EtG test accuracy if taking cough syrup (NyQuil)?

The test will in all likelihood be positive and that is especially so if you took the NyQuil within 6-12 hours of the test. It would be unusual and counter to the claims of the test if it did not show positive.

Removed: Duplicated for some reason

Since I brought my bottle of NyQuil to show them.... and I also showed a doctor's note saying I've been very sick and need to take cough syrup (actually they gave me codeine cough syrup but I opted to take the NyQuil instead).... Do you think the "positive" will be ruled out?

(I'm very scared.... this is not what I need.... I've been wrongfully accused by my employer based on a bad interaction I have with a co-worker .... she just doesn't like me and makes up lies about me). I drink socially. that's it. I had a glass of wine tuesday night at dinner (I also told the counselor this).... DO you think this will be held against me... or is a positive.... an absolute positive.... ? (i have no expectation of abstinence). But the guy told me that he'd put me in this program if I was positive....(so maybe that's a relative term).?

This is a very confusing scenario. Given that there is no requirement for or expectation of abstinence then an EtG test serves no function whatsoever.

EtG cannot quantitatively assess consumption. Positive could result from dose of cough syrup, mouth wash or fifth of scotch. The test cannot be used as a means of determining impairment or as a basis for back-extrapolating amount of consumption.

I have no idea how your employer will interpret the results but can assure you it is an improper method for accomplishing the purpose you describe.

This is why I'm scared. Luckily my Psychiatrist / Therapist is on my side. I have a 5 year history with her.... and she told me cooperate with them... and at first I could tell she was troubled by what the employee-counselor told her.... After I talked with her I feel so relieved to have her on my side.

Nonetheless, I'm starting to feel like I should contact a lawyer to cover my bases..... Is this jumping the gun? Do you know what area of law I should be looking for said lawyer (if I decide to look)???

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR MANY REPLIES

I am not much on legal matters. I can tell you that EtG testing is a medical examination and not a drug test as those terms are defined in EEOC and ADA* rules and regs. The fact that you are seeing a psychiatrist, depending on diagnosis, may grant protections under the latter.

If you feel it necessary to obtain a lawyer you should look for one in employment (labor) law that understands the ins-and-outs of the ADA and employee exams and tests.

Someone is grossly misinformed about the uses and appropriateness of testing methods.

*Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance
Americans with Disabilities Act

Also the test form says something about mass spec or EtG to confirm. This is not the same thing right?

Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is a more precise method of confirming the presence of EtG if the initial immunoassay (screen) is positive. Otherwise the GC/MS is not used. The IA can only determine that the EtG is present, reads either positive or negative while the GC/MS can quantify the result, ie X parts per unit of urine.

So then if I've been regularly taking Nyquil for the past 2 weeks at night (due to a severe cold).... it would show up that I'm an alcoholic right?