Does hydrocodone show up on drug tests?
Got a drug test coming up for school or work?
Here we review basic information on hydrocodone drug tests including detection times, cutoff levels and the most frequent types of tests used. Please leave us your questions about hydrocodone use or testing below. We respond to all questions and comments personally and if we cannot answer your questions … we will direct you to the help/resources that you need.
Hydrocodone detection
Drugs have certain detection windows, or amounts of time that they are detected in your system after you take them. These detection times are general estimations of ingestion and evidence drug use and usually do not determine amount or chronic use of a drug like hydrocodone.
Furthermore, prescription drugs like hydrocodone are eliminated from the system at different rates and thus detectable for different periods of time, often long after the drug’s effect has worn off. And drug tests differ in their sensitivity. For example, hydrocodone detection time in urine is about 2-4 days (on the safe side), while hydrocodone can be detected in the hair for up to 3 months after your last pill. Most commercial drug tests for hydrocodone, however, detect hydrocodone in the urine for 6-24 hours after last use.
Hydrocodone cutoff levels
Drug testing determines the positive or negative presence of a specified amount of a drug or its metabolite in urine, blood or an alternative specimen. There is a minimum measurement applied to drug testing so that only traces of a drug or its metabolite above a specified level is reported as positive. This measure is known as a “cut-off level,” and it varies for each drug.
Therefore, a drug’s cutoff level or “screening threshold” is the level at which your tester thinks that the substance is in your system. Most cutoff levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ML). In lab test results of 10-panel urine drug screen for the U.S. government, for example, opiates such as hydrocodone have cutoff levels of:
- 2000ng EMIT
- 2000ng GCMS
Types of hydrocodone drug tests
The most frequently used hydrocodone drug test is urinalysis. Current blood or urine tests for hydrocodone only determine whether the drug been used in the last few hours or days.
Positive drug testing for hydrocodone
Several drugs and substances cross react in drug tests for opiates such as NSAIDs efavirenz, chlorpromazine, rifampin, fluoroquinolones,dextromentheorphan or even poppy seeds and quinine in tonic water. These cross reactions can make some drug tests for hydrocodone unreliable. This is why many testing centers screen exclusively for hydrocodone in the urine and have specific procedures for follow up testing. But what can you do if you test positive for hydrocodone and have not been using it recreationally?
Drug screen results are not always clear cut in their interpretation. This is why drug testing centers should use confirmatory tests, especially after an initial positive screen. If an initial screen and confirmation test are both positive, usually a licensed medical doctor who specializes in substance abuse will review your results. It is possible that medical or other reasons may influence your drug test result such as recent surgery, medications or medical discharge.
In fact, doctors should always look for a medically acceptable reason for the result and make clinical determinations on more information than a single test result. Doctors should also not assume that you are abusing hydrocodone, although the addiction potential Vicodin or other drugs with hydrocodone is relatively high. In many cases, if you are using medications as prescribed, the test may be reported as negative. But in other cases, you may need to contest a false positive test result through a standard protocol.
Hydrocodone drug testing questions
Do you have questions about hydrocodone drug testing? Please leave them below. We’ll be happy to respond to you personally.
Reference sources: Alcohol and Drug Screens: A GUIDE TO THE INTERPRETATION AND EFFECTIVE USE OF SCREENS FOR SUBSTANCES OF ABUSE
Pacific Northwest National Library Article on tests for drug abuse and dependence
State of Virginia information on substance abuse testing
9:25 pm
November 4th, 2011
can the doctor tell by a urine sample if you are taking too much vicodin?
7:21 pm
November 5th, 2011
Hi Cathy. Yes, urine testing for hydrocodone can detect if you are taking Vicodin as prescribed, or not. See the section above about cut-off levels.
3:25 am
December 20th, 2011
If you use Vicodin daily, can you have a urine drug screen that comes up positive for opiates and negative for acetaminophen?
7:19 pm
December 21st, 2011
It seems like whomever was tested may actually be taking something different (harder drugs…oxycodone, morphine, heroin?) because it does not make logical sense to test positive for opiates but negative for acetaminopohen if you are taking Vicodin daily. But perhaps you can ask the drug screening facility directly?
