Self-Testing Urine Drug Tests: Ignoring Specific Gravity and Creatinine Levels

 

The Pitfalls of Self-Testing Urine Drug Tests: Ignoring Specific Gravity and Creatinine Levels

 Introduction:

Self-testing at home may not always provide accurate results due to various factors, particularly the issue of dilution. Many individuals resort to detox drinks or consume significant volumes of liquids before a drug test, aiming to flush out toxins. However, this practice may lead to false negatives, as self-tests often overlook crucial indicators like specific gravity (SG) and creatinine levels, which are essential for assessing dilution in labs.

The Dilution Dilemma:

Dilution is a common method employed by individuals attempting to pass a drug test. Mega detox carbo drinks, often marketed as miracle solutions, claim to eliminate traces of drugs from the system by promoting urination and dilution. While these drinks may temporarily reduce the concentration of drugs in the urine, they create a narrow time window for accurate testing.

False Negatives and Dilution:

One major flaw in self-testing kits is their failure to consider specific gravity and creatinine levels. When urine is diluted, the concentration of these substances decreases, potentially leading to false negatives on drug tests. Traditional self-tests may not account for these vital parameters, creating a misleading impression of a clean system.

The Role of Specific Gravity and Creatinine:

Specific gravity measures the density of urine, indicating its concentration. Creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, is another indicator of urine concentration. Both SG and creatinine levels are crucial for assessing the validity of a urine sample. Low levels of these indicators suggest dilution, potentially compromising the accuracy of drug test results.

Urinary Adulteration Test:

To address the dilution issue, a separate dip test called a Urine Drug Adulteration Test should be considered. This test specifically checks for alterations in urine composition, including dilution attempts. By incorporating specific gravity and creatinine measurements, it provides a more comprehensive analysis of the sample's integrity.

Self-Testing Guidelines:

For those opting for self-testing after consuming a significant volume of liquid, it is crucial to consider specific gravity levels. Elevated fluid intake can lead to dilution, and without accounting for SG and creatinine, the accuracy of the test may be compromised. Users are encouraged to choose tests that include these parameters or use a separate Urine Drug Adulteration Test to ensure reliable results.

when self testing after drinking stuff you want to also test specific gravity level to know fluid volume vs time to know the window that your  SG / Creatinine are in acceptable levels

Conclusion:

While self-testing for drug use has become increasingly prevalent, individuals must be aware of the limitations and potential pitfalls, especially concerning dilution. Specific gravity and creatinine levels play a crucial role in determining the accuracy of drug test results. Incorporating these measurements, either through advanced self-testing kits or a separate Urine Drug Adulteration Test, is essential for a more reliable assessment of one's drug status. Awareness and adherence to proper testing guidelines will contribute to a more accurate portrayal of drug use in urine testing scenarios.

Carbo "Detox" drinks vs 5.00 Detox Tea for Drug Test

 

Carbo "Detox" drinks  vs 5.00 Detox Tea for Drug Test

"detox" Drinks such as Q Carbo which  is a brand of detox drink that is commonly used to pass a drug test. It is primarily marketed as a cleansing and detoxifying product that claims to help eliminate toxins from the body, particularly for individuals who have recently consumed drugs or other substances.

The Q Carbo drink is typically consumed a few hours before a drug test and is meant to dilute the urine, temporarily flushing out the toxins and increasing the chances of passing the test. It is important to note that the effectiveness of Q Carbo or any similar detox drink is often debated, and it may not guarantee a negative drug test result.

Commercial "detox" drinks like "Q Carbo" are marketed as products that can help individuals pass drug tests by detoxifying their bodies. However, it is important to understand that these drinks are essentially herbal teas and do not possess any magical properties to eliminate drugs from your system.

The primary claim made by these drinks is that they can dilute your bladder and too much fluid can result in a negative dilute which is a semi fail; and re test . as dilution is seen in a SVT (specimen validation test ) that looks at abnormal levels, which may potentially reduce the concentration of drug metabolites, including THC in your urine For a short window.

 When self testing after drinking extra fluids one should test their specific gravity creatine levels .

 

However, it is crucial to note that THC is primarily stored in body fat, not in the bladder. As a result, even if these drinks temporarily dilute your urine, they do not address the THC stored in fat cells, which can still be detected in drug tests or the chance you consume too much or too little water .

 For best results, drink a 20-ounce glass of water around 20 minutes before drinking the whole QCarbo 20 bottle. Wait 15 minutes, and drink another 20-ounce glass of water

The ingredients of Q Carbo may vary depending on the specific product and version, but they typically include a combination of herbal extracts basically a concentrated herbal tea you chase with allot of water ...

They also note

Best when taken on an empty stomach. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may eat something light (like toast or crackers).  Because this stuff makes people Puke   like this guy

17.03g Herbal Detoxifying Proprietary Blend

2. Firbersol-2
   
3. Dandelion Root Extract
   
4. Burdock Root Extract
   
5. Creatine Monohydrate -
   
6. Turmeric Root Extract
7. Milk Thistle Seed Extract
   
8. Echinacea Purpurea Herb Extract
   
9. Juniper Berry Extract
   
10. Psyllium Seed Husk
    
11. Licorice Root Extract
    
12. Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
    
13. Ligustrum Berry Extract
    
14. Cornsilk Extract
    
15. Apple Pectin
    
16. Alfalfa Leaf Extract
17. Bromelain
    
18. Triphala Fruit Extract
    
19. Guarana Seed Extract
    
20. Cayenne Pepper
21. Black Pepper Extract
22. Parsley Leaf Extract



A note on Creatinine which is marketed to those believing creatine mono hydrate will turn into creatinine which is not going to happen as 95% creatine mono-hydrate is stored in muscle and the amount in the carbo drink is far too little and in wrong form.

 

So to demonstrate that Marketing is what you are buying with drinks

lets look at ingredients of a q carbo bottle vs a box of detox tea which is how we used to do dilution in 80s .

 

Yogi detox tea $5.00

 Organic Indian Sarsaparilla Root,( Sarsaparilla possesses diuretic properties. It can stimulate the production of urine and promote sweating )

 Organic Cinnamon Bark, 

 Organic Ginger Root,

 Organic Licorice Root,  

Organic Burdock Root, 

Organic Dandelion Root, 

Organic Cardamom Pod, 

Organic Clove Bud,

 Organic Black Pepper,

 Organic Juniper Berry Extract,

Organic Yