SC - Poppy seeds and drug testing

[David Young]

A gentle recently posted the info that consuming poppy seeds may
cause a positive test for opiates on a drug screen.
Well, this is technically correct. However, speaking as a
toxicologist who runs hundreds of drug screens a day, I have to
say it's unlikely, unless you "binge" out on poppy seed rolls,
while drinking poppy seed dressing, etc. I've seen studies on
this issue, and while most of them are reluctant to give a firm
statement on the amount of poppy seed ingestion required, as I
recall, in the test cases subjects were eating 1o or more poppy
seeded muffins, and then giving urine samples for an extended
time afterwards. Not all of the samples tested positive, there is
only a narrow window of time when you might test positive.
Regardless, for those who feel the need, you should be allowed to
list any foods containing poppy seeds when giving a drug screen
sample, typically when they ask you if you're taking any
medications. Also, hopefully your company is paying for GC/MS
confirmation on any positive test results, and is also receiving
a quantitative statement on the level of drug found. The MRO, or
Doctor reviewing these results should be able to determine
culpability based on a statement of poppy seed ingested.
In service, although entirely too verbose
Aidan Blackstone

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