7:37 pm
January 12th, 2012
My husband tested negative twice for use of Hydrocodone and I see him take his medication often. How is this possible? The doctor said that there is no way that the test could be incorrect; especially since taken twice. How can this be? Also, he had blood work done for a life insurance policy which we received a copy of the results for. Is there something on the lab report that would indicate usage of Hydrocodone?
6:52 pm
January 13th, 2012
Hi MRW. Is your husband taking hydrocodone with a prescription? If he’s taking as prescribed, even if it’s in his system, and the testing lab knows about the prescription, the test will come back “negative”, meaning, no misuse. I am not sure if insurance companies use blood tests to screen for drugs. That would be a question for the insurance company directly.
12:37 am
January 17th, 2012
I have taken norco 10-325mg 2-3times a day per prescription, and i didn’t take it today. I had a urine test at my doctor’s office this afternoon, and it came back negative. My doc told me that he would send my urine to the lab. Do you think it can happen?
4:49 pm
January 17th, 2012
Hi Michelle. If you are taking pain medication as prescribed, the medical officer who supervises the results will most likely register the regular use as “normal” and the drug screen will come back “negative”. Does this help?
4:17 pm
January 27th, 2012
I am prescribed 3-4 lortab 10mg a day as needed. My doctor has me take a urine drug screen and urinalysis weekly. The urine drug screen is positive for the medication I am prescribed. He has claimed according to the urinalysis, that my medicine level isn’t where it should be. I do not know what this means. Is there anything to prove him wrong? What can affect the way my body is metabolizing this medicine? Now he is claiming the lortab is not in my system. I take 3-4 lortabs a day. I have suggested to him I could video myself swallowing the medication.
12:02 pm
January 28th, 2012
Hi Shannon. Thanks for your question. I do not know what your doctor means, either. Does he mean that your medicine levels test high or low for what you are prescribed? Metabolism is a very complex process, which is affected by personal parameters such as your size, BMI, other medications you are taking…even what you eat. I think that you need to clarify what he means, and how you should be taking Lortab, if not as you are prescribed. Just call your doctor on the phone – you have a right to know what he means!
8:29 pm
January 28th, 2012
My doctor started off 6 weeks ago with a urine drug screen to see if the lortab I am prescribed “is” in my system, and then he claims to be testing the “levels” of the lortab with a urinalysis. He is claiming that my levels are extremely lower than they should be. I physically swallow 3-4 lortabs a day so I am not sure why the doctor is claiming the opiate is not showing up on the urinalysis at the “level” is should be.
The problem I am having is I want to know where are the levels supposed to be? I do not have a baseline so to speak as to what my individual levels are suppose to be. I have taken 6 urine drug screens & urinalysis administered at the doctor’s office weekly. I asked if my diet, or the fact that my urine was visibly clear (once) would affect the “level” of medicine and this office claimed no. I have also stated that I feel these allegations are a false truth. I have also asked if they could perform a blood drug screen to test the levels of medicine in my system over the last few months, they stated blood drug screens are not accurate. I did contact the Attorney General’s office because of all of these shenanigans.
9:15 pm
January 30th, 2012
Do Vicodin and Vicodin Es show up as the same drug on a urine lab screening? Thank YOU.
3:53 pm
February 3rd, 2012
Hi Dee. The main ingredient detected in both Vicodin and Vicodin ES is hydrocodone. So, yes. Both Vicodin and Vicodin ES show up as hydrocodone or its metabolites.
5:09 pm
February 9th, 2012
will a vicodin i took 36 hours ago show up in a drug test? (urine test)
1:39 am
February 10th, 2012
what is the level supposed to be if you take 3 lortab tens a day? Is it 300 or 370? Is it different in each state?
I really need to know asap.
1:07 pm
February 10th, 2012
Hi Brooke. It depends on how many Vicodins you have taken (one dose or chronic), as well as some personal details that contribute to drug metabolism. If this was a one-time dose, it is unlikely that the hydrocodone will show up on a drug screen. But please update us and let us know. Also, if you are taking Vicodin with a prescription, just take the doctor’s note to the testing center, and a positive test will be waived for medical use.
