if you're not supervised.
If you are going to be supervised, try to talk them out of it. Someone
told me they were going to be monitored, and they said "I don't want you to
fuckin' watch me piss!" So the supervisor waited outside; probably with
his/her ear to the door to listen for opening containers. Abbie Hoffman,
author of "Stealing This Urine Test," suggested leaving a few drops of
urine on the seat or on your shoe for as "an added measure of
authenticity."
9.1 Substitution methods: There are three methods, but two of them are
painful, and you have to be determined to use them. The most common way to
sneak in urine is in a concealed container.
9.1.1 Concealed container: Simply conceal the urine. The first time
you're alone with the container they give you, dump in your concealed
urine. Be sure you can quietly open the container; the lab personnel may
be just outside the door listening. You may be required to change into a
gown. If so, a condom or douche bag holding the sample and taped around
the thigh can be concealed under the gown. You can also run a plastic line
from a flexible container and tape it to your urination equipment (to be
gender neutral), and even piss under supervision. Females have been known
to keep a condom with the urine sample in the vagina, and prick it to piss
under supervision. Be sure to keep the sample between 91 and 97 degrees.
9.1.2 Injection: There's a way to use substitution even when you're under
the strictest supervision. Athletes trying to pass tests for anabolic
steroids have been known to empty their bladders, and have the substituted
urine injected directly into their bladders via needle. It was shown in a
motion picture like "Wildcats" or something. While theoretically possible,
it's painful and subject to infection. It would certainly be the most
senseless way to get clean urine into the testees bladder. If this must be
done, catheterization should be used.
9.1.3 Catheterization: First void your bladder as you would with
injection. Run a thin plastic tube to the bladder. (Males must insert the
tube into the opening of the penis, go through the urethra and into the
bladder.) Catheterization done on females is not as unpleasant as it is
for males. Then inject the clean urine into the bladder via catheter.
Catheterization is less painful, safer, and more effective. Infection is
still possible.
9.2 Where to get clean urine.
9.2.1 Urine from a donor: You can substitute someone else's urine. Ask
your urine donor (hopefully a friend you can trust) what drugs they've
taken in the last month. They may have taken a false positive (or a true
positive for that matter), and before the test, the examiner should ask you
to list everything you've taken.
9.2.2 Powdered urine: If you don't trust your friend's sample, or don't
have any clean friends, you can get powdered urine from Martha
Butterfield-Jay Foundation. It's produced by Byrd Labs, and supposedly
works perfectly; however, I got MBJF's powdered urine, and it did not
specify the age or gender of the original sample. Powdered urine must be
prepared ahead of time. If there is a period of time that you are clean,
you can make powdered urine from your own supply.
9.2.2.1 Making your own powdered urine: Urinate in a glass container.
Let it evaporate. Then scrape the inside for the concentrate. Just mix it
with water before the test, and the sample will have the correct specific
gravity, pH, color, etc.
9.2.3 Dog urine: I heard from Dr. Grow that dog urine (of all things) can
be substituted, and will pass the test! However, I don't know how an age,
gender, pH, or creatinine test would result. Someone was able to use dog
urine for several months to pass the test. This subsection assumes you
have a clean dog. I know my dog's urine wouldn't pass; he eats more weed
than humans do. It would make more sense to use human urine, but dog urine
provides a workable substitution in an emergency.
10. <STEALING URINE>
Speaking of stealing, people have been known to get away with stealing
their sample from the tray among many other urine samples. In the case
that I heard, the person being tested never got the test results, and was
hired for the job that he was tested for. They wouldn't dare ask someone
to re-test because they "lost" his/her urine sample. Don't expect this
method to work if you are being tested for the military or if you're on
parole; they have no problem violating your rights repeatedly.
11. <IF YOU FAIL>
If you fail the test, raise hell. Failing the drug test has been known to
make a quiet person go ballistic. You will be interviewed by a medical
review official (MRO), who would try to find out why you tested positive.
If you fight it, your lawyer "can subpoena the proficiency testing records
of the laboratory for review" (anon1). These questions should be asked
about the lab you are challenging:
How does the lab handle samples?
Are they NIDA/CAP certified?
Do they participate in appropriate proficiency testing?
Whay is their track records in the proficiency testing program?
Have they ever failed a proficiency test?
What are the qualifications of the technical staff performing the test?
What technologies do they use to screen and confirm?
"Conquering the Urine Tests" provides additional legal advice that will
help you before taking a test, and if you fail a test.
Laura Gibson, a medical doctor on the internet, tested positive and was not
hired. She had a poppy seed bagel that morning, not knowing it was a false
positive. She fought it to the point where they just decided to throw out
the results and hire her anyway. But don't go taking it to court; it's
virtually impossible to win this case.
If you're an adult, contact ACLU. If you're a child, don't bother; ACLU
won't do anything for children who fail the drug test. Then mail me at
<hbcsc096@csun.edu> and tell me what you tried so I can use that to help
others. Many people ask for advice before the test, then don't report
back.
There is a way to fight drug testing. If you ever serve as a juror for a
case where someone is being charged for a drug offense, and a drug test is
used as evidence, be aware of jury nullification. If sufficient evidence
is submitted supporting a law you consider unjust, you have a RIGHT to vote
not-guilty, simply because you disagree with the law. You may agree with
the law, yet disagree with the punishment for that particular crime. If
you feel the punishment will be too harsh, you also have the right to vote
not-guilty. Vote your conscience. The court never tells the jurors of
this [hidden] right, but it's there. The Fully Informed Jury Association
is a good source for this information.
Many employers no longer show lab results to employees. They just get
rejected if seeking employment. Elderly employees are getting fired for
failing the test; incidentally losing all of their pension benefits.
12. <WHO DRUGTESTS?>
Employers, parol officers, police, health insurance companies, the
military, and as of recently, high school athletic coaches drug test. Many
of these people are insensitive, unscrupulous, and could care less about
constitutional rights. Some are forced into drug testing, like coaches for
example. Parents who can't parent their children adequately have pressured
high school coaches to enforce their drug-free values at the expence of
civil rights. I do not know the methods these people use. It would be a
full time job keep track of testing procedures of different organizations.
Please don't email me asking if or how your health insurance provider will
drug test you. I don't know. If you have such a question, I suggest
posting it to the relevent newsgroups or the mailing list.
12.1 Which companies test, and which don't?: There used to be a usenet
'Just-Say-No-To-Piss-Tests Project' keeping an updated list of companies
that either invade or respect your privacy. If you have first person
experience with a company, you would report it to <piss@rafferty.com>.
They would provide bad publicity for companies that test by adding it to
the list. If you report a company for not testing you, they would add it
to the good list (companies that respect your privacy). (see 14.2.3)
Whoever maintained this list may have dropped out of the scene because many
are having trouble getting a list. Those who do get the list, find that
it's a old one. A couple people in the mailing list discussed starting a
new one, but at the moment it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
13. <POLITICS AND ETHICS OF DRUG TESTING>
(I'll keep this brief, this is not a position paper)
I believe drug testing is an unreasonable search, and that it forces people
to incriminate themselves. Many who take the same position believe drug
testing violates the 4th and 5th amendments. The counter argument is that
the Constitution doesn't apply to private organizations.
It comes down to these values. An employer's right to know who s/he is
hiring stands in conflict with an individual's right to privacy. I wrote
this paper because I value the right to privacy more.
I also believe people SHOULD have the right to consume any substance
they want [without limits] given that they are knowledgeable about that
chemical. Employers, like anyone, have been effected by the Reafer Madness
Movement. The government pushed massive amounts of misinformation
throughout communities and schools, and I don't believe that employers are
well informed enough yet to dictate what drugs will harm the workplace.
The only effective way to select workers is to evaluate their
performance on the job. Drugs can actually improve performance. Aspirin
relieves pain, allowing a worker to continue. Marijuana (when consumed on
the job) makes repetitive factory oriented work more interesting, which
lengthens a workers attention span. Marijuana will actually make some
people more alert. After intensive testing, someone I know can solve the
Rubix Cube 20 seconds faster when stoned. (not scientific proof, yet
interesting). Stimulants will keep workers productive at the end of long
work days. If the negative effects of drug use begin to show in the
worker's performance, their employer has a number of options for dealing
with it.
Phil Smith summarizes an article in March 1990 Scientific American:
[The article] suggested that workers who tested positive for
marijuana only: 1) cost less in health insurance benefits; 2) had
a higher than average rate of promotion; 3) exhibited less
absenteeism; and 4) were fired for cause less often than workers
who did not test positive. Since marijuana is the most common
illicit drug used by adults, and the one detected in up to 90
percent of all "positive" drug tests (half of which are false),
this fact has radical implications for current public and employer
policies.
I could hardly believe what I was reading, but this article did carry
sufficient statistical evidence.
I see greater negative effects in drug testing than in drug use. In my
opinion, drug testing is un-American because guilt is assumed until the
test proves innocence. Our current conservative totalitarian Congress is
extremely irresponsible, and the peoples' civil liberties are suffering.
The Senate is even more threatening to our rights than Congress. This
particular privacy violation costs businesses $1.2 billion a year for
urinalysis of their workers. The military is notorious for their strict
drug tests. (note that marijuana helped soldiers in times of war). If you
test positive in California, your drivers license is automatically
suspended for 6 months. Nightbyrd has "counseled several, very straight,
elderly workers - close to retirement - who were fired and lost their
pension benefits because they 'failed their drug test'" (Jeff Nightbyrd).
Bernard Williams of the Philadelphia Eagles failed the drug test for
marijuana. He was suspended from the NFL for six games for using a drug
that doesn't enhance performance. If anything, marijuana would detract
from an athletes performance. Let the coach judge Williams performance.
Now it's becoming popular for parents to drug test their children.
Perfect; let's break up the families; cut down those lines of communication
and sneak around spying on our kids. Let's violate the child's privacy. We
use DARE like the salem witch hunts - to get children to turn their
parents. Now with DrugAlert, parents have a weapon to use on their kids.
The U.S. Supreme court just ruled June 1995 that public high schools
can require drug test for all student athletes. Many high schools already
do random searches on students; not for weapons, but for drugs. After all,
the Constitution has failed to protect children in the classroom, why not
expand? Students have lost 1st, 4th, and 5th amendment rights, and I think
it's absurd. We have patriotic history teachers telling children of their
Constitutional rights, yet children aren't given these rights on campus.
Kids get kicked out of school for questioning rules that violate the
Constitution.
It's also important to consider the discrimination factor. People with
dark skin may fail the urine test due to the false positive melenin. Drugs
are detected easier in dark haired people when the hair test is used.
We are sacrificing too many important rights by allowing drug testing
to continue. Until this unjust drug testing frenzy is put to an end,
children, workers, military service people, and parolee's need to learn how
to protect themselves from the drug test.
14. <ABOUT THE AUTHOR>
I have no medical or legal credentials. I haven't even been drug tested
myself (because I refuse to). I use the internet to research drug testing,
and compile this paper from that information. I've talked to several
knowledgeable people who either drug test, or get drug tested. I'm an
activist against the War on [Some] Drugs, and I think that the government
has taken the drug war to a ludicrous level. Laws created by the
legislature to protect me from myself demonstrate how totalitarian this
country has become. NORML reports that every *9* seconds someone gets
arrested for marijuana posession. Incidentally, I've taken an interest in
methods for 'beating the system'; although I would only implement methods
for beating an unjust system (such as drug testing). I may find out how to
beat the breathalyzer test (and publish it), yet I remain strongly opposed
to DUI. That goes into my belief in freedom of information. The
government bans lots of information that should be public access.
