Took Lortab last night Drug screen was negative

[upsetatmyDr]

went in to office today for aching all over,coughing,had temp over weekend,just really felt bad all over.I went in for injection and something for cough. This physician also treats me for migraine headaches and cervical disk disease with Lortab 7.5 mg qid prn. On Sat i had taken about 4,Sunday2 / 3 and 1 on Monday afternoon.She asked me if i needed refills and i told her that i still had a couple refills left but if she would give it to me that would save me from having to get off  work again when i needed it.I was then sent to lab for drug screen which was fine with me.
When she came back in the room she and her nurse started treating me like i was selling drugs.Very smart, said she would not write medication that i was not taking, said drug screen was negative for lortab.MY QUESTION IS WHY WAS THIS SCREEN NEGATIVE. THIS WAS A VERY UPSETING AND EMBARASSING INCIDENT FOR ME AND IF I CAN FIND OUT HOW THIS HAPPENED I WANT TO GET THE WORD OUT THERE TO OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE.   PLEASE IF YOU HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE ON THIS LET ME KNOW

[Mollyrae]

What else are you taking as far as medications? It could be that something is canceling out the Lortab.

And yes, this question comes across at least once a week. It seems that the tests are really not as reliable as they should. I also find this fascinating because when i have been tested in the Hospital in the past, they not only found the narcotics that I was prescribed but all the other meds I was taking as well. I felt that the Hospital had a super sensitive test. They have always found the narcotics, even in very small amounts when I was taking small amounts, so I was never questioned.

It's a real shame that these Doctors have to play with lives like that. I'm sorry that this happened to you.

My best,
Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so sorry that this happened to you. You must feel horrible.

I wish I could remember the number of times I have read a post with the same question. I don't have an answer. I just know that this happens more frequently than anyone would think. Urine drug screens can be unreliable and inaccurate. The actual statistics are high, some say as high as 60-80% inaccurate. Often it is operator error but other things come into play also. Why yours was incorrect is any one's guess.

If you search our archives you will find a lot of good information and suggested reasons for false negative urine drug screens. The important thing for you to do now is to find an alternate physician that will treat your pain. If you were seeing a PMP it will take time to obtain a timely appointment. Don't be surprised if your former physician stops you from refilling the remainder of your prescription.

Our members may have better answers for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Peace,
~Tuck~