When conducting pre-employment urine drug tests, the temperature range of the sample is crucial. Typically, the acceptable temperature range is between 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C) to ensure the sample was freshly voided and not tampered with. If a urine sample falls outside of this range, standard protocol usually requires immediate action, which could include asking the donor to provide another sample if possible, or for the sample to be marked as suspicious.
Even if a sample does not meet the temperature criteria, it may still be sent to the lab for analysis with appropriate notes indicating the temperature discrepancy. The laboratory will often analyze the sample, but the results might be flagged, and the integrity of the sample may be questioned. This is crucial in pre-employment screenings as the detection of prescribed medications, like Concerta, is often checked.
Concerta, which contains methylphenidate, is a medication prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy and could appear in drug screenings if the test includes checking for prescription stimulants. Employers may consider a positive result for such substances if not disclosed prior, but valid prescriptions typically mitigate concerns regarding positive results for such medications.
Ultimately, if you are undergoing a drug test and have a prescription for Concerta, it’s advisable to disclose this information beforehand to legitimate consent for its presence in your system while ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies.
