Phencyclidine Test: Procedure, Outcomes, and False Reactions
In the realm of urine drug testing, it's essential to be aware of potential false positives, especially when it comes to phencyclidine (PCP), also known as angel dust. Several medications can cause such false positives, and understanding these is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.
Two antidepressants, venlafaxine (Effexor) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), which belong to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class, have been identified as a significant cause of false positives for PCP in urine drug tests [1].
Moreover, certain benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam), have occasionally been reported to cause false positives for PCP, although confirmatory tests like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) can differentiate these results [2].
It's important to note that other medications may cause false positives for different drugs but not specifically for PCP. For example, ibuprofen and naproxen sometimes cause false positives for barbiturates or THC, and certain antidepressants may cause false positives for amphetamines or benzodiazepines [1][5].
To ensure accurate results, any positive PCP urine drug test should be confirmed using more specific methods such as GC-MS [2]. This approach helps avoid misinterpretations due to these false positives.
When undergoing a urine drug test, it's crucial to inform the test provider of any medication or supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) and herbal products. This information can help prevent potential false positives and ensure the test results are as accurate as possible.
An immunoassay (IA) test is a type of urine drug test that screens for phencyclidine. If an IA UDT produces a positive result for phencyclidine, it means a high enough amount of phencyclidine was found in the urine sample to cause a positive result, which could indicate the use or misuse of the drug, or it has produced a false positive result.
In an IA UDT, technicians use antibodies called assays to detect the presence of phencyclidine in the urine. However, certain compounds from legal medications in the urine sample may bind to the assay antibodies in the same way as phencyclidine compounds, causing a false positive result.
In such cases, a follow-up with another type of urine drug test, called a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), may be required to confirm the results. Although more labor-intensive, costly, and requiring advanced laboratory services, a GC-MS test is highly specific and accurate.
In conclusion, while several medications may cause a false positive result for phencyclidine in IA UDTs, the most well-established medication causes of false positive PCP urine tests currently are venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine, with occasional benzodiazepines reported. By being aware of these potential false positives and taking necessary precautions, we can ensure the accuracy of urine drug test results.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2720356/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2872951/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686820/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2858435/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
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