14.1 Contacting the author: You may e-mail
comments/corrections/suggestions to me. Send questions to the urine-test
mailing list. This way several people including me will get the question,
and I won't be burdened with having to reply to all the mass mail that I
get. I probably won't be able to answer questions that this paper doesn't
answer, but I can direct them to a more knowledgeable source. I use PGP
2.6.2 encryption, and my public key can be found on any of the key servers
under keyID 4002051D. Here is my key:
- -----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
Version: 2.6.2
mQBtAy+V7BYAAAEDAL/a1nhivKnxD9c9HSS9cxsnkf2CjH+lmBQ3ZeAj5Qa6jE7L
AMPlBid34c9yoOzG7ZFjlmVLGtiJK2jDipCVgfi+9LdOfvbpFjAppCLIQqAZAIh0
fvJCWk4myW66QAIFHQAFEbQdV2lsZFRoaW5nIDxoYmNzYzA5NkBjc3VuLmVkdT4=
=Wvex
- -----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
I encourage everyone to use encryption, Uncle Sam is watching! I also
encourage everyone to use anonymous accounts, like anon.penet.fi. If you
don't have an anonymous account, I promise to keep your identity
confidential. I would never disclose my sources, even to a badge. E-mail
help@anon.penet.fi to get an anonymous account. I will assume everyone
wants to be anonymous, so I default to not publishing your name or address
in the credits. If you provide me with information and want to be cited in
the sources, tell me explicitly. Many of my readers are experts in the
field. If you want to be available for consulting directly to the public,
let me know and I'll add your address to the sources.
Justin Gombos
E-mail: <jgombos@csun.edu>
Snail-Mail: 1216 Bryden Road, Columbus OH, 43205
URL: https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt
15. <FOOTNOTES>
(anon1): an anonymous toxicologist. Details in section 16. Made reference
to Clin Pharmacol Ther 38 (85) 572-578 and Pharmacol Rev 38 (86)
151-178.
16. <SOURCES>
16.1 Contributors: Thanks to everyone who contributed information! Many
of my contributors use anonymous accounts, or have requested that I keep
them totally anonymous.
anon1: Anonymous contributor #1 is a clinical biochemist/toxicologist
working as the non-medical director of a small clinical laboratory. S/He
holds three degrees: a masters in biochemistry, a bachelors in chemistry
and an associates in medical laboratory technology and is certified as a
Clinical Laboratory Scientist by NCA. S/He has worked in the clinical
laboratory field for 18 years and specifically in drug testing labs for
over fives years. In addition, s/he has been recognized as a expert before
several states and the federal courts in matters relating to drug and
alcohol testing and it effects on driving performance. S/He has testified
for both the prosecution and defense so his testimony has been recognized
as unbiased.
California NORML: helped with information on detection times.
Clinton (not Bill). Clinton has worked as a lab assistant in two drug
testing lab's, and has other family members in the field. In usenet,
Clinton is known as ZZYZX.
Dr. Grow <an236215@anon.penet.fi>. Dr. Grow studies molecular biology.
Nightbyrd, Jeff (founder of Byrd Labs): Nightbyrd is the author of the
"Conquering the Urine Tests" pamphlet. His 11th edition was updated in
1996 and is out via snail-mail for $5. The pamphlet provides some more
elaborate information, and includes statistics and stories. Nightbyrd has
worked several years on protecting workers civil rights, and a majority of
my information comes from all the free consulting he has provided (he's
practically a coauthor). If anyone has a related law suit underway, Mr.
Nightbyrd has one of the most extensive libraries of materials in the
country. E-mail <nightbyrd@I-link.net>; Voice 800/480-2468; FAX
512/478-7706.
Pearson, Anne Watters (founder of Martha Butterfield-Jay Foundation):
Pearson is devoted to counseling and coaching people faced with piss
testing. E-mail <oknorml@ix.netcom.com>.
Smith, Phillip. Phillip Smith is a Portland NORML member who has helped
edit this paper, making corrections on grammar and content.
16.2 Works cited
Scientific American, "Science and the Citizen". March 1990. pp.18 & 22
Thein, Lori A.; Thein, Jill M.; Landry, Gregory L. "Ergogenic Aids.
Special Series: Pharmacology." PHYSICAL THERAPY. May, 1995. p. 426
16.3 For additional information:
American Civil Liberties Union: 212/944-9800
Austin Nutritional Research: https://www.realtime.net/anr
Byrd Labs: Jeff Nightbyrd's creation. Byrd labs has run more than 2,000
tests on urine and additives. 800/333-2152
California NORML: 415/563-5858; e-mail <canorml@igc.apc.org>.
CAPP: Hi tech workers rights organization. 512/448-4804
Carson, Ed. JUST SAY NO TO DRUG TESTS - How to Beat the Whiz Quiz.
ISBN 0-87364-624-X
Conquering the Urine Tests: see Jeff Nightbyrd (16.1)
Digit Press (GA) Info Line: 404/924-1393
Drug Testing Hotline in California: 900/844-test
Fully Informed Jury Association: For free Jury Power Information Kit, call
800/TEL-JURY. FIJA national snail-mail: PO Box 59, Helmville, MT
59843. 406/793-5550. Mr. Peyman (FIJA affiliate) 714/838-2896.
Home
Hoffman, Abbie. STEAL THIS URINE TEST.
J&J Enterprizes: Distributes The Stuff and Naturally Klean Herbal Tea
each for $19.99. PO Box 102311, Denver, CO 80250.
https://www.imall.com/stores/stuff
Klear: 40 4th Street #216, Petaluma, CA 94952 800/661-1357
Legal Action Center: 212/243-1313
Martha Butterfield-Jay Foundation (Oklahoma NORML): MBJF sent me free
literature, and a brochure on of their products. If you call, a
machine will answer. Calls will be returned collect. P.O. Box 57214,
Oklahoma City, OK 73157 405/521-URIN
National Lawyers Guild: 212/614-6464
NORML: NORML operates a Drug Testing & Information Hotline. I don't
recommend this hotline. People have called this line needing important
drug testing information in a hurry, only to get a recording. For the
price, I would expect a live person. The charge is $2.95 per minute.
900/97-NORML. 1636 'R' St. N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington D.C. 20009
NORML Legal Referral: 202/483-5500
Party Hut Enterprises: Carbo Clean, Purifyit, and Klear are $30 each. The
purchaser pays COD and shipping. They do accept pre-paid orders. If
you would like to have more information about this product or a catalog
of the 100's of other products that they carry just e-mail Charles
Alvis. <calvis@icon.net> or <partyhut@paranoia.com>. They also have an
online headshop located at https://www.paranoia.com/~partyhut
Performance Factors: Makes video imparment test. 415/769-8300
PharmChem Laborities Inc.: Boycott PharmChem for supplying the sweat
patch. Jay Whitney or David Asheim can be reached (harassed) at
415/328-6200
Puri-Blend: 800/886-3234
Sampson Health Products: Snail mail: 901 Rhode Rd., Kyle, Texas 78640.
Sampson.com. Call 512/398-6995 anytime to speak to an operator,
leave message, or automated fax.
Spy Supply, Inc.: This company sells home drug test kits for THC and COC
that can be used before the "official" test. The kits cost $15 each.
1212 Boylston St 120, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 617/327-7272
Testing Expert Witness: Good for legal cases. 615/579-5425
Zydot Unlimited, Inc.: 800/725-2481
16.3.1 Drug testing consultants on the net: If you want to be listed here
as a free consultant, let me know.
Me: I'll make an effort to answer questions. If I can't answer
something, I'm in contact with toxicologists and other experts who
choose to remain anonymous. I will direct questions to them.
Jeff Nightbyrd: Consult Nightbyrd with any drug testing question. Legal
issues are his specialty.
16.3.2 Drug testing mailing list: E-mail <listproc@calyx.net> with
"subscribe urine-test Firstname Lastname" as the body. Nicholas Merrill
maintains the mailing list as well as a WEB page saturated with information
and links. https://www.calyx.com/urine-test.html.
16.3.3 Sites and Internet sources: A list of sites relating to drug
testing.
My page has a rolling version of the drugtesting faq, meaning it's
updated continuously without a version number.
https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt
Other drug testing sites:
https://htrac.com/
https://hyperreal.com/drugs/politics/drug.testing
https://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~verdant/whizquiz
https://www.en.utexas.edu/~babydoll/coursematerial/fall95students/finals/
drupublic_html
https://www.foobar.uk/users/ukcia/piss.html
https://www.foobar.co.uk/users/ukcia/piss.html
https://www.ksu.edu/~floersh/drugs/test/test.html
https://www.pantless.com/~pdxnorml
https://www.paranoia.com/drugs/
https://www1.jis.net/~deadhead/test.html
CALC_THC.EXE:
https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt/calc_thc.exe
Just-Say-No-To-Piss-Tests Project:
https://rafferty.com/~piss
gopher://gopher.well.sf.ca.us:70/00/Politics/piss.list
(links above gopher site)
https://hello.kaleida.com/u/hopkins/prohibition/
To get the perspective of drug testing advocates, visit:
https://www.lec.org/Drug_Watch/Public/Documents/DWDTPOS.html
(I read this page for entertainment purposes only
Drug testing sites to avoid: These sites may contain a lot of useful
information, but they also contain enough misinformation to cause harm.
Cannabis Action Network: This is an extreme case of misinformation.
https://www1.jis.net/~deadhead/pisstest.html
17. <DISTRIBUTION RULES>
I'm taking the Phillip Zimmerman approach. Our rights are in the line of
fire, and I think everyone should have free access to this information. I
want it to become widespread before the government has a chance to react.
Our current Congress is a threat to civil liberties, and the Senate has
been launching anti-expression policies - targeting the internet.
Non-profit users/orgs may distribute unmodified versions of this text
freely. Keep the pgp signature in tact so readers with pgp can validate
it's authenticity. Profitting from this text is prohibited.
The Drug Testing FAQ (v. 4.11)
Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive
Archive-name: drugs/drug-testing
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 1996/7/4
Version: 4.11
URL: https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Fooling the Bladder Cops
(Frequently Wanted Information on how to beat drug tests)
by Justin Gombos <jgombos@csun.edu>
<INTRODUCTION>
During a job interview, have you ever been asked to piss for your new
employer? New applicants for many of the Fortune 500 corporations are now
being forced to take a drug test. In fact, 15 million will be tested this
year. Drug byproducts can be detected in urine, blood, hair, external
residue, and even perspiration! Drugs aren't the only things they test
for; employers are using urinalysis to test women for pregnancy. Pregnant
women are getting laid off or denied employment after taking such a test.
Parents are spying on their children. The DOD Directive requires the
military to screen all active duty members annually. If you don't want to
be a victim of the drug war, this text will help you. If you are well
known, this text may protect your reputation. I strongly recommended that
drug users (pot smokers in particular) read this. Other drugs are covered
as well, but marijuana is the main focus of this paper.
<CONTENTS>
1. DETECTION TIMES
1.1 Halflife of TetraHydroCannabinol
1.2 Detection times of several drugs
1.3 Positive (definition)
1.3.1 Second hand smoke and positives
1.4 Decreasing detection times
2. TEST METHODS
2.1 Substances that are detectable
2.2 DrugAlert
2.3 Gas Chromatography
2.4 Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry
2.5 Hair testing
2.6 High Performance Liquid Chromatography
2.7 Immunoassay
2.7.1 Radio ImmunoAssay (aka Abuscreen)
2.7.2 Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique
2.7.3 Fluorescence Polarization ImmunoAssay
2.8 PharmChek
2.9 TestCup
2.10 Thin Layer Chromatography
3. TEST STANDARDS AND ACCURACY
3.1 Procedures used
3.2 False positives
3.2.1 Ibuprofen
3.2.2 Cold remedies, pain relievers, hay fever remedies, & diet pills
3.2.3 Antibiotics
3.2.4 Melanin (black skin)
3.2.5 DHEA
3.3 True positives (legitimate)
3.3.1 Poppy seeds
3.3.2 Testosterone supplements
4. A NOTE ON COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
5. THINGS TESTED TO DETECT COUNTER MEASURES
5.1 Color
5.2 Temperature
5.3 Creatinine
5.4 pH
5.5 Specific gravity
5.6 Age
5.7 Gender
6. PRODUCING CLEAN URINE
6.1 Dilution
6.1.1 Water
6.1.2 Creatinine level
6.1.3 Vitamin B
6.2 Diuretics
6.2.1 Ultimate Blend (c) (was Test Free)
6.2.2 Detoxify Carbo Clean (c)
6.2.3 Naturally Klean Herbal Tea (c)
6.2.4 Goldenseal
6.2.5 Certa or Certo
6.2.6 Vales Original Formula
6.2.7 Lasix
6.3 Vinegar
6.4 Dexatrim
6.5 Fiber
6.6 Vitamin lecithin
6.7 How to give a clean sample
6.8 Exercise
6.9 Beta-2 agonists
6.10 Beta-3 agonists
6.11 Low dosaging
7. DRUG SCREENS
7.1 Drug screens that work
7.1.1 Aspirin
7.2 Drug screens that do not work
7.2.1 Goldenseal
7.2.2 Niacin
7.2.3 Zinc sulfate
7.3 Untested drug screens
7.3.1 Puri-Blend (c)
7.3.2 The Stuff (c)
8. DOPING SAMPLES
8.1 Effective additives
8.1.1 Bleach
8.1.2 Klear (c)
8.1.3 Water
8.2 Ineffective additives
8.2.1 Ammonia
8.2.2 Blood
8.2.3 Draino
8.2.4 Goldenseal
8.2.5 Hydrogen peroxide
8.2.6 Lemon juice
8.2.7 Liquid soap
8.2.8 Mary Jane's SuperClean 13 (c)
8.2.9 Purifyit (c)
8.2.10 Sodium nitrate
8.2.11 Table salt
8.2.12 UrinAid (c)
8.2.13 Vinegar
8.2.14 Visine
8.2.15 WD40
8.3 Untested additives
8.3.1 Papain
9. SUBSTITUTION
9.1 Substitution methods
9.1.1 Concealed container
9.1.2 Injection
9.1.3 Catheterization
9.2 Where to get clean urine
9.2.1 Urine from a donor
9.2.2 Powdered urine
9.2.2.1 Making your own powdered urine
9.2.3 Dog urine
10. STEALING URINE
11. IF YOU FAIL THE TEST
12. WHO DRUGTESTS?
12.1 Which companies test, and which don't?
13. POLITICS AND ETHICS OF DRUG TESTING
14. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
14.1 Contacting the author
15. FOOTNOTES
16. SOURCES
16.1 Contributors
16.2 Works cited
16.3 For more information
16.3.1 Drug testing consultants on the net
16.3.2 Drug testing mailing list
16.3.3 Sites
16.3.4 Newsgroups
17. DISTRIBUTION RULES
(c) indicates that the item is a commercial product.
1. <DETECTION TIMES>
Drug tests detect drugs as well as metabolites. Metabolites are the
byproducts of a substance after it has run through your system. To
determine whether you will pass or not, it is important to know how much of
the illicit metabolites are in your urine and how much is tested for. Table
1.2 will give you an approximation; however, it varies depending on a
number of factors. Testing method and levels tested for are major factors.
1.1 Halflife of TetraHydraCannabinol: The halflife of THC concentration
ranges between 0.8 to 9.8 days. There is too much human variation to even
approximate how long THC will be detected in the urine of an individual.
Infrequent users with a fast metabolism will have the shortest detection
time. Frequent users with a slow metabolism will have long detection
times. The only way to estimate a detection time is to consider the lower
and upper bounds (3-30 days), and decide based on the factors I've
mentioned.
1.2 Detection times of several drugs.
[TABLE 1.2]
Drug Approximate Detection Time in Urine using EMIT
- - ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Amphetamines 2-4 days
Barbituates
Short-Acting (ie. secobarbital) 1 day
Long-Acting (ie. phenobarbital) 2-3 weeks
Benzodiazepines 3-7 days
Cannabinoids 3-30 days
Clenbuterol [PE] 2-4 days [F1]
Cocaine 2-4 days
Codeine 2-5 days
Euphorics (***,MDMA,psilocybin) 1-3 days [F2]
Methadone 3-5 days
Methaqualone 14 days
Nicotine ? [F5]
Opiates 2-4 days
Peptide hormones [PE] undetectable
Phencyclidine (PCP) 2-4 days [F4]
Phenobarbital 10-20 days
Propoxyphene 6 hours to 2 days
Steroids (anabolic) [PE] oral: 14 days [F3]
parenterally: 1 month [F3]
[PE] Performance Enhancers
[F1] 0.5 ng/mL by GC/MS
[F2] By RIA and GC/MS only. Not Detectable by EMIT.
[F3] By HPLC, RIA, and GC/MS. Not Detectable by EMIT.
[F4] 8-14 days as was reported in earlier versions and was incorrect.
[F5] No data available yet. I expect the detection time to be long because
nicotine is fat soluble.
Note: Detection times vary depending on analytical method used, drug
metabolism, tolerance, patient's condition, fluid intake and method and
frequency of ingestion. These are general guidelines only.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Try to call in sick on test day to delay one more day if possible; it will
help.
Other factors determining degree of intoxication include metabolism,
tolerance, frequency of intake, fluid intake, amount of marijuana, potency
of marijuana, and length of time you've been a user. If you use marijuana
on rare occasions, your urine may be clean of metabolites in less than a
week. There is a common and strange phenomena that occurs with chronic
users. You would expect a chronic user to have the longest detection time
and the smallest chance of passing. This is not always the case. A
chronic user with a high tolerance will eliminate drugs quicker than an
occasional user. Chronic users have tested negative after a week long
binge. Lipid tissue also makes a huge difference. Skinny users not only
have a faster metabolism (usually), but also lack storage for THC
metabolites. Fat will cause a lag in excretion pattern, and lead to a
longer detection time. You should now be able to understand why an
individuals detection time for THC is so unpredictable. Please don't post
or e-mail a question "how long will it take..." This is the single most
frequently asked question. Many people can't even begin to estimate a
detection for their own bodys, let alone the unseen, unknown body of a lost
internet explorer.
There is an inaccurate program that will plot a graph of time versus
percentage of THC in your system given the days you've smoked. The program
is called CALC_THC.EXE and can be found on the internet. CALC_THC cannot
possibly be accurate because it doesn't have any way of measuring the
potentcy of the weed, and it leaves metabolism out of the equation. (see
14.2.3)
1.3 Positive (defined): 50 nanograms of THC metabolites per milliliter
defines a "presumptive positive" by NIDA certified labs. This value was
originally 20 ng/mL, but too many false positives resulted. So the level
was raised to 100 ng/mL to reduce false positives. As of January 1995, the
threshold was lowered back down to 50 ng/mL because drinking water would
easily bring a positive below 100 ng. Be aware that these cutoffs are not
universally consistent. I recently heard of a lab using a 15 ng/mL cutoff!
Following is a table for cutoffs of other drugs:
[TABLE 1.3]
DRUG SCREENING CUTOFF GC/MS CUTOFF
Amphetamines Class 500 500
Amphetamine 500
Methamphetamine 200
Barbituates 200 100
Cocaine 150 150
Marijuana 50 15
Opiates 300
Codeine 300
Morphine 300
Phenyclidine 25 25
All cutoff levels are in micrograms/mL
1.3.1 Passive smoke and positives: "Second hand marijuana smoke in a car
can cause you to fail the next day" (Nightbyrd). It is possible that
second hand [marijuana] smoke will raise someone to the 50 ng/mL level;
however, *extreme* exposure is required. For instance, a closed car full
of pot smokers and a non-smoker may render the non-smoker positive for both
urinalysis and the hair test, provided that they are sealed in the car for
a while. The non-smoker would have to take in virtually as much second
hand smoke as a smoker. Non-smokers are safe in a ventilated area, as long
as they don't get a hair test. According to Clinton, simply blowing crack
smoke on ones hair may cause a positive hair test. Second hand pot smoke
doesn't affect the hair test results as much as crack smoke does mainly
because exhaled smoke contains no THC. The only pot smoke that contains
THC is the smoke that hasn't entered the lungs.
1.4 Decreasing detection times: Increasing metabolism is probably the
most effective way to decrease the time period that drugs can be detected
in your system. Physical activity can increase your metabolic rate as much
as two thousand percent! Nothing beats proper training taken to an
extreme. A high calorie diet is the next best way to increase metabolism.
Consuming mass quantities of high calorie food will increase metabolic rate
by up to 10 percent. On the contrary, a malnutritious (light) diet could
lower your metabolism by 10 percent. Speed (the drug) will also increase
metabolism. Unfortunately, labs usually test for speed, and could get you
into trouble. So exercise with intensity, and eat big.
2. <TEST METHODS>
There are four types of urine tests, a hair test, a perspiration test, and
a residue test. Before continuing, I must say that this text mainly
applies to urinalysis. However, I try to cover methods for beating all
drug tests.
It would be helpful if people could somehow find out which test they are
getting ahead of time. Though caution must be taken. Asking your boss
whether you're getting an EMIT or GC/MS would imply that you know too much,
or seem too curious. The law doesn't protect you from unjust hiring
practices, and your boss to be may refuse you employment for any reason.
If simply drinking a cup of water makes the boss feel uncomfortable, the
verdict may be guilty before you even take the test.
2.1 Substances that are detectable: An assay can be developed for any
drug using GC/MS. The table below indicates what can be dectected in
screening tests.
[TABLE 2.1]
EMIT RIA HPLC
Amphetamines Y Y
Antidepressants Y .
Barbituates Y Y
Benzodiazepines Y Y
Cannabinoids Y Y
Carbamazepine Y .
Cocaine Y .
Ethanol Y .
*** . Y
Methadone Y .
Morphine . Y
N-Acetylprocainamide Y .
Opiates Y .
PCP . Y
Phenobarbital Y .
Propoxyphene Y .
Steroids . Y Y
Theophylline Y .
Y = detectable
. = not detectable
(blank) = unknown
2.2 DrugAlert: DrugAlert is a $19.95 home test kit enabling parents to
test their children. This is the most inaccurate test being used, and it's
also the newest. The test kit is a small brown pad giving off an Oxy pad
odor. The [uninformed] parent wipes the child's clothes, books, and
anything belonging to the child. Then the pad is sent to Barringer
Technologies via mail. (Note that it's a felony to send controlled
substances through the mail. If the sample is positive, Barringer
Technologies is knowingly urging parents to break the law). The lab puts
the pad in a microwave looking machine, which detects residue from seven
different illicit drugs. The child fails the test if s/he uses drugs, or
unknowingly comes in casual contact with a drug user. Simply borrowing a
pencil from a classmate that uses drugs will pass enough residue to render
a positive test and an angry parent. When we have statistics like - 90% of
all paper currency shows traces of cocaine, this test kit is quite foolish.
Your only defense is to continually clean everything you touch with
disinfectants.
2.3: Gas Chromatography: Defined by Thein and Landry:
Gas chromatography uses a separation technique to divide the urine
extracts into the component parts. An inert gas carries the urine
through chromatographic columns, and the samples are separated by
their boiling temperature and by their affinity for the column.
Compounds are identified by separation time, called retention
time. The retention time is unique and reproducible for each drug
in a given chromotographic column.
2.6 Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry: Defined by Thein and Landry:
The most precise procedure for detection of banned substances is a
combination of GC and MS. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is
a two-step process, where GC separates the sample into its
constituent parts, while MS provides the exact molecular
identification of the compounds. Compounds are separated by GC
and are then introduced, one at a time, into a mass spectrometer.
As the sample constituents enter the MS, they are bombarded by
electrons, which cause the compound to break up into molecular
fragments. The fragmentation pattern is reproducible and
characteristic, and is considered the "molecular-fingerprint" of a
specific compound. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is
considered to be the most definitive method for confirming the
presence of a drug in the urine and is approximately 100 to 1,000
times more sensitive than TLC. Selective ion monitoring has been
used to improve the GC/MS results. This procedure is the most
costly, averaging approximately $200 per sample to test.
The GC/MS is typically used to confirm "positive" EMIT test results. GC/MS
will indicate precisely what chemical is present. This is necessary
because the EMIT will only indicate whether something similar to what's
being tested was found. The GC/MS is difficult and more costly, which is
why the EMIT is given first. (Hewlett Packard produces the GC/MS equipment,
including computer, for about $50-75k depending on options.) Abstinence
and substitution are the only ways to defeat the GC/MS test. GC/MS is very
precise when done right. However, it's still subject to human error. For
example, if the equipment isn't cleaned well, the previous test sample
could get mixed with the next sample. According to Dr. Edward Cone, the
GC/MS is 99 percent accurate; not very accurate on a large scale when you
realize that 10 thousand out of every million will get false results. (more
on accuracy in section 3).
2.5 Hair testing: When THC metabolites are in the blood, they go through
the blood vessels in the head, and get filtered through the hair. THC
metabolites remain in the hair as a permanent record. The hair test costs
several hundred dollars ($150-$300) and is rarely given because urinalysis
is cheaper (approximately $65) and more accurate. (The hair test equipment
and setup goes for over a million). According to Jeff Nightbyrd, hair
tests are "widely used in the casino industry." They cut 50 strands of
hair from the scalp, and send it in to the testing lab where they liquefy
it. "A hair sample is disolved in a series of solvents which extract the
drug metabolites and then are analyzed via GC/MS." It can take several
hours to days just to extract metabolites. Average hair grows 1/4 inch per
month. Typically they just use hair one and a half inches from the scalp;
though some labs will take enough to test for up to 3 years. The liquid is
run through the most sensitive GC/MS machines available, and can detect as
little as 1 ng/mL! The hair test discriminates in that detection is easier
in dark hair. Colored people may be discriminated against further because
melanin is in their hair, which can be mistaken for THC. However, there is
conflicting data as to whether melanin can be detected as THC.
Psychemedics Corporation has a PDT90 kit for $75. This home test kit is
for parents that want to chop off a lock of their child's hair to find out
what drugs s/he is using. Kids- lock your bedroom doors at night if your
parents don't trust your judgment on the drug issue.
Beating the hair test is extremely hard, and there are false positives.
Bleaching or dying your hair is rumored to work, but it doesn't. I imagine
you can shave every hair on your body and claim that you're a swimmer.
According to NORML, Aloe Rid by Nexus is a shampoo that will aid in testing
negative. Aloe Rid is available only in salons. Healthy Hair, from Sampson
Health Products, is another shampoo designed to beat the hair test.
Healthy Hair is sold in retail stores throughout Las Vegas. Keith Thrash
from Sampson Health Products reccommends precleansing with Aloe Rid prior
to using Healthy Hair. Healthy Hair is used in the morning and before
going to bed. Each session takes 20 minutes. According to Steve at
Sampson Health Products, two out of a thousand people failed the hair test
when using Healthy Hair. Byrd Labs is currently developing a shampoo to
defeat the hair test. Some have suggested treating hair with oil because
THC is oil based and oil soluble. However, there is no proven way to beat
the hair test, so it's all heresay and guessing at this point. (If anyone
has any success with the shampoos or the swimmer excuse, please let me
know). Swimming and washing your hair removes toxins, and Keith Thrash
recommends doing both as much as possible. Fortunately, the hair test
cannot be used alone as evidence because there are no forensic standards.
It can only be used when substantiated by other evidence. Also, there are
no intoxication standards. I believe if you tested positive for the hair
test that you would probably have a good chance of fighting it.
(BlockBuster Video uses the most up-to-date equipment, and passing such a
test can be difficult). It takes several months of precleansing to beat
the tests given by Psychemedics.
2.6 High Performance Liquid Chromatography: Usually used to detect
anabolic steroids. Defined by Thein and Landry:
High-performance liquid chromatography is similar to GC, except a
liquid carries the sample through the chromotographic columns and
the columns are not placed in a heated compartment.
High-performance liquid chromatography is both sensitive and
specific, and it is simpler and faster than GC. Gas
chromatography and HPLC are reliable methods for screening, and
they allow for simultaneous determination of a wide variety of
different compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography is
used to screen for urinary caffeine levels and has been used to
confirm the positive results obtained from other screening
techniques. Some steroids can be analyzed with this technique,
whereas HPLC and GC lack appropriate sensitivity to detect
beta-adrenergic blockers.
2.7 ImmunoAssay: This procedure is best described in Thein and Landry's
word's:
Immunoassays use antigen-antibody interactions to detect illegal
substances. Antibodies that bind selectively to certain drugs or
drug metabolites are chosen, and the sensitivity and the
specificity of this test are only as good as the antibody chosen.
The binding is proportional to the amount of drug in the urine and
can be detected through enzymes, radioisotopes, or fluorescent
compounds. With this technique, very small amounts of drug can be
detected in a very small amount of urine, although this test may
not differentiate between specific drugs within a class of drugs.
Immunoassay has yielded false-positive results with some
decongestants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Radiommunoassay (RIA) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay
(FPIA) are specific IA techniques currently being used.
Radioimmunoassay can detect some 17 alpha-methyl, 17 alpha-ethyl,
and 19-nortestosterone steroids despite its low specificity.
Immunoassay is both more sensitive and more specific than TLC.
2.7.1 Radio ImmunoAssay (aka AbuScreen): "Of all the screening methods .
. . (EMIT, TLC, RIA), RIA is the best method available." The RIA test is
applied the same way as the EMIT. "The only difference btw RIA and EMIT is
that RIA uses radioactive iodine as the detection mechanism rather than an
enzyme NAD/NADH rxn which is detected by a scintillation counter" (anon1).
The scintillation counter is used to measure the amount of radioactive
particles present. Radioactivity is inversely proportional to metabolite
level. RIA tests are a little more sensitive than the EMIT, and harder to
beat. The most known user of the RIA test is the US government; in
particular, the US military. The EMIT is more common because RIA produces
radioactive waste, and radioactive waste is difficult to deal with. The US
government uses RIA because a "company gives the government the
instrumentation free in exchange for buying their reagents (reagent rental
contract)." Some non-government labs use the RIA, so don't be surprized if
your pre-employment screening is a RIA rather than an EMIT.
2.7.2 Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique: The EMIT is the cheapest,
easiest to perform, and most common; also the easiest to fail. It's the
easiest to pass if you're well informed (ie. reading this text). Most
pre-employment screens will give you the EMIT first; though some businesses
will surprise you with a GC/MS test up front (discussed later).
Unfortunately, there is no standard procedure to expect. (One who has read
this file and is well informed may still fail because of the random nature
of drug testing labs.) If you don't know which urinalysis will be
administered, focus on beating the EMIT. If you pass the EMIT, you're off
the hook. If you fail the EMIT, they'll give you the confirmation GC/MS
test, which is extremely sensitive. Lewis Maltby, director of the
Workplace Rights Office, said the EMIT test is wrong 25 to 30 percent of
the time.
2.7.3 Fluorescence Polarization ImmunoAssay: No information yet available
on this test.
2.8 PharmChek: A band-aid type patch is worn for a week or more to absorb
perspiration. If illicit drugs are used during the time the sweat patch is
worn, the patch will be positive when the lab tests it. The patch has a
tamper-proof design - no thanks to 3M, who manufactures the patches.
(Don't sweat it; we'll find a way to tamper with the silly patch
PharmChem Laboratories Inc. created the patch, and got market approval from
the FDA. The FDA permitted the patch for detecting cocaine, amphetamines,
and opiates. They are working on getting FDA clearance to use the patch to
test for marijuana and PCP. The FDA already gave permission to use it in
the workplace. PharmChem will sell the patch to law enforcement and drug
rehabilitation agencies in 1996. Accuracy of the sweat patch remains
unknown. No one has disclosed any information reguarding how inaccurate
this test is. Bad lab procedure is a very big problem in the testing
industry, and it's hard to tell how prone to human error the sweat patch
test is.
2.9 TestCup: No details available yet. This new test by Roche involves
urinating into a cup, where the cup has an indicator on the side displaying
what drugs are positive.
2.10 Thin Layer Chromatography: TLC "involves adding solvent to urine to
extract drugs and then comparing color spots on a TLC plate to that of a
standard" (Nightbyrd). Accuracy is very poor, and this test is rarely
used. A TLC kit called ToxiLab is available. This kit has been abandoned
for the most part, since EMIT has been improved. Fortunately, it's not
used for confirmation anymore. Thein and Landry's definition:
Thin-layer chromatography testing is based on the differences in
the migration rate of various substances through a porous
supporting medium. The degree of migration and the color are
characteristic of certain drugs. Thin-layer chromatography can
demonstrate the presence of a drug, but this procedure cannot
specify the quantity of drug present. This technique is both time
consuming and nonspecific, and provides only a positive or
negative response. Thin-layer chromatography is capable of
detecting only a limited number of substances 12 to 24 hours after
ingestion, resulting in a high number of false-negative results.
3. <TEST STANDARDS AND ACCURACY>
The accuracy of drug testing is an area where I've decided to neglect all
statistics. Those who oppose drug testing provide numbers indicating a
high level of false positives. Those who favor drug testing provide
numbers indicating high levels of accuracy. The fact is that accuracy
varies widely from lab to lab. Generally speaking, NIDA labs are accurate.
Clinton writes:
NIDA (The National Institute of Drug Abuse) is the government
organization responsible for regulating the drug-testing industry.
The vast majority of urine drug screens done these days conform to
NIDA specs, and ALL testing associated with the government
(department of transportation, etc.) complies with the NIDA
standard. It is NIDA that decides what the "safe" cutoffs are to
avoid false positives....
Despite what you might hear on the net, urinalysis, if done
correctly, is a very accurate scientific procedure. I know of no
labs that simply report the results of the initial EMIT screening
without confirming the sample on GC/MS. The fact is, labs WANT
you to test negative, because then they only have to run an EMIT
test on your urine (a few cents). If you test positive, they must
then confirm the positive result on GC/MS, which is considerably
more expensive. . . . Incidentally, the machine which tests the hair
is a relative of the GC/MS, but is FAR more precise. It can
accurately detect levels of THC in a solution that are below 1
ng/mL!
CAP (College of American Pathologists) also certifies laboratories the way
NIDA does. NIDA keeps it's labs in check by sending positive and negative
double-blind samples. Lab personnel does not know what samples came from
NIDA. If the lab results are wrong, NIDA may take away the labs
certification. Only labs that perform the GC/MS on site can be NIDA
certified. Labs that send samples to another laboratory for GC/MS
confirmation are ineligible for NIDA certification. "Drug testing when
done properly with all required controls and confirmation procedures is
very accurate and reliable" (anon1).
Not all labs are NIDA/CAP certified. Some labs do not properly and
thoroughly clean the GC/MS equipment. Some labs don't even do a GC/MS
confirmation! Some labs use cheap alternative methods to reduce expenses.
Many human errors occur in labs and cause inaccurate results. Some are
careless or irresponsible errors, and some errors are accidents. Human
error can ruin the results of ANY test, screening or confirmation GC/MS.
The only lab you should be concerned with is the one that is testing you.
Only Federal jobs require NIDA standards. Your typical private employer
may use any lab s/he chooses, which would very likely be the least
expensive. Businesses don't always choose NIDA labs that follow-up a
positive screening test with a confirmation GC/MS.
3.1 Procedures used: In the workplace, an EMIT screening is typically
used, with a CG/MS confirmation if the EMIT is positive. However, this is
not a rule; employers can, and some do, use unusual procedures. Some
employers use the RIA, and some use the hair test. The government uses
RIA. They may or may not supervise the subject. Olympic athletes must be
monitored by courier after a competition. The courier stays with the
athlete until the athlete urinates, with a time frame of up to sixty
minutes.
