When it comes to drug and alcohol testing in the workplace, most questions are straightforward. But every now and then, someone throws a curveball. From breakfast bagels to mouthwash, here are 12 of the strangest FAQs we’ve heard at Integrity Sampling—along with the facts behind the fiction.
12 Drug and Alcohol Testing FAQs from Left Field
Can I fail a drug test from eating a poppy seed bagel? Yes—but it’s rare.
Poppy seeds contain trace amounts of opiates. A large quantity, eaten shortly before urine testing, could trigger a non-negative. However, saliva testing is less sensitive to this, and modern testing thresholds are designed to avoid false positives.
Will mouthwash cause me to fail an alcohol test? Possibly, but only temporarily.
Mouthwashes with alcohol (like ethanol) can cause a short-lived positive in a breathalyser test. But the effect wears off quickly, and confirmation testing conducted a short time later will prove negative.
Can second-hand cannabis smoke make me test positive? Highly unlikely.
You’d need heavy, close exposure in a sealed space to absorb enough of cannabis’ psychoactive compound, THC. Testing thresholds are set high enough to avoid detection from passive contact.
Can I fail a drug test from using pain relief cream? Unlikely.
Topical creams with codeine (or other substances that can lead to drug test non-negatives) are absorbed through the skin in minimal amounts. They rarely cause positives unless misused or overused.
Can my supplement cause a failed test? Sometimes, but unlikely.
Some sports supplements may contain stimulants that could cause a positive roadside or workplace drug test. This is why it’s always better to buy from reputable sources and check ingredients.
Can I test positive from drinking too much tonic water? No.
Tonic water contains quinine, but it won’t make you fail a drug test. You’d need litres of it and still wouldn’t hit thresholds. This one’s a myth.
Can cough syrup make me fail an alcohol or drug test? Potentially, yes.
Some over-the-counter or prescription cough medicines do contain alcohol, codeine, or dextromethorphan. However, you’re unlikely to fail a drug test if you take your medicine as directed.
Will CBD oil show up in a drug test? No, but it could still lead to a failed test
CBD is one of the other compounds in cannabis and most notably medicinal cannabis. It’s not psychoactive so medicinal cannabis containing only CBD won’t cause a fail. However, some oils purportedly to be pure CDB oil can contain trace elements of the psychoactive compound THC. If the product isn’t 100% THC-free, it might trigger a non-negative result.
Can being around someone who vaped THC affect my result? Unlikely.
Like second-hand smoke, passive exposure to THC vapour is extremely unlikely to cause a failed test. You’d need prolonged exposure in a small, unventilated space.
Can I fail testing from eating hemp seeds or hemp protein? Not likely.
Hemp products sold legally in Australia contain very low levels of THC. You’d need to eat massive quantities to even approach test thresholds.
Can hand sanitiser affect a test? Possibly.
Frequent use of alcohol-based sanitisers can create vapour that might trigger a false positive on a breathalyser—but only briefly and only if testing is done immediately after using the sanitiser. Confirmation testing will almost always prove negative.
Can coffee, a cold shower, food or online lotions and potions help me sober up. Absolutely not!
This is perhaps the biggest myth of them all. There’s only one thing that will help you sober up from alcohol or drugs and that’s time. That’s the time it takes for your body to metabolise the alcohol or drugs.
Final thoughts: Weird doesn’t mean impossible
While most of these weird scenarios won’t result in a failed test under normal conditions, some do carry a small risk—especially if large quantities are involved or testing is poorly timed.
At Integrity Sampling, we follow strict protocols and use always confirmation testing to make sure initial non-negatives are indeed positive. In the case of workplace drug testing using saliva, for example, when an initial sample test is non-negative, a second sample is taken. This is sent to an independent NATA Accredited laboratory for more sensitive and accurate analysis.
Have more questions – strange or not?
We’ve heard them all—and we’re happy to help. Reach out to Integrity Sampling for expert advice on drug and alcohol testing in your workplace.