2:38 am
February 13th, 2012
I use hydrocodone for my back. I at the time didnt have a prescription well I was tested by my employer from psychemedics hair test. My last pill was a couple days before that. It came back positive, anyways i was told i would have another test in 90 days and sure enough they gave me a test at exactly 90 days. Would it test positive from previous? I didnt have any hydrocodone during that 90 day period or a haircut and it did come back positive. Is 90 days suffiecient time to give someone a test again.
1:08 pm
February 14th, 2012
Hi Jeff.
Thanks for your questions.
Hair follicle testing can confirm the presence of opiates 3-6 months after use minimum. Hair specimens allow drug testing centers to obtain a similar specimen days after collection of an original specimen. So, perhaps you have been tested positive by both tests due to the detection window for testing. In other words, you may have tested positive twice for the same period.
Hair testing offers a long term “historical” look at drug exposure over a period of months. Double check with the testing service, and see if they can isolate the past 6 weeks from the first 6 weeks. Also, environmental contamination and hair color bias for certain drugs is of concern, so check this for a possible false negative.
FYI, the accuracy of the different types of tests for samples of hair, urine, blood, etc. is generally the same. However, the detection time span is quite different within the different mediums.
1:13 pm
February 14th, 2012
On a 5 panel DOT drug screen is Hydrocodone tested? I look all over the Internet and its 50% yes and 50% no. I asked two pharmacists and one said yes and one said no. I was told it doesn’t break down into morphine so no, the other said its an opiate so yes. As you can see, I’m very annoyed at the fact that nobody seems know, even so called professionals. Can you please let me know if this is actually tested for? Specifically 45304N DOT Drug Panel w/ts and 35304N NIDA 5 panel w/nit. Your help would be very much appreciated! Thank you!!!
2:32 pm
February 14th, 2012
Hi Jack. I can understand your confusion. Hydrocodone is technically an “opioid” and not an “opiate”. From what I understand, hydrocodone would NOT be included in a standard 5 panel DOT drug screen. Opiates included in this type of test include morphine, codeine, and heroin.
For additional clarification, you can contact Mark Snider about DOT drug testing standards at 202 366 3784. Reference: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/documents/Part%2040DOT5-PanelNotice.pdf
8:10 pm
February 21st, 2012
If I took liquid hydrocodone 7.5mg over a 2 day span will it show on a hair follicle test?
11:33 am
February 22nd, 2012
Hi Lee. Thanks for your question. Hair follicle tests for opiates are very precise and accurate. Hair testing can detect drug use, frequency and doseage down to the day. So, I would think that the answer to your question is most likely: Yes. Liquid hydrocodone will be detected on a hair follicle test.
9:21 pm
March 1st, 2012
Hi there…I found out I will be taking a hair drug test just 3 days ago. One week ago before I found out I was going to take this drug test I had a severe back pain my dad gave me hydrocodone tablets he had prescribed to him. I took them for 4 days only. I was wondering if because of this I will now fail my hair drug test? I took them for less than 1 week, I do know they go up to 90 days detected but what if you only used it for 4 days? Thanks for any info.
12:17 pm
March 2nd, 2012
Hi Jen. Hair tests are very accurate, and can detect not only use, but frequency and amount of use. Hair tests cannot detect very recent drug use but do detect use that has occurred between (approximately) 10 and 90 days prior to the test (depending on the length of the hair).
If I were you, I would self-report the drug use and seek appropriate administrative channels to avoid negative consequences (loss of job, parole violations, etc.).
12:29 am
March 3rd, 2012
Test 45304N DOT DRUG PANEL W/ts. I just took a random drug test yesterday and now Im being called into work a 1/2 hr early on Monday. I had buprenorphin ( subutex) in my system. This number was on the front of the test form(45304N DOT DRUG PANEL w%
5:07 am
March 3rd, 2012
Hi sKIP. When was the last time that you took opiates? What type of opiates were you taking and how much and how often?
