TestSure™

Specimen Validity Testing (SVT)

Adulterants are foreign substances either ingested or added directly to a urine specimen to prevent the detection of drug use. Promoted as "cleansing agents," these substances range from everyday household items to specific chemical additives easily obtained through the Internet.

Employer Solutions' TestSure adulterant testing offers a way to keep drugs, and the substances that can alter test results, out of the workplace. When you request TestSure, we'll screen the specimen for a variety of adulterant compounds by using state-of-the-art secondary testing methods. The results are provided to the medical review officer or the customer for interpretation.

When TestSure is requested, every specimen will be screened for the following compounds. When adulterants are identified, they will be confirmed using state-of-the-art secondary testing methods prior to reporting the results to you.

1. Common household products that may affect test results

Acid, ammonia, lye and vinegar: These products affect urine pH, which is a measure of whether the specimen is abnormally acidic or basic. These products may interfere with the initial (screening) test. Bleach: May interfere with the initial (screening) test.

2. Common products that may be used as a specimen substitute

Lemonade, soft drinks, sports drinks and water: Donors sometimes attempt to substitute these products for their urine sample or may drink large quantities of these fluids in an attempt to dilute their urine. By measuring and reporting creatinine and specific gravity, you or your medical review officer will have additional information to assess the validity of the urine specimen.

3. Chemical additives that may affect test results

Chemicals such as glutaraldehyde (UrinAid), nitrite (Klear®' Whizzies), chromates (Pyridine, Urine Luck®' Instant Clean ADD-IT-ive®') and halogens: These products are available through multiple sources, including the Internet, for the purpose of preventing a standard drug test from detecting the use of drugs. Glutaraldehyde affects the drugs tested in the initial (screening) test. Nitrite, chromate, halogens and other oxidizing adulterants may negate the initial and/or confirmatory tests for marijuana and morphine/heroin. This effect is dependent on both the concentration added to the urine sample and the length of time the product has been in the urine.

4. Prescription drugs that may affect test results

Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Tolectin®'): These prescription drugs may interfere with the initial (screening) test. When this occurs, the specimen is automatically tested using an alternate screening methodology for the five standard drug classes (amphetamines, cocaine, THC (50), opiates (2,000) and phencyclidine).

View and print a brochure about TestSure.

For more information on specimen validity testing, contact an Employer Solutions sales representative.