Why Did I Test ‘Cold’ Twice in a Row on My Urine Drug Test?

If you've ever found yourself facing the perplexing situation of testing 'cold' on your urine drug test twice in a row, you're not alone. Why would a test intended to detect the absence of drug usage return a negative result twice when you hadn't altered your urine at all? Here, we'll explore common scenarios, the meaning behind 'cold' test results, and what steps you can take to understand and address the issue.

Understanding the 'Cold' Test Result

In a drug test, a positive result, commonly referred to as a 'hot' test result, indicates the presence of drugs or their metabolites. Conversely, a test 'cold' or negative suggests that nothing was detected, meaning the test did not identify any drug usage. However, you might wonder why you would test 'cold' twice in a row, especially if you have a clean slate and no reason to manipulate the test results.

The Meaning of 'Cold'

When someone mentions 'cold' in the context of a urine drug test, they are likely referring to a test result indicating a negative detection of drugs or their metabolites. This doesn't automatically mean that there was anything suspicious about the sample. The term 'cold' simply means the test did not detect any drugs, whereas a 'hot' test result indicates a positive detection.

Why Test ‘Cold’ Twice in a Row?

If you are consistently testing 'cold' twice in a row, there could be several reasons:

Technician Error or Instrument Malfunction: At a busy testing facility, it is possible that the temperature of the specimen is not accurately measured. Test kits designed to detect the appropriate range of temperatures for a sample that leaves the body within a short period can sometimes misreport. If the test cup is not properly calibrated or the technician fails to read the thermometer quickly enough, the test might erroneously report the sample as 'cold.' False Positive or Negative Test: Even the best technology can have occasional errors. There is a possibility that the test administered was a false positive or false negative. In the case of a false negative, the test might not have been sensitive enough to detect any drug presence, resulting in a 'cold' test result twice in a row. Sample Collection Process: If the collection process is not properly monitored, there is a risk that you might have accidentally introduced a sample that was not originating from your body. This is illegal and unethical, so it's crucial to demand a 'monitored' test where a representative witnesses the collection of the specimen to prevent this from happening.

Steps to Address the Issue

Here are some actions you can take if you suspect issues with your test results:

Request a Monitored Test: Ensure that your drug test is conducted under the watchful eye of a representative from the testing facility. This will prevent any potential tampering or mishandling of the sample. Inspect the Sample Cup: After providing your sample, inspect the container to ensure that the thermometer reading is correct. If it is not, politely request a retest. Consult with the Testing Facility: Contact the facility directly and express your concerns about the test results. If you feel that the facilities are not addressing your concerns adequately, you may consider legal action.

In summary, if you have consistently tested 'cold' twice in a row and have no reason to suspect drug usage, it's likely due to technical issues such as instrument malfunction or technician errors. However, it's essential to take proactive steps to ensure that the test is conducted correctly and to address any concerns you may have.