1:27 pm
March 3rd, 2012
I havent takin any opiates in over 3 years. I only take the buprenorphine . Do you know actually what 45304N DOT DRUG PANEL W/TS tests for .. I know opiates will not show up because I havent takin any in a long time. Its the subutex I’m worried about.
8:24 am
March 4th, 2012
Hi sKIP. I think that the test the you refenced is the standard DOT 5 panel. This test covers THC, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP and metabolites of the following opiates: heroin, morphine, codeine. Here is more info on the 5 panel standard
http://www.dot.gov/odapc/documents/Part%2040DOT5-PanelNotice.pdf
But to be sure, you can always call the testing center anonymously and pose the question directly to them.
1:55 am
March 5th, 2012
Does a doctor test for drugs in a annual check up? I have taken hydrocodone recently and I have an appointment soon.
8:06 am
March 5th, 2012
Hi Rob. No, not that I know of. Doctors don’t usually order drug screens unless you are on an opiate treatment program, or if they need to diagnose possible overdose. In my experience, blood and urine screens used during physical exams check for cholesterol or signs of infection/disease. If you want to be sure, call your doctor’s office and ask the office administrators what happens during a physical. You have a patient right to know!
7:58 pm
March 5th, 2012
I’ve got a serious problem that’s causing me a lot of stress. About 6 wks ago I accidentally took one of my mom’s hydrocodones from her pill box. I meant to get her Ibuprofen and would have been none the wiser if I hadn’t gotten incredibly nauseous and dizzy shortly after taking it. My mom quickly realized I’d taken the hydrocodone.
Well after being unemployed for 3 months, I accepted a great job offer which required me to take a hair follicle drug test on Thursday of last week. I know the drug will show up and now I’m afraid I’m going to lose the job.
Should I tell the MRO the truth or will I automatically be reported to the employer as positive since it wasn’t mine? I have old vicodins from a few years ago and was debating telling them that I took some of those instead. That way I can furnish a prescription for those. So worried. Please help.
1:17 am
March 6th, 2012
ok well its been 3 days and my company has not mentioned anything about the drug test. I guess I passed. So heres some good information for someone taking subutex or suboxone. If you have to take a random drug test and all you takin are either of these 2 drugs. It will not show up on a drug test from Quest with the number 45304N DOT DRUG PANEL W/TS on the front form.
4:14 am
March 6th, 2012
Hi distressed girl. We always advocate honesty when dealing with drug screens. Although this is your decision, honesty is the best way to move forward in life, even if it means temporary loss.
4:12 pm
March 20th, 2012
hi my name is nikki and my doc gave me a drug test for my hydros and it came back negative but i take them 3 to 4 times a day ? i dont understand ?
4:12 am
March 21st, 2012
Hi nikki. If you are taking hydrocodone as prescribed, your doctor will factor in the dosage to your drug screen. In other words, you will only test positive for hydrocodone misuse when you take RX hydros and are taking more than you should. Does this make sense?
6:31 am
March 22nd, 2012
I have an urgent question as I have court tomorrow morning! I have been taking Norcos and Somas for a while now. I have positive urine tests (5 and 7 panel) for opiates. Would these tests be testing me separately for Norcos? I don’t see it on the results just positive for opiates. Are Norcos opioids and therefore wouldn’t show up as an opiate? I’m confused please help!!
12:04 pm
March 26th, 2012
Hi Dany. Technically, yes. Norco is an opioid. More specifically, the hydrocodone in Norco is an opioid analgesic. The Narcotics/Opiates/Opioids class of drugs that appear on 5 and 7 panel drug screen typically confirm the presence of up to 20 metabolites/analytes of this class of drug appear on the test. The test results will simply show “POSITIVE” or “NEGATIVE” for opiates and do not show metabolite type (drug name) or amount of drug in the system.
2:44 pm
March 27th, 2012
Hi I have a question. I take hydrocodone as prescribed by my doctor. I take 4 a day. He did a drug screen last month and at my visit he told me it came back clean and told me that because it came back clean he thinks I am selling them and will no longer prescribe me medication. Is there anything I can do?
4:03 am
March 28th, 2012
Hi Jen. Did you lower or reduce dosage before you were drug screened?
