Adulteration Test Strips (Specimen Validity Tests)
When a donor attempts to alter the drug test result by tampering with the urine specimen that is considered to be adulteration. The use of adulterants can cause false negative results in drug tests by destroying the drugs present in the urine or interfering with the test itself.
There are several methods drug abusers have used to try and beat the drug test such as diluting or adding substances to the specimen, flushing their system, etc. Adulteration test strips (Specimen Validity Tests) are a cost effective way to determine if the donor has adulterated their specimen in as little as 1 minute.
Parameters on Adulteration Test Strips (SVT):
- Creatinine – Creatinine is a waste product of creatine, an amino-acid contained in muscle tissue and found in urine. A person may attempt to foil a test by drinking excessive amounts of water or diuretics such as herbal teas to “flush” the system. Creatinine and specific gravity are two ways to check for dilution and flushing. Low creatinine and specific gravity levels may indicate dilute urine. The absence of creatinine (<5 mg/dl) is indicative of a specimen not consistent with human urine.
- Specific Gravity tests for sample dilution. Values outside the normal range of 1.003 to 1.030 may be the result of specimen dilution or adulteration.
- Nitrite – include common commercial adulterants such as Klear or Whizzies. They work by oxidizing the major cannabinoid metabolite THC-COOH. Normal urine should contain no trace of nitrite.
- Glutaraldehyde – Adulterants such as UrinAid and Clear Choice contain glutaraldehyde which may cause false negative screening results by disrupting the enzyme used in some immunoassay tests. Glutaraldehyde is not normally found in urine.
- pH – Normal pH levels should be in the range of 4.0 to 9.0. Values outside of this range may indicate sample tampering.
- Oxidants/PCC – Oxidizing agents such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide and pyridinium chlorochromate (UrineLuck) are commonly used adulterants. Normal human urine should not contain oxidants or PCC.
Available in the following formats:
- Dip strip (packaged 25 per canister)
- Also available in some multi-drug panel and integrated cup formats.
To learn more about adulteration tests and the adulteration testing products ALFA has to offer, contact us today!