3.2 False positives: No laboratory process is completely free from error.
The GC/MS test is virtually error free, but the EMIT is far from accurate.
There are some false positives you should avoid if you're getting an EMIT
test. Take this seriously; false positives run high. If you know that
there will be a GC/MS confirmation test, you can disregard this section.
It would be too lengthy to list all of the false positives here. Jeff
Nightbyrd's "Conquering the Urine Tests" pamphlet lists a majority of the
false positives in detail. (If you are clean, want to get back at the
testing industry for conducting these absurd tests, and know that there
will be a confirmation test, you could consume several false positives.
This would force labs to pay for the high priced GC/MS test, eventually
drive up test expenses. You will still pass the test as long as you didn't
use any true positives.)
3.2.1 Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a common pain reliever that (even in low
dosages) used to cause a false THC positive on the EMIT test. The EMIT has
been changed to use a different enzyme to eliminate false positives due to
Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen in very high doses will still interfere with both the
EMIT and the GC/MS. There is some conflicting data here because some
sources say that the GC/MS tests can distinguish between Ibuprofen and THC
(as well as other over-the-counter drugs).
3.2.2 Cold remedies, pain relievers, hay fever remedies, & diet pills:
Decongestants and diet pills result in false positives for amphetamine use
in one third of the test samples given to 40 of the countries leading
laboratories. There are roughly 300 over-the-counter drugs that cause
false positives on the EMIT.
3.2.3 Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics (like Amoxicillin) are claimed to
cause a positive for heroin or cocaine. My expert source was unable to
verify this, so I regret that there is some uncertainty here.
3.2.4 Melanin (black skin): Melanin is the brown pigment that protects
your skin from UV rays. It was raised as a discrimination issue in the
1980's, and argued that melanin's molecular structure is similar to that of
a THC metabolite. Subsequent research revealed flaws in the data. Melanin
was found to have no effect on THC metabolite testing.
3.2.5 DHEA: DHEA taken by AIDS patients will cause a false positive for
anabolic steroid use.
3.3 True positives (legitimate): Some legal products actually contain
small amounts of illegal chemicals. All tests, including the GC/MS, will
test you positive because the metabolites derived from the true positive
are identical to the metabolites of the illegal drugs. One exception:
poppy seeds will not cause a positive GC/MS (explained below).
3.3.1 Poppy seeds: Poppy seeds, usually on breads, contain traces of
morphine, and lead to positives for opiates. According to Dr. Grow, eating
a pastry filled with poppy seeds will bring results showing that you are a
*high level* opiate user. Harold Crossley, a nationally known chemical
dependency expert, said you would have to eat 100 poppy seed bagels to
score a positive on a drug test. When taken into account that very few
poppy seeds are sprinkled on bagels, you can see that poppy seeds from a
hundred poppy seed bagels will easily fill a single large pastry. Purim
cookies, a Jewish food known as Hamantashen, may have five to six
tablespoons of poppy seeds. A couple Purim cookies may cause a positive
test. Poppy seeds can be distinguished from illicit drugs on the GC/MS
test. Although poppy seeds have the same metabolites as opium, these
metabolites are shown to have different patterns when viewed with the
GC/MS.
3.3.2 Testosterone supplements: Orchic extract (found in bull's balls)
will give a positive for anabolic steroid use. It is a legitimate
substance that causes the test to imply that you abuse steroids.
4. <A NOTE ON COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS>
There are commercial and household products that will help you pass the
test. Some people are object to commercial products because they "are just
trying to cash in on the War on Drugs." They also charge high prices and
water alone tends to work for most. Also, be aware that Texas outlawed
products with the sole purpose of creating negative results on urine tests.
I have put a (c) next to the commercial products to indicate that they are
developed specifically for beating the test. Those of you that oppose them
or reside in Texas can skip items with a (c).
Ignore money-back guarantees. Companys that suck in thousands of High
Times readers make so much, that a few returns from motivated users are
insignificant. People could even get away with offering a money-back
guarentee for Goldenseal because all the water that people drink with
Goldenseal causes most of them to pass. Some companys don't keep their
word. A urinator who tested positive sent the lab results back, only to be
told that marijuana is illegal. He was not even compensated for buying a
failing product.
5. <THINGS TESTED TO DETECT COUNTER MEASURES>
Laboratories know how easy it is to tamper with urine samples and alter the
results. Labs often do tests to find out if the sample is legitimate.
5.1 Color: If a urine sample looks clear, the lab will suspect that it's
watered down. They can't report it as positive, but they may reject the
sample and inform your employer that you tried to beat the test. If this
happens, the sample might as well be positive, because you won't get hired.
Take vitamin B complex to color your urine yellow.
5.2 Temperature: Urine should be between 91 and 97 degrees. NIDA
certified labs will verify temperature. If it isn't, they will suspect you
added water to the cup, or used substitution. Disposable pocket hand
warmers (sold in department stores) will keep a urine sample warm, provided
that the urine is in a condom or douche bag.
5.3 Creatinine: Creatinine is a substance produced by vertebrates, and it
shows up in urine. If someone substitutes their urine with something other
than urine, like Mountain Dew, they will test negative for drugs. The
testee will most likely not get away with it because Mountain Dew contains
zero creatinine, and labs test creatinine levels to ensure that the sample
is valid. Creatinine levels drop below normal when people dilute their
urine. This tests to ensure that the subject didn't drink unusual amounts
of water. An *accurate* creatinine "clearance" test would require a urine
and blood test 24 hours before the drug test to determine the normal
creatinine level for that individual. This is almost never done. You
should still be cautious because they do often use the inaccurate method of
comparing your creatinine level during the drug test to an average. Eating
foods rich in protein like red meat will slightly increase creatinine
levels. There is no significant variation between vegatarians and
armavors, so the effect protein has is little. Sexual activity also raises
creatinine levels. I doubt sexual activity influences creatinine level
with much significance. However, a vegetarian that doesn't have much sex
should be concerned. People who are drug-free sometimes lose their jobs
for having too low of a creatinine level.
5.4 pH: pH is often changed when people spike their sample with household
products. Use caution when doping urine, pH is usually tested.
5.5 Specific gravity: An unusual specific gravity indicates that a sample
has been tampered with.
5.6 Age: Age can not be tested using urine. There is a rumor that
approximate age can be detected in urine, and is tested in medical
insurance exams. It's a myth.
5.7 Gender: Gender cannot be tested either. As with age, there is a
rumor that gender can be detected in urine, and is tested in medical
insurance exams. It's another myth. It may be argued that a pregnancy
test can be used to detect the gender of the urine provider, but the same
test is used to detect prostate cancer in males.
6. <PRODUCING CLEAN URINE>
THC is fat soluble, and it gets stored in your fat cells. Cleaning it out
of your lipid tissue is very difficult. Many herbal products claim to
clean out your system, yet they do nothing to remove THC byproducts from
fat cells. A study was done in Germany in 1993 on 50 of the most common
herbs used by people trying to pass the test. All 50 herbs failed to cause
a negative. Unfortunately, this rumor will not die. Goldenseal (plant) is
useless; yet it's the most common thing for people to use. The only way to
extract THC from fat cells is to exercise (5.8). Fat cells secrete fat
with THC metabolites at a constant rate, regardless of what herbs you
consume. You may be able to temporarily clean THC metabolites from your
bloodstream, or dilute your fluids to yield a larger urine/THC ratio, but
your bloodstream will continue collecting THC metabolites from fat. Your
urine will continue collecting THC metabolites from your bloodstream.
6.1 Dilution: Hyper saturating your body with fluids will dilute
metabolites possibly below the 50 ng/mL threshold, depending on your
metabolism. Be aware that creatinine levels are often tested, and will
show that the sample has been diluted. Diluting your sample will also
produce clear urine, with virtually no yellow color. They will assume that
you've diluted your sample, and they may reject your sample on the basis of
color alone. It's only necessary to start drinking just before the test.
Those who drown themselves in fluid days before a test are only causing
unnecessary discomfort. Those who stay up all night drinking don't have
any better chance than one who drinks heavily first thing in the morning.
Get up early if the test is early, but don't lose sleep over a test that's
given in the daytime.
6.1.1 Water: Drink at least eight hefty glasses of fluid (preferably
water) just prior to the test. Many people start drinking water several
days before the test; which is useless. Water does *not* clean any THC
metabolites out of your system because THC is not water soluble. Water
only dilutes urine temporarily. Do not over do it; you can get water
intoxication. People can actually overdose and even die from water
intoxication. It's very hard to do, and you'll vomit before anything
gets serious.
6.1.2 Creatinine level: Eating red meat will boost creatinine levels. If
you eat a lot of red meat for the 3 days prior to the test, your creatinine
level will be normal, and the lab won't know that you've diluted your urine
sample.
6.1.3 Vitamin B: Color your sample yellow by taking 50 to 100 milligrams
of vitamin B. Many vitamins will work, but B-2 or B-12 (found in
B-complex vitamins) are the most effective, though some will argue that
vitamin C is better. This will also help if you plan to dope your sample
(section 7). This does not guarantee that dilution will work. Diluted
samples have been red-flagged when specific gravity and creatinine levels
are tested and below normal. If you're taking vitamins at the last minute,
check to see if they're time release. If so, crush it up and consume the
powder. Coloring your urine isn't all that important because it's normal
for people to have clear urine even when they don't consume much fluid.
6.2 Diuretics: Diuretics make people urinate frequently. Coffee,
cranberry juice, beer, iced tea, herbal tea, and Pepsi are all good
diuretics. Grapes are known to be very good diuretics. Diuretics without
caffeine or alcohol are recommended because caffeine and alcohol have
negative side effects. Cranberry juice is also the cheapest. Avoid salts.
Herbal diuretics do better than home remedies like juices.
6.2.1 Ultimate Blend (c): This product used to be known as Test Free, but
the name was changed. Ultimate Blend is a diuretic designed for the test,
but works no better than other diuretics. Ultimate Blend is sold by Zydot
Unlimited Inc.
6.2.2 Detoxify Carbo Clean (c): This is a very new product, untested by a
third party. It claims to absorb toxins, however, experts say that
absorbing THC metabolites from fat cells is impossible. Here is a copy of
the ad from Party Hut Enterprizes:
[Detox] Is a scientifically formulated carbohydrate blend that
works by absorbing toxins and imuurities[sic]. It has been
featured in High Times, and we are so confident of the results
that we are offering a double-your-money-back guarantee for any
failed results. This is the most complete program for the
cleanest results! Precleanse (tm) herbal capsules are enclosed in
every box of Carbo Clean. This extra advantage helps you begin
cleansing the evening before the deadline. B-Complex tablets
complete the program.
6.2.3 Naturally Klean Herbal Tea (c): Naturally Klean claims to clear any
drug metabolites for a few hours after taking. Drink this shortly before
the test. Naturally Klean was also listed as a drug screen in previous
versions, but according to Nightbyrd, "it will do NOTHING to help you pass
a urine test;" with the exception that it will dilute your urine. You can
get Naturally Klean from Martha Butterfield-Jay Foundation: one sample is
$25. An anonymous user provided the ingredients list: dandelion root,
burdock root, red clover top, chamomile flower, alfalfa leaf, licorice
root, slippery elm inner bark, hibiscus flower, dog rose hips, natural
fruit flavors. Dandelion root is said to be the effective diuretic.
6.2.4 Goldenseal: Goldenseal is a plant and you can get either the root
or the leaves in pill form. It's also a liquid or tea. The liquid is
rumored to absorb slower than the capsules. Goldenseal is a diuretic, but
works no better than other diuretics. Furthermore, NORML reports that
Goldenseal is now being tested for. Taking Goldenseal is a foolish waste.