2:35 pm
March 28th, 2012
My family and I had a really bad flu bug and I told him when I went in that I did not take my meds for a few days because I could not keep anything down. That was the day he did the test and I didn’t find out until this month. I have been with this doctor for about 4 years and I go in every month.
5:08 am
March 29th, 2012
Hi Jen. Well, the best recourse that you may have in this situation is to find another prescribing doctor. Does that sound right to you?
6:54 pm
April 7th, 2012
Can a urine test tell the difference between vicodin and norcos?
11:00 pm
April 8th, 2012
Hi. Urgent question… I have a probation test tomorrow morning that will probably be tested on an EMIT machine. Saturday night I thought it was a good idea to take 3 norco 10s. Dumb. Tomorrows Monday so if I go at 8 I will have 36 hours under my belt. Do u think ill be ok?
3:25 am
April 9th, 2012
Hi Benny. We always recommend being honest about drug use to probation officers BEFORE testing. Honesty shows a willingness to change. Are you ready to change or are you content to cross your fingers and hope that breaking your probation will go undetected?
4:09 am
April 9th, 2012
Hi Tina. From what I understand, urine drug screens are the least precise of all drug screens. They cannot show quantities of frequency of use, but report with positive or negative drug use, in this case for opioids or opiates. So, no, a urine screen for hydrocodone metabolites is not precise enough to determine the difference between Vicodin or Norco.
Why do you ask?
6:39 am
April 9th, 2012
I am perscribed vicodin. I had went out of town and forgot my meds at home, and my sister gave me two of her norcos. I am currently a temp at my job and will soon be getting hired on and will have to do a drug screen. So, I was curious as if they would be able to tell the difference.
8:14 am
April 9th, 2012
Hi Tina. Thanks for explaining more. You should probably be OK as long as you are taking the prescriptions as prescribed. Then, you can present either a copy of the prescription from your doctor, medical records or the medicine container with the appropriately labeled prescription (or the label from the container) to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) in charge of the test. This way, if you are using the pain killers within therapeutic levels, your drug screen will show NEGATIVE.
5:19 pm
April 10th, 2012
I haven’t worked in almost 2 years and lost my last few jobs due to medical issues from my time in service that have got worse the last few years. i’m being seen by neurology, pain clinic, and more at the VA. the question is how do i get employment and keep it with the medications i’m on and lack of mobility. i have days were i can barely move and days i can’t move. i have issues with falling as well.
My medications are:hydrocodone 10/ acetaminophen 325mg 4 times a day, morphine 30mg 3 times a day, amitriptyline 150mg a day, cyclobenzaprine 10mg 3 times a day. additional meds are albuterol inhaler, omeprazole, ranitidine, and i also take mens one a day health formula.
if it helps my injuries are right wrist, right shoulder, neck, LBP into legs, both knees, right ankle, left heel. i might have missed something but you get the picture.
1:14 pm
April 11th, 2012
Hi Art. I’d stay away from any physical labor, if possible. You’ll be able to pass pre-employment drug screens if you present your medical record or prescriptions to the Medical Review Officer before you test. But in terms of career guidance, you may want to contact your local social services to see what resources are available. You sound able and eager to work, but you just need to find the right match.
Does this help?
4:18 pm
April 11th, 2012
yes thank you.
since i was a teen i’ve been a workhorse. my previous jobs were many automotive and diesel so i wanted make sure if i try getting employment in that field but office settting i would not be wasting the companies time and money.
I just like letting people know reasons for my questions and thoughts.
Thank you again
4:32 pm
April 11th, 2012
Hi…my husband took 3 vicodin about 2 weeks ago and now has a hair follicle drug test within the next couple of days. This wasn’t his prescription! Will he test positive, or because he only took a few will he be ok?
Thanks!
12:08 am
April 12th, 2012
I have been on Oxycontin 10mg twice a day, and a breakthrough drug called Oxycodone (which causes headaches on occasion), I have been using them as directed, but hated the headaches from the Oxycodone, so I used some old Vicodin (6 months older) on a couple occasions lately.
