Can You Take a Urine Drug Test on Your Period?
I remember when I was called in for a surprise drug test at my job. I had no idea that I was going to be tested, and it caught me off guard because I had started my period that morning. I knew that I hadn’t taken any drugs, but I was worried that the results would be inaccurate because I was on my period.
I did some research and found out that there is a lot of misinformation about taking urine drug tests on your period. Some people believe that your period will dilute your urine and cause the results to be negative, even if you have taken drugs. Others believe that your period will make the results more likely to be positive, even if you haven’t taken any drugs. The truth is that there is no definitive answer.
The Effects of Your Period on Urine Drug Tests
The effects of your period on urine drug tests depend on a variety of factors, such as the following:
- The type of drug test – There are two main types of urine drug tests: immunoassays and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Immunoassays are less expensive and more widely used, but they are not as accurate as GC/MS. GC/MS is the most accurate type of urine drug test, but it is also more expensive.
- The cutoff level – The cutoff level is the concentration of a drug in urine that is considered to be a positive result. The cutoff level for most drugs is 50 ng/mL. However, some drugs have lower cutoff levels, such as marijuana (20 ng/mL).
- Your hydration level – When you are dehydrated, your urine is more concentrated and the drug concentration will be higher. This can make it more likely that a urine drug test will be positive, even if you have not taken any drugs.
Should You Take a Urine Drug Test on Your Period?
If you are concerned about the accuracy of a urine drug test on your period, you may want to wait until after your period is over to take the test. This will give your body time to recover from the hormonal changes that occur during your period and will reduce the chances of a false positive result.
However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that a urine drug test will be accurate on your period. If you are concerned about the results of a urine drug test, you should talk to your doctor or the person administering the test.
Tips for Taking a Urine Drug Test on Your Period
If you must take a urine drug test on your period, there are a few things you can do to help ensure the accuracy of the results:
- Drink plenty of fluids – Drink plenty of water or other fluids to stay hydrated. This will help to dilute your urine and reduce the chances of a false positive result.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine – Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you and make your urine more concentrated. This can increase the chances of a false positive result.
- Tell the person administering the test that you are on your period – The person administering the test may be able to adjust the cutoff level or use a different type of test to account for the effects of your period.
FAQ on Urine Drug Tests and Periods
Q: Can I take a urine drug test on my period?
A: Yes, you can take a urine drug test on your period. However, the results may not be accurate if you are dehydrated or if the test has a low cutoff level.
Q: What are the chances of a false positive urine drug test on my period?
A: The chances of a false positive urine drug test on your period are low, but they increase if you are dehydrated or if the test has a low cutoff level.
Q: What can I do to reduce the chances of a false positive urine drug test on my period?
A: You can reduce the chances of a false positive urine drug test on your period by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and telling the person administering the test that you are on your period.
Q: What should I do if I get a positive urine drug test on my period?
A: If you get a positive urine drug test on your period, you should talk to your doctor or the person administering the test. They may be able to adjust the cutoff level or use a different type of test to confirm the results.
Conclusion
The effects of your period on urine drug tests are complex and depend on a variety of factors. If you are concerned about the accuracy of a urine drug test on your period, you may want to wait until after your period is over to take the test. However, if you must take a urine drug test on your period, you can take steps to help ensure the accuracy of the results.
Are you interested in learning more about urine drug tests and periods? If so, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer your questions.
