Preventing Tampering in Urine Drug Testing

A positive drug test can carry serious consequences, including termination of employment, loss of job opportunities, or even legal action. Given the high stakes, some may attempt to alter test results by masking the presence of drugs in a urine specimen.

What is Adulteration?

Adulteration refers to the intentional manipulation of a urine specimen in an effort to influence the outcome of a drug test. A tampered sample is referred to as an “adulterated specimen.”

Common Methods of Adulteration

Here are five of the most frequently observed adulteration techniques:

1. Dilution – Achieved by adding water directly to the specimen or by consuming excessive fluids to dilute drug concentration.

2. Substitution – Involves replacing the original sample with urine from another source, including synthetic or commercially sourced specimens.

3. Use of Commercial Products – Products marketed under names like QuickKlean, Goldenseal, or Super Clean 13 are used to interfere with test results.

4. pH Alteration – The ingestion of acidic substances (e.g., vinegar) to disrupt normal urine pH.

5. Addition of Foreign Substances – Introducing materials such as salt, soap, or eye drops to chemically alter the urine sample.

Detecting Adulterated Samples

Organizations including employers, treatment centers, laboratories, and government agencies can detect tampering using adulteration test strips and controls. These tools help identify:

• Dilution: Assessed via creatinine levels and specific gravity measurements.

• Chemical adulterants: Detection of nitrites, glutaraldehyde, bleach, pyridinium chlorochromate, and other oxidizing agents.

• pH irregularities: Detection of abnormal pH due to acidic or basic adulterants (e.g., vinegar, ammonia).

Reliable Adulteration Detection Tools

The Drug Adulteration Test is a quick, reliable method for evaluating the integrity of a urine sample prior to conducting drug screening. These tests yield qualitative results that indicate the presence of potential adulterants. An "abnormal" result suggests the sample may have been compromised.

At American Drug Test, we offer a wide range of adulteration controls and testing supplies designed to support reliable drug screening protocols: Adulteration Controls and Tests

Drug Testing For Less is a leading wholesale supplier of CLIA Waived and FDA-approved drug testing solutions. With over 30 years of experience serving laboratories, treatment facilities, government agencies, and businesses, we provide trusted, high-quality products tailored to the needs of professional testing environments.