Because I have to see my pain management Doctor, they usually give a simple urine test, I think they mainly see for cocaine and other street drugs, but I’m not sure. MY QUESTION is since I took some Vicodin in place of the Oxycodone, will the Vicodin show up or will it just come up as an Opiate only?? PLEASE ANSWER ASAP
12:09 am
April 12th, 2012
I have a fractured L-5 and sciatica for reason I take those Opiates!
3:22 am
April 12th, 2012
Hi Buddy. Thanks for your question. Urine drug screens normally test for the presence of certain classes of medications without detailing the exact metabolites. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are in the same class of medications (opiate derivatives called opioids) and would show up as the same type of drug. But, you might want to disclose the Vicodin use to your doctor and inform your doctor that you were trying it out to avoid the oxycodone side effects…that’s important diagnostic information. Each doctor does view medication dosing individually, so you’ll have to feel it out. But I always think that honesty is the best policy.
6:45 am
April 12th, 2012
Dear addiction blog or anyone else who’d like to respond.
Thank you for the honesty, I thought I’d wait to see if indeed she will bring that up first. She (My Pain management Doctor first), I personally don’t like Vicodin either because of too much Tylenol (bad for your Liver).
So I will either ask for something different for a breakthrough drug, other then Oxycodone or Vicodin. If not I may ask for 2 of the 20mg Oxycontin instead of just the 10mg 2x a day, and skip the breakthrough all together!.
I would not be lying, I will confess that I did try that (Vicodin), but was concerned with the Tylenol, I will have to feel it out and try to discern how it goes, thanks Buddy
PS: WHATEVER HAPPENS i WON’T TAKE VICODIN ANYWAY!
2:17 pm
April 12th, 2012
Hi nervous. From what I understand, single one-time doses of Vicodin are more difficult to detect than long term chronic use in hair follicle exams. Can you husband self-report the Vicodin use before the test? What kinds of consequences does he face?
6:24 pm
April 16th, 2012
if i stoped taking hydrocodone 18 days before i took a pain management urine lab test will i be ok
6:37 pm
April 16th, 2012
I took ten to twelve 7.5 hydrocone within a week ,I start pain management in 18 days ,,I was told I will be tested when I come in and they send out the urine test to a lab ,,I havent taken anything in the last 18 days ,,my question is will I be ok? and will they be able to detect it or will it be out of my system in the 18 days,thanks
8:55 pm
April 16th, 2012
Hi, I have a drug test on June 7,2012. I have been taking Hydrocodone for the past 4 months. I want to know will show in my drug test positive for that. As of today i stop taking them so that i can have some clean time. Please if anyone knows please let me know.
3:24 am
April 22nd, 2012
Hi there:
I’m very concerned with the drug testing I’m recieving in my pain mgmt. Ofc… For 6mos now, I have been told that I have had in-office urine results coming back as “None Detected” & just yesterday my doctor refused to fill my meds for 7days &only gave me Norco 10′s T.I.D. (I am on a 72hr 25mcg/hr Gen. Fentanyl patch, Oxycodone 15mg 4x’s/d PRN, Soma 350mg BID/ Adderall XR 40mg &IR 20mg Q.D., &Xanax ER 2mg/1mg IR Q.D.) … I went on a trip to OHIO 2wks ago &lost all my meds/luggage. I called in my heart meds (HCTZ 25mg. Lisinopril 40mg. Gen Norvasc 5mg) &that’s all that I’v had since April 5th. I let office kno this happened since it was Lost ¬ Stolen (couldn’t do police report for replacement). She has been my doctor for past 7+yrs &this framing me as a liar has really shaken my foundation of trust w/her. I want to call on Monday to say I want n apology when send out lab comes back. Wld love to hear 3rd party P.O.V. before this bold, audacious demand… PS. I removed my last patch just b4 showering for office visit… Thanks ahead of time
1:41 pm
April 26th, 2012
Hi, I know this isn’t an oxycodone blog but this site seemed to be wry useful and figured I’d see if you could help out. My doctor has ordered a drug urine test for me to prescribe me oxycodone. I haven’t taken the test yet. I can go to the lab anytime and get it done. Preferably sooner than later. He said it is just to see if I am taking illegal substances and to check if I’m abusing any other drugs not prescribed to me and the main thing is to see that I am taking my medication and not selling it on the streets. I know this isn’t a “he doesn’t trust me” issue it is just to protect both of us. Well, my question is: I have had to take extra to relieve my pain and have not confronted him about the dosage yet. When I take the test is he going to check that there is more in my system than should be? I know every body is different but I would hate to willingly screw myself over. Does he only check that it’s in my system and that other drugs are NOT? Or does he take it to the next level and try to see if I take too much? Thank you do much in advance.
