Creatinine

WHAT IS ADULTERATION?
Adulteration is the tampering of a urine specimen with the intention of altering the test results. The use of adulterants can cause false negative results in Drug Tests (Strip/Card/Device/Cup) by either interfering with the screening test and/or destroying the drugs present in the urine. Dilution may also be employed in an attempt to produce false negative drug test results. One of the best ways to test for adulteration or dilution is to determine certain urinary characteristics such as pH, specific gravity and creatinine and to detect the presence of oxidants/PCC, nitrites or glutaraldehyde in urine.

Creatinine is a waste product of creatine; an amino-acid contained in muscle tissue and found in urine. A person may attempt to foil a test by drinking excessive amounts of water or diuretics such as herbal teas to “flush” the system. Creatinine and specific gravity are two ways to check for dilution and flushing, which are the most common mechanisms used in an attempt to circumvent drug testing. Low Creatinine and specific gravity levels may indicate dilute urine. The absence of Creatinine (<5 mg/dl) is indicative of a specimen not consistent with human urine.