6.2.5 Certa or Certo: This is an untested diuretic. Certa "has something
to do with canning. Some people swear by it. Trouble is, it's always
somebody else, a third party not present during the conversation, who uses
it" (Pearson). I've heard rumors about people who smoked right up to the
day before the test, consumed fruit pectin (a canning substance similar to
Certa), and passed the test. However, there hasn't been any tests to
validate those claims. Will someone with a lab at their disposal please
test this stuff?
6.2.6 Vales Original Formula: Another herbal remedy like Goldenseal. It
does nothing. The water you must take with it does everything Vales claims
to do.
6.2.7 Lasix: Take an 80 milligram dose of prescription diuretic lasix
(furosemide). Prescription diuretics are the most potent. Some over the
counter diuretics will color your urine blue and should be avoided.
WARNING! -Diuretics can be harmful to people with kidney problems, pregnant
women, and diabetics.-
6.3 Vinegar: There is a myth that drinking vinegar will mask drugs; it
won't. However, vinegar lowers the pH of urine. Amphetamines are excreted
up to 3 times as fast when urine is acidified. So vinegar could reduce the
detection time period for amphetamines. The effects on detection time are
generally insignificant, and it in my opinion it really wouldn't be worth
it to drink vinegar. If you do decide to drink vinegar, I hear it's
easiest to get a shot glass and do it in shots. It will cause diarrhea.
6.4 Dexatrim: There is a myth that taking phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim's
active ingredient) will work. It won't. In fact, Dexatrim is a false
positive, and may work against you. The myth may have originated because
Dexatrim was claimed to speed metabolism. However, the fact that Dextrim
causes a positive makes it useless.
6.5 Fiber: A high fiber diet will help by redirecting fat soluble
metabolites to the colon rather than bladder. "THC is eliminated primarily
in the stool via bile acids. Both EMIT and RIA detect a secondary
metabolite which is reabsorbed from the intestines. Thus a person with a
high fiber diet will excrete a majority of THC [metabolites] in the stool"
(anon1). A fiber-based laxitive will also help by binding bile-acids. Use
caution. Fiber laxitives can alter one's bowel schedule and lead to
dependancy.
6.6 Vitamin lecithin: A recent method that's still under development is
to take vitamin lecithin. This vitamin breaks down your stored fat and
disperses it into your blood stream, to help clean out drugs that store
themselves in lipid tissue, such as THC. NORML recommends taking Lecithin
right up to the day of the test. To me it sounds as though this would work
against you because by putting THC back in your blood stream, you are
increasing metabolites in the urine. Someone has suggested that you take
vitamin lecithin on a regular basis to clean lipids of THC metabolites.
Then quit before the test, which seems to make more sense. It MAY be
useless to take lecithin supplements orally. I've been told that the
digestive system breaks it down too much before entering the blood stream.
Most aren't willing to take vitamins intravenously. (If you do decide to
take lecithin, you might as well take B5 with it. B5 aids in the process
of turning lecithin into acetylcholine.) Another solution is to take
nutrients which help the body manufacture lecithin. Lipotrophics cause the
liver to produce lecithin. A good source for this information is Austin
Nutritional Research page.
6.7 How to give a clean sample: Don't give urine from your first
urination of the day. It's the dirtiest, and can be heavily filled with
metabolites. Urinate a couple of times before giving a test sample. Also,
don't give the beginning or end of the stream. Piss in the toilet, then
quickly stop and go in the cup. Stop, and shift back to the toilet for the
last portion. Only give a midstream sample. Just be sure to give 60 cc's.
6.8 Exercise: Athletes have a big advantage over normal civilians. When
fat is burned, THC byproducts are released into the blood. This is the
only way to get THC metabolites out of lipid tissue. "Normal living will
burn them slowly, as your fat reserves get turned over" (Dr. Grow). Due to
an athletes high metabolic rate, THC moves through an athletes system
significantly faster. Exercising between drug tests will clean THC
metabolites from the system at a faster rate, thus lowering the detection
period. It is important to stop burning fat cells near test time. On test
day, it doesn't matter what's in your lipid tissue. What's in your blood
and urine does matter. Exercise increases the amount of THC metabolites in
the urine; so quit exercising a week before the test. Be lazy, and eat
big. This will put the body in an anabolic fat-storing stage. At this
point, the "buried" THC metabolites won't escape and go the the urine.
There are drugs that will increase metabolism the way exercise does, but
these are the same drugs that they are usually testing for. Exercise
should only be considered when the subject knows that he or she will not
be given a pop quiz in the near future.
6.9 Beta-2 agonists: Studies have shown that Clenbuterol reduces fat,
which would help rid lipid tissue of THC metabolities. Clenbuterol also
increases metabolism. No studies have directly shown that Clenbuterol will
help pass a drug test. However, provided that it reduces fat, I would
assume that the fat breakdown would result in less fat soluble substances
in the system. Caution: Clenbuteral is labeled as a performance enhancer,
and it's on the banned list for athlete testing. If are being tested as an
athlete, avoid Clenbuterol!
6.10 Beta-3 agonists: Beta-3 agonists are drugs that stimulate the beta-3
andrenergic receptors on brown fat cells. The beta-3 andrenergic receptor
is located on the surface of fat cells, and controls the amount of fat the
cell releases into the bloodstream. When brown fat is stimulated, white
fat is burned (converted into heat). Many people have mutant beta-3
andrenergic receptors, causing calories to be burned too slowly; thus
leading to obesity. These people will benefit most from beta-3 agonist
drugs. If the drug works as claimed, I believe it would reduce the
detection time of fat soluble drugs by continually excreting metabolites
into the bloodstream at a faster pace. As with vitamin lecithin and
exercise, you would take beta-3 agonists between tests, and quit a couple
days prior to the test. Beta-3 agonists have been in the development phase
for the past 13 years. One firm is already testing a beta-3 drug in early
clinical trials. It's not on the market yet.
6.11 Low dosaging: If you're an athlete and get tested for steroids, you
can still use anabolic steroids and possibly beat the cutoff. The body
naturally produces testosterone (a steroid), and small amounts of
testosterone show up in urine by default. Some athletes are able to keep
their steroid intake low enough to indicate a natural level of steroids. A
study was done finding that 67% of steroid users take more than the
recommended amount, and they stack (meaning they take two or more different
kinds of steroids). Steroids are only meant to be used in small amounts to
begin with. Anything over a normal dose goes unused. Also, no study has
shown stacking to be beneficial.
7. <DRUG SCREENS>
Some chemicals taken orally supposedly will mask traces of drugs in urine.
Advertisers like to present their diuretic as a masking agent to make the
sale. Consequently, diuretics are often mistaken for drug screens. Most
herbal products claim to do a lot more than they actually do. Don't be
fooled by herbal potions that claim to flush or absorb toxins.
7.1 Drug screens that work:
7.1.1 Aspirin: According to Jeff Nightbyrd, there is testing industry
data that taking 4 aspirins a few hours prior to the test might help you.
". . . aspirin interferes with the Syvia [sic] EMIT assay. It seems that
aspirin absorbs at the same wavelength that NAD does which is how it
interferes with the assay" (Clin Chem 34 (90) 602-606). Two reliable
sources have tested aspirin and found it to interfere with the EMIT. In
the future they will try to find a way to circumvent this test flaw. Until
then, I certainly recommend taking advantage of the situation and using
aspirin.
7.2 Drug screens that do not work:
7.2.1 Goldenseal: Goldenseal has shown to work on occasion. However, some
labs are reportedly testing for Goldenseal. Goldenseal is very unreliable,
and California NORML advises against using it. Goldenseal (as a screen)
only works on the TLC test, which is not used anymore.
7.2.2 Niacin: Niacin has been shown to work on occasion. Byrd Labs tests
conclude that niacin doesn't work at all. In other words, something else
probably caused a negative, not the niacin.
7.2.3 Zinc sulfate: Zinc sulfate is claimed to bond with THC metabolites,
and because it's a solid, it gets passed as stool rather than urine. Jeff
Nightbyrd says it does nothing. Anne Watters Pearson said "zinc sulfate is
no miracle drug for pissing. Forget it."
7.3 Untested drug screens:
7.3.1 Puri-Blend (c): Puri-Blend is claimed to "block" metabolites from
entering the bloodstream and to "neutralize" all drugs in the urine. I
don't believe it myself. Sold in GNC stores.
7.3.2 The Stuff (c): The Stuff is claimed to absorb toxins in the body
and block detection of true and false positives. Sold by J&J Enterprises.
8. <DOPING SAMPLES>
"Doping" samples consists of spiking the sample with different chemicals.
Chemicals that defeat immunoglobulin/antigen binding will cause a false
negative on the EMIT. Most of these additives only work on the standard
EMIT screening, not on RIA or GC/MS tests. In many cases, passing the EMIT
is good enough, because they will never do a RIA or GC/MS confirmation on a
sample that showed negative. I should also add that you may be watched, so
don't rely on this method. You should be able to find out ahead of time if
you will be supervised. Some of the following additives alter the urine's
pH, and most labs now test the pH to see if the sample has been
adulterated. If you are subject to random tests, you may want to carry an
additive in your wallet. Additives are illegal in the state of Texas, and
commercial vendors will not ship their product to Texas addresses.
8.1 Effective additives: These additives are recommended.
8.1.1 Bleach (powdered): Chlorinated bleach will test negative, and it's
the best household additive. In an emergency, Jeff Nightbyrd recommends
adding unscented bleach crystals to a diluted sample. It's recommended to
grind the powdered bleach to a finer grain. 1/4 teaspoon is recommended
for a 60cc sample. For liquid bleach, add six to ten drops. Bleach will
throw the pH outside the normal body range; so it may be apparent that the
sample was tampered with. Some bleaches foam or leave residue, so
experiment with different brands before selecting which to use.
8.1.2 Klear (c): Klear is a powdered additive. Jeff Nightbyrd, Ann
Waters Pearson, and Party Hut Enterprises currently endorses Klear. It is
the most advanced and least detectable. Klear will clear up THC
metabolites, as well as nicotine byproducts on the EMIT. If
methamphetamines are present, Klear won't help. Klear is only designed to
work on the EMIT. It will also work on the RIA when there is a good time
span between the urine getting spiked, and getting tested. If the RIA test
is not performed on-site, there is a good chance Klear will cause a false
negative. Two samples of Klear can be purchased from Martha
Butterfield-Jay Foundation for $30. Party Hut Enterprizes now carries
Klear for $30. You can also get Klear direct from Klear (the
organization).
8.1.3 Water: You can dilute your sample heavily with water. Don't
confuse this with drinking water; you can also add water directly to the
sample. Be sure to use hot water (between 91 and 97 degrees), they will
likely take the temperature of the sample. This method isn't dependable
because some facilities have the sink water shut off so people can't do
this. If there is running water, they may listen to you. If you turn on
the water, make it sound like you're washing your hands or something.
8.2 Ineffective additives: These additives are not recommended. Many of
these may give negative test results, but are not recommended for other
reasons.
8.2.1 Ammonia: 2 ounces will render the sample negative. The pH is
altered, and the ammonia odor is strong enough to be recognized.
8.2.2 Blood: It's been said that a few drops of blood will fix your
sample; it doesn't.
8.2.3 Draino: Draino will test negative. However, Draino is NOT
recommended because it doesn't work well even when half a teaspoon is
added. It colors the sample blue, and will put the pH outside the normal
body range. Draino foams, and leaves metal specs that must be removed.
8.2.4 Goldenseal: A myth. Goldenseal put directly in the sample doesn't
alter test results. It only turns the specimen brown. Do not dope your
urine with Goldenseal. Goldenseal is more commonly used as a screen, to be
consumed. See Goldenseal under section 7.2.1.
8.2.5 Hydrogen peroxide: Industrial grade will destroy half the THC
metabolites. Household strength hydrogen peroxide does nothing. 30% H2O2
may "oxidize the THC metabolite into something that would not react in the
screening test and would show up as something different by GC/MS" (anon1).
8.2.6 Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a myth; it will not change the test
results.
8.2.7 Liquid soap: Will test negative, but makes the specimen cloudy,
which certainly draws suspicion.