1:19 pm
April 27th, 2012
I’m taking hydrocodone 10 mg presricption,been on them for two years pretty amune to them ,twisted my ankle real bad three days ago,so have been taking two more than what the bottle says to ,had a accident and had to take a post accident drug screen today ,will it fail me for taking more than prescribed?
1:24 pm
April 27th, 2012
there 10-650 not 10 mg
5:49 pm
April 27th, 2012
Hi Tony. Thanks for your question. Doctors use drug tests to both screen for other drugs of use outside of your prescription, as well as monitor prescription use. If you’re using too much, they will be able to tell. And if you’re not taking enough, they assume that you are selling it. Do you have a pain management agreement or contract set up with your doctor yet?
11:24 pm
April 27th, 2012
Thanks for the answer it was exactly what I trying to find out. It is unfortunate that he can see these things seeing as I am not doing it for kicks. I have signed an agreement but sadly I have not a copy though I should’ve asked for it.
12:38 am
April 30th, 2012
Hi James. Yes, it is possible that with very recent use at twice the dosage, you can fail a drug screen for prescription hydrocodone use. Please let us know how it goes.
5:04 pm
May 4th, 2012
I take Loretab 10 3x day I had a 10 Panel drug test will this check my levels or just show it in my system I do have a prescription for this has a have had my backbroke in 3 places and have several disc issues in both back and neck I want to keep working and wonderef if. work will allow this per my levels.
3:10 am
May 5th, 2012
My wife is prescribed lortab 5 4x/day. Dr requested blood test. If she takes remaining 4 pills prior to test will levels be ok. She hasn’t taken them as her bottle was lost.
4:50 am
May 7th, 2012
Hi, if someone takes hydrocodone for a few months, only maybe 10mg a night before bed, will this make the detection time in a urine test extremely long? If use is stopped 4-5 days in advance, and acompanied with excercise and lots of water, should it be out of system? I read that even if it is used for a long period of time, it still is eliminated from the body in a few days if usage is stopped because supposadly it is one of the quicker medications when it comes to elimination from the body
6:03 pm
May 7th, 2012
I just had a urine drug test for Percocet to make sure I was taking it and not selling it. I had taken a few more than what I am prescribed, as I’m supposed to take no more than 4 a day but I always save a couple from every refill just in case I’m having a bad day as sometimes the pain can be greater and even if I take the medication it doesn’t always seem to work.. Anyway, I had took 8 on Friday, Saturday and 6 Sunday, 2 Monday morning and the test was at 1pm that same Monday. I didn’t know I was going to get tested or I wouldn’t have taken that many the days before.. I don’t take any other illegal drugs so I’m not worried about that but I’m wondering if they’re just going to check to make sure it’s in my system or if they will be able to see I took more than I was supposed to. I was too afraid to ask but the way they said it was they just needed to make sure it was in my system and I told them I had JUST taken 2 a couple hours before the test. So I guess my question is will they just test to see if it’s there or can they tell that I took more than I should have? (sorry for the long story)
1:24 pm
May 9th, 2012
Hi Terry. Most multiple drug screen panels are designed to test for the PRESCENCE of the drug or drug metabolites in the system, and do not detects AMOUNTS of these drugs, other than “above” or “below” POSITIVE VS NEGATIVE thresholds. Also, be sure to present your prescription to the Medical Review Officer in charge of the test, and your results will most certainly show NEGATIVE as long are you are taking the Lortab as prescribed.
