When talking about drugs of abuse and how to pass a test, it is virtually impossible to cover all of the “frequently asked questions.” There is always an issue raised that had never occurred before; there is always a question that has not been answered yet.

-         Hi there, I got a quick question for you: I’m currently using certain pills, and some of them are prescribed, and some are not. When they do a drug test, can they see exactly what you are taking? I mean, if they are both opiates, how can they tell what is what?

By prescription medication most people mean opiates – potent drugs that are regularly prescribed to treat moderate or severe pain. The main two sources of opiates are morphine and codeine. Although the intake may be different, all opiates metabolize mainly into these two elements. General immunoassay test is not specific – it reacts to any opiate based compound, but does not differentiate between the sources; that is, your employer would not be able to tell what the exact prescription medication you are taking is. However, there will be a certain distinction between the results of pain pills and heroine. Also, in non-regulated tests, like a specialized opiate panel, metabolites can be traced back to hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, etc. Additionally, there are oxycodone-specific immunoassays available.

-         So, basically, if the drug test is for my employer, I have nothing to worry about, just show them my prescription, right? But if my doctor decides to see what I’m up to – then I have something to worry about.

-         Yes, you got it!

-         Thanks a lot!