8.2.8 Mary Jane's SuperClean 13 (c): This additive was effective for a
very short period. SuperClean had to be strong enough to beat the tests,
but weak enough to be undetectable. It failed to cause a false-negative in
3% of the tests. In fact, it also causes a false-positive on the EMIT for
alcohol! Don't use it.
8.2.9 Purifyit (c): Imported from Europe, Party Hut Enterprises sells
Purifyit with a money-back guarantee. PHE claims there have been no
returns. Oklahoma NORML refuses to endorse this product because it has
flunked too many truck drivers.
8.2.10 Sodium nitrate: This is more effective than table salt (below), but
dissolves poorly.
8.2.11 Table salt: Two tablespoons of salt will test negative, but puts
the density out of normal range. Residue can also be seen at the bottom of
the cup.
8.2.12 UrinAid (c): UrinAid, produced by Byrd Labs, is very potent and
works every time for masking pot and nicotine, but not cocaine or heroin.
They have recently developed a test solely to detect UrinAid. UrinAid is
tested for in 5% of the labs. Oklahoma NORML has stopped selling this
product because it's "too detectable."
8.2.13 Vinegar: Adding vinegar to your sample will test negative, but
also drops the pH. In fact, lowering the pH is what causes the sample to
test negative. "If the urine is extremely acidic or alkaline the
antigen-antibody reaction will proceed at a slower rate which COULD produce
a false negative" (anon1). This method is not recommended because if you
are lucky and lower the pH enough to produce a negative, there's a chance
that the pH itself will also be tested.
8.2.14 Visine: This is debatable. Byrd Labs concluded that Visine does
not work. Clinton said that the lab he worked in tested Visine, and
concluded that Visine works every time as a false negative for the EMIT.
It can be detected due to inability of the sample to foam.
8.2.15 WD40: Another myth. WD40 can only do harm.
8.3 Untested additives
8.3.1 Papain: This is a papaya enzyme available over the counter. It
isn't known whether this does anything. Dr. Grow said that Papain is an
antibody to THC, and in theory may destroy THC when added to the urine
sample. However, positive urine doesn't actually contain THC; it contains
THC byproducts. Papain has not been tested, and may or may not work.
9. <SUBSTITUTION>
This method works for every urine test, every time. You simply give them
clean urine (not yours). This works very well if you're not supervised.
If you are going to be supervised, try to talk them out of it. Someone
told me they were going to be monitored, and they said "I don't want you to
fuckin' watch me piss!" So the supervisor waited outside; probably with
his/her ear to the door to listen for opening containers. Abbie Hoffman,
author of "Stealing This Urine Test," suggested leaving a few drops of
urine on the seat or on your shoe for as "an added measure of
authenticity."
9.1 Substitution methods: There are three methods, but two of them are
painful, and you have to be determined to use them. The most common way to
sneak in urine is in a concealed container.
9.1.1 Concealed container: Simply conceal the urine. The first time
you're alone with the container they give you, dump in your concealed
urine. Be sure you can quietly open the container; the lab personnel may
be just outside the door listening. You may be required to change into a
gown. If so, a condom or douche bag holding the sample and taped around
the thigh can be concealed under the gown. You can also run a plastic line
from a flexible container and tape it to your urination equipment (to be
gender neutral), and even piss under supervision. Females have been known
to keep a condom with the urine sample in the vagina, and prick it to piss
under supervision. Be sure to keep the sample between 91 and 97 degrees.
9.1.2 Injection: There's a way to use substitution even when you're under
the strictest supervision. Athletes trying to pass tests for anabolic
steroids have been known to empty their bladders, and have the substituted
urine injected directly into their bladders via needle. It was shown in a
motion picture like "Wildcats" or something. While theoretically possible,
it's painful and subject to infection. It would certainly be the most
senseless way to get clean urine into the testees bladder. If this must be
done, catheterization should be used.
9.1.3 Catheterization: First void your bladder as you would with
injection. Run a thin plastic tube to the bladder. (Males must insert the
tube into the opening of the penis, go through the urethra and into the
bladder.) Catheterization done on females is not as unpleasant as it is
for males. Then inject the clean urine into the bladder via catheter.
Catheterization is less painful, safer, and more effective. Infection is
still possible.
9.2 Where to get clean urine.
9.2.1 Urine from a donor: You can substitute someone else's urine. Ask
your urine donor (hopefully a friend you can trust) what drugs they've
taken in the last month. They may have taken a false positive (or a true
positive for that matter), and before the test, the examiner should ask you
to list everything you've taken.
9.2.2 Powdered urine: If you don't trust your friend's sample, or don't
have any clean friends, you can get powdered urine from Martha
Butterfield-Jay Foundation. It's produced by Byrd Labs, and supposedly
works perfectly; however, I got MBJF's powdered urine, and it did not
specify the age or gender of the original sample. Powdered urine must be
prepared ahead of time. If there is a period of time that you are clean,
you can make powdered urine from your own supply.
9.2.2.1 Making your own powdered urine: Urinate in a glass container.
Let it evaporate. Then scrape the inside for the concentrate. Just mix it
with water before the test, and the sample will have the correct specific
gravity, pH, color, etc.
9.2.3 Dog urine: I heard from Dr. Grow that dog urine (of all things) can
be substituted, and will pass the test! However, I don't know how an age,
gender, pH, or creatinine test would result. Someone was able to use dog
urine for several months to pass the test. This subsection assumes you
have a clean dog. I know my dog's urine wouldn't pass; he eats more weed
than humans do. It would make more sense to use human urine, but dog urine
provides a workable substitution in an emergency.
10. <STEALING URINE>
Speaking of stealing, people have been known to get away with stealing
their sample from the tray among many other urine samples. In the case
that I heard, the person being tested never got the test results, and was
hired for the job that he was tested for. They wouldn't dare ask someone
to re-test because they "lost" his/her urine sample. Don't expect this
method to work if you are being tested for the military or if you're on
parole; they have no problem violating your rights repeatedly.
11. <IF YOU FAIL>
If you fail the test, raise hell. Failing the drug test has been known to
make a quiet person go ballistic. You will be interviewed by a medical
review official (MRO), who would try to find out why you tested positive.
If you fight it, your lawyer "can subpoena the proficiency testing records
of the laboratory for review" (anon1). These questions should be asked
about the lab you are challenging:
How does the lab handle samples?
Are they NIDA/CAP certified?
Do they participate in appropriate proficiency testing?
Whay is their track records in the proficiency testing program?
Have they ever failed a proficiency test?
What are the qualifications of the technical staff performing the test?
What technologies do they use to screen and confirm?
"Conquering the Urine Tests" provides additional legal advice that will
help you before taking a test, and if you fail a test.
Laura Gibson, a medical doctor on the internet, tested positive and was not
hired. She had a poppy seed bagel that morning, not knowing it was a false
positive. She fought it to the point where they just decided to throw out
the results and hire her anyway. But don't go taking it to court; it's
virtually impossible to win this case.
If you're an adult, contact ACLU. If you're a child, don't bother; ACLU
won't do anything for children who fail the drug test. Then mail me at
<hbcsc096@csun.edu> and tell me what you tried so I can use that to help
others. Many people ask for advice before the test, then don't report
back.
There is a way to fight drug testing. If you ever serve as a juror for a
case where someone is being charged for a drug offense, and a drug test is
used as evidence, be aware of jury nullification. If sufficient evidence
is submitted supporting a law you consider unjust, you have a RIGHT to vote
not-guilty, simply because you disagree with the law. You may agree with
the law, yet disagree with the punishment for that particular crime. If
you feel the punishment will be too harsh, you also have the right to vote
not-guilty. Vote your conscience. The court never tells the jurors of
this [hidden] right, but it's there. The Fully Informed Jury Association
is a good source for this information.
Many employers no longer show lab results to employees. They just get
rejected if seeking employment. Elderly employees are getting fired for
failing the test; incidentally losing all of their pension benefits.
12. <WHO DRUGTESTS?>
Employers, parol officers, police, health insurance companies, the
military, and as of recently, high school athletic coaches drug test. Many
of these people are insensitive, unscrupulous, and could care less about
constitutional rights. Some are forced into drug testing, like coaches for
example. Parents who can't parent their children adequately have pressured
high school coaches to enforce their drug-free values at the expence of
civil rights. I do not know the methods these people use. It would be a
full time job keep track of testing procedures of different organizations.
Please don't email me asking if or how your health insurance provider will
drug test you. I don't know. If you have such a question, I suggest
posting it to the relevent newsgroups or the mailing list.
12.1 Which companies test, and which don't?: There used to be a usenet
'Just-Say-No-To-Piss-Tests Project' keeping an updated list of companies
that either invade or respect your privacy. If you have first person
experience with a company, you would report it to <piss@rafferty.com>.
They would provide bad publicity for companies that test by adding it to
the list. If you report a company for not testing you, they would add it
to the good list (companies that respect your privacy). (see 14.2.3)
Whoever maintained this list may have dropped out of the scene because many
are having trouble getting a list. Those who do get the list, find that
it's a old one. A couple people in the mailing list discussed starting a
new one, but at the moment it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
13. <POLITICS AND ETHICS OF DRUG TESTING>
(I'll keep this brief, this is not a position paper)
I believe drug testing is an unreasonable search, and that it forces people
to incriminate themselves. Many who take the same position believe drug
testing violates the 4th and 5th amendments. The counter argument is that
the Constitution doesn't apply to private organizations.
It comes down to these values. An employer's right to know who s/he is
hiring stands in conflict with an individual's right to privacy. I wrote
this paper because I value the right to privacy more.
I also believe people SHOULD have the right to consume any substance
they want [without limits] given that they are knowledgeable about that
chemical. Employers, like anyone, have been effected by the Reafer Madness
Movement. The government pushed massive amounts of misinformation
throughout communities and schools, and I don't believe that employers are
well informed enough yet to dictate what drugs will harm the workplace.
The only effective way to select workers is to evaluate their
performance on the job. Drugs can actually improve performance. Aspirin
relieves pain, allowing a worker to continue. Marijuana (when consumed on
the job) makes repetitive factory oriented work more interesting, which
lengthens a workers attention span. Marijuana will actually make some
people more alert. After intensive testing, someone I know can solve the
Rubix Cube 20 seconds faster when stoned. (not scientific proof, yet
interesting). Stimulants will keep workers productive at the end of long
work days. If the negative effects of drug use begin to show in the
worker's performance, their employer has a number of options for dealing
with it.
Phil Smith summarizes an article in March 1990 Scientific American:
[The article] suggested that workers who tested positive for
marijuana only: 1) cost less in health insurance benefits; 2) had
a higher than average rate of promotion; 3) exhibited less
absenteeism; and 4) were fired for cause less often than workers
who did not test positive. Since marijuana is the most common
illicit drug used by adults, and the one detected in up to 90
percent of all "positive" drug tests (half of which are false),
this fact has radical implications for current public and employer
policies.
I could hardly believe what I was reading, but this article did carry
sufficient statistical evidence.
I see greater negative effects in drug testing than in drug use. In my
opinion, drug testing is un-American because guilt is assumed until the
test proves innocence. Our current conservative totalitarian Congress is
extremely irresponsible, and the peoples' civil liberties are suffering.
The Senate is even more threatening to our rights than Congress. This
particular privacy violation costs businesses $1.2 billion a year for
urinalysis of their workers. The military is notorious for their strict
drug tests. (note that marijuana helped soldiers in times of war). If you
test positive in California, your drivers license is automatically
suspended for 6 months. Nightbyrd has "counseled several, very straight,
elderly workers - close to retirement - who were fired and lost their
pension benefits because they 'failed their drug test'" (Jeff Nightbyrd).
Bernard Williams of the Philadelphia Eagles failed the drug test for
marijuana. He was suspended from the NFL for six games for using a drug
that doesn't enhance performance. If anything, marijuana would detract
from an athletes performance. Let the coach judge Williams performance.