5:46 am
May 10th, 2012
I’m fighting for custody of my sisters kids. Mind you I didn’t know she was going to have them removed from the home. My hair follicle test is voluntary, recommended by my attorney. I’ve researched hair follicle test and read the comments above but I really need a specific answer. I don’t remember when but a month ago or sometime in the last three months I took one lortab 10 one day and another the next day. So two pills in two days, is that going to register and does it exceed the cut off level? How much does one pill equal in nano grams or metabolites?
11:18 am
May 10th, 2012
I am on oxycodone 160 miligrams a day, I also am on 80 mil. of lasix an prednisone among a bunch of other meds. my doctor did a urine and said it came back showing they oxy were not in my urine , this is not possible as I take my meds and prior to this I just got out of the hospital after a 6 day inpatient for asthma, I asked them to take a blood test and they said they couldnt. now they have thrown me out I have been with this clinic for 35 years now I cant find a doctor to take me cause this is in my medical record. Do they have the right to put this in my med. record and does the urine test fall under lab. work. thanks for your reply
12:12 pm
May 10th, 2012
Hi concernedhubby. Doctors test people who are on pain medications in order to make sure that they are:
1. Taking the prescription as written, and not abusing the drugs.
2. Taking the prescription as written, and not trying to sell the drugs to others.
Did you wife report the Rx missing when it was first lost? This may be the best way to continue treatment. Also, how long has she been seeing the same doctor?
12:34 pm
May 10th, 2012
Hello Cee87. We cannot suggest ways for people to avoid drug screen detection. Instead, we suggest honest action and admission of prescription drug use.
1:14 pm
May 10th, 2012
Hi Cindy. You might want to make an appeal and ask for a hair sample test, which can detected oxycodone in your system for 90 days or more…but it may be at your own expense.
I am not sure if doctors put drug screen results in medical records. And I’m not sure where urine based drug screens would be categorized within a medical record.
1:20 pm
May 10th, 2012
Hi Jasmine. Thanks for your question. But we need to know more about the drug screen in question in order to provide you with an answer. Some drug tests simply indicate POSITIVE or NEGATIVE use, while others can quantify the amount of oxycodone in your system.
11:01 pm
May 10th, 2012
i never take vicodin i took one tues about 11am and had a 5 panel dot non-rapid drug test on thurs about 2pm. should i be worried
12:09 am
May 11th, 2012
I just wanted to fill many in that DO NOT get an OPIATE for pain at one Doctor, and get a breakthrough drug from another. ALL States are now passing laws so that whatever doctor you get pain pills from that are narcotic opiates, will be sent a file on ALL other places you may get your medication. If you are found out or think you have been, BE TRUTHFUL!! Just a heads up. Buddyd
10:20 pm
May 11th, 2012
I took two 2 vicodin on Tuesday at about 10 am. They were prescribed to me several months ago. I used them for the reason they were prescribed. I had a test on Friday at about 2pm. Is it likely I will test positive? I still have chronic back pain from a break and i requested a milder medication. I just had a flare up that day.
10:21 pm
May 11th, 2012
Also is it illegal?
8:42 pm
May 13th, 2012
Can you quantify the level of Loratab 10 in a employment drug test or will the MRO person just ask for your prescription. I take 2/3 a day some days none some days extra due to chronic back pain I only do this when physical work is extremely hard on the job like lifting over 150 lbs.
4:12 pm
May 14th, 2012
Hi Matt. You should test NEGATIVE for hydrocodone or opiates if you present your prescription to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) in charge of drug screen results and have been taking it within your prescription dosage limits. Call the testing center and ask that the prescription be included in your file.
4:29 am
May 15th, 2012
I took my hair follicle Friday, guess I’ll keep you posted
5:01 pm
May 15th, 2012
Hi I was wondering my wife has to have a drug test done I believe it’s a 12 panel test and about 6 days ago she took 8 vicodin 7.5 one day due to breaking her finger in the door but shes not suppose to have them in her system will they be out by then
12:13 pm
May 16th, 2012
Hi licinda. Most employment drug tests (which are urine based) will screen for MOST RECENT drug exposure. So as long as you present your prescription and test within the expected limits of that prescription, you should be OK.