Now it's becoming popular for parents to drug test their children.
Perfect; let's break up the families; cut down those lines of communication
and sneak around spying on our kids. Let's violate the child's privacy. We
use DARE like the salem witch hunts - to get children to turn their
parents. Now with DrugAlert, parents have a weapon to use on their kids.
The U.S. Supreme court just ruled June 1995 that public high schools
can require drug test for all student athletes. Many high schools already
do random searches on students; not for weapons, but for drugs. After all,
the Constitution has failed to protect children in the classroom, why not
expand? Students have lost 1st, 4th, and 5th amendment rights, and I think
it's absurd. We have patriotic history teachers telling children of their
Constitutional rights, yet children aren't given these rights on campus.
Kids get kicked out of school for questioning rules that violate the
Constitution.
It's also important to consider the discrimination factor. People with
dark skin may fail the urine test due to the false positive melenin. Drugs
are detected easier in dark haired people when the hair test is used.
We are sacrificing too many important rights by allowing drug testing
to continue. Until this unjust drug testing frenzy is put to an end,
children, workers, military service people, and parolee's need to learn how
to protect themselves from the drug test.
14. <ABOUT THE AUTHOR>
I have no medical or legal credentials. I haven't even been drug tested
myself (because I refuse to). I use the internet to research drug testing,
and compile this paper from that information. I've talked to several
knowledgeable people who either drug test, or get drug tested. I'm an
activist against the War on [Some] Drugs, and I think that the government
has taken the drug war to a ludicrous level. Laws created by the
legislature to protect me from myself demonstrate how totalitarian this
country has become. NORML reports that every *9* seconds someone gets
arrested for marijuana posession. Incidentally, I've taken an interest in
methods for 'beating the system'; although I would only implement methods
for beating an unjust system (such as drug testing). I may find out how to
beat the breathalyzer test (and publish it), yet I remain strongly opposed
to DUI. That goes into my belief in freedom of information. The
government bans lots of information that should be public access.
14.1 Contacting the author: You may e-mail
comments/corrections/suggestions to me. Send questions to the urine-test
mailing list. This way several people including me will get the question,
and I won't be burdened with having to reply to all the mass mail that I
get. I probably won't be able to answer questions that this paper doesn't
answer, but I can direct them to a more knowledgeable source. I use PGP
2.6.2 encryption, and my public key can be found on any of the key servers
under keyID 4002051D. Here is my key:
- -----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
Version: 2.6.2
mQBtAy+V7BYAAAEDAL/a1nhivKnxD9c9HSS9cxsnkf2CjH+lmBQ3ZeAj5Qa6jE7L
AMPlBid34c9yoOzG7ZFjlmVLGtiJK2jDipCVgfi+9LdOfvbpFjAppCLIQqAZAIh0
fvJCWk4myW66QAIFHQAFEbQdV2lsZFRoaW5nIDxoYmNzYzA5NkBjc3VuLmVkdT4=
=Wvex
- -----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
I encourage everyone to use encryption, Uncle Sam is watching! I also
encourage everyone to use anonymous accounts, like anon.penet.fi. If you
don't have an anonymous account, I promise to keep your identity
confidential. I would never disclose my sources, even to a badge. E-mail
help@anon.penet.fi to get an anonymous account. I will assume everyone
wants to be anonymous, so I default to not publishing your name or address
in the credits. If you provide me with information and want to be cited in
the sources, tell me explicitly. Many of my readers are experts in the
field. If you want to be available for consulting directly to the public,
let me know and I'll add your address to the sources.
Justin Gombos
E-mail: <jgombos@csun.edu>
Snail-Mail: 1216 Bryden Road, Columbus OH, 43205
URL: https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt
15. <FOOTNOTES>
(anon1): an anonymous toxicologist. Details in section 16. Made reference
to Clin Pharmacol Ther 38 (85) 572-578 and Pharmacol Rev 38 (86)
151-178.
16. <SOURCES>
16.1 Contributors: Thanks to everyone who contributed information! Many
of my contributors use anonymous accounts, or have requested that I keep
them totally anonymous.
anon1: Anonymous contributor #1 is a clinical biochemist/toxicologist
working as the non-medical director of a small clinical laboratory. S/He
holds three degrees: a masters in biochemistry, a bachelors in chemistry
and an associates in medical laboratory technology and is certified as a
Clinical Laboratory Scientist by NCA. S/He has worked in the clinical
laboratory field for 18 years and specifically in drug testing labs for
over fives years. In addition, s/he has been recognized as a expert before
several states and the federal courts in matters relating to drug and
alcohol testing and it effects on driving performance. S/He has testified
for both the prosecution and defense so his testimony has been recognized
as unbiased.
California NORML: helped with information on detection times.
Clinton (not Bill). Clinton has worked as a lab assistant in two drug
testing lab's, and has other family members in the field. In usenet,
Clinton is known as ZZYZX.
Dr. Grow <an236215@anon.penet.fi>. Dr. Grow studies molecular biology.
Nightbyrd, Jeff (founder of Byrd Labs): Nightbyrd is the author of the
"Conquering the Urine Tests" pamphlet. His 11th edition was updated in
1996 and is out via snail-mail for $5. The pamphlet provides some more
elaborate information, and includes statistics and stories. Nightbyrd has
worked several years on protecting workers civil rights, and a majority of
my information comes from all the free consulting he has provided (he's
practically a coauthor). If anyone has a related law suit underway, Mr.
Nightbyrd has one of the most extensive libraries of materials in the
country. E-mail <nightbyrd@I-link.net>; Voice 800/480-2468; FAX
512/478-7706.
Pearson, Anne Watters (founder of Martha Butterfield-Jay Foundation):
Pearson is devoted to counseling and coaching people faced with piss
testing. E-mail <oknorml@ix.netcom.com>.
Smith, Phillip. Phillip Smith is a Portland NORML member who has helped
edit this paper, making corrections on grammar and content.
16.2 Works cited
Scientific American, "Science and the Citizen". March 1990. pp.18 & 22
Thein, Lori A.; Thein, Jill M.; Landry, Gregory L. "Ergogenic Aids.
Special Series: Pharmacology." PHYSICAL THERAPY. May, 1995. p. 426
16.3 For additional information:
American Civil Liberties Union: 212/944-9800
Austin Nutritional Research: https://www.realtime.net/anr
Byrd Labs: Jeff Nightbyrd's creation. Byrd labs has run more than 2,000
tests on urine and additives. 800/333-2152
California NORML: 415/563-5858; e-mail <canorml@igc.apc.org>.
CAPP: Hi tech workers rights organization. 512/448-4804
Carson, Ed. JUST SAY NO TO DRUG TESTS - How to Beat the Whiz Quiz.
ISBN 0-87364-624-X
Conquering the Urine Tests: see Jeff Nightbyrd (16.1)
Digit Press (GA) Info Line: 404/924-1393
Drug Testing Hotline in California: 900/844-test
Fully Informed Jury Association: For free Jury Power Information Kit, call
800/TEL-JURY. FIJA national snail-mail: PO Box 59, Helmville, MT
59843. 406/793-5550. Mr. Peyman (FIJA affiliate) 714/838-2896.
Home
Hoffman, Abbie. STEAL THIS URINE TEST.
J&J Enterprizes: Distributes The Stuff and Naturally Klean Herbal Tea
each for $19.99. PO Box 102311, Denver, CO 80250.
https://www.imall.com/stores/stuff
Klear: 40 4th Street #216, Petaluma, CA 94952 800/661-1357
Legal Action Center: 212/243-1313
Martha Butterfield-Jay Foundation (Oklahoma NORML): MBJF sent me free
literature, and a brochure on of their products. If you call, a
machine will answer. Calls will be returned collect. P.O. Box 57214,
Oklahoma City, OK 73157 405/521-URIN
National Lawyers Guild: 212/614-6464
NORML: NORML operates a Drug Testing & Information Hotline. I don't
recommend this hotline. People have called this line needing important
drug testing information in a hurry, only to get a recording. For the
price, I would expect a live person. The charge is $2.95 per minute.
900/97-NORML. 1636 'R' St. N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington D.C. 20009
NORML Legal Referral: 202/483-5500
Party Hut Enterprises: Carbo Clean, Purifyit, and Klear are $30 each. The
purchaser pays COD and shipping. They do accept pre-paid orders. If
you would like to have more information about this product or a catalog
of the 100's of other products that they carry just e-mail Charles
Alvis. <calvis@icon.net> or <partyhut@paranoia.com>. They also have an
online headshop located at https://www.paranoia.com/~partyhut
Performance Factors: Makes video imparment test. 415/769-8300
PharmChem Laborities Inc.: Boycott PharmChem for supplying the sweat
patch. Jay Whitney or David Asheim can be reached (harassed) at
415/328-6200
Puri-Blend: 800/886-3234
Sampson Health Products: Snail mail: 901 Rhode Rd., Kyle, Texas 78640.
Sampson.com. Call 512/398-6995 anytime to speak to an operator,
leave message, or automated fax.
Spy Supply, Inc.: This company sells home drug test kits for THC and COC
that can be used before the "official" test. The kits cost $15 each.
1212 Boylston St 120, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 617/327-7272
Testing Expert Witness: Good for legal cases. 615/579-5425
Zydot Unlimited, Inc.: 800/725-2481
16.3.1 Drug testing consultants on the net: If you want to be listed here
as a free consultant, let me know.
Me: I'll make an effort to answer questions. If I can't answer
something, I'm in contact with toxicologists and other experts who
choose to remain anonymous. I will direct questions to them.
Jeff Nightbyrd: Consult Nightbyrd with any drug testing question. Legal
issues are his specialty.
16.3.2 Drug testing mailing list: E-mail <listproc@calyx.net> with
"subscribe urine-test Firstname Lastname" as the body. Nicholas Merrill
maintains the mailing list as well as a WEB page saturated with information
and links. https://www.calyx.com/urine-test.html.
16.3.3 Sites and Internet sources: A list of sites relating to drug
testing.
My page has a rolling version of the drugtesting faq, meaning it's
updated continuously without a version number.
https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt
Other drug testing sites:
https://htrac.com/
https://hyperreal.com/drugs/politics/drug.testing
https://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~verdant/whizquiz
https://www.en.utexas.edu/~babydoll/coursematerial/fall95students/finals/
drupublic_html
https://www.foobar.uk/users/ukcia/piss.html
https://www.foobar.co.uk/users/ukcia/piss.html
https://www.ksu.edu/~floersh/drugs/test/test.html
https://www.pantless.com/~pdxnorml
https://www.paranoia.com/drugs/
https://www1.jis.net/~deadhead/test.html
CALC_THC.EXE:
https://www.csun.edu/~hbcsc096/dt/calc_thc.exe
Just-Say-No-To-Piss-Tests Project:
https://rafferty.com/~piss
gopher://gopher.well.sf.ca.us:70/00/Politics/piss.list
(links above gopher site)
https://hello.kaleida.com/u/hopkins/prohibition/
To get the perspective of drug testing advocates, visit:
https://www.lec.org/Drug_Watch/Public/Documents/DWDTPOS.html
(I read this page for entertainment purposes only
Drug testing sites to avoid: These sites may contain a lot of useful
information, but they also contain enough misinformation to cause harm.
Cannabis Action Network: This is an extreme case of misinformation.
https://www1.jis.net/~deadhead/pisstest.html
17. <DISTRIBUTION RULES>
I'm taking the Phillip Zimmerman approach. Our rights are in the line of
fire, and I think everyone should have free access to this information. I
want it to become widespread before the government has a chance to react.
Our current Congress is a threat to civil liberties, and the Senate has
been launching anti-expression policies - targeting the internet.
Non-profit users/orgs may distribute unmodified versions of this text
freely. Keep the pgp signature in tact so readers with pgp can validate
it's authenticity. Profitting from this text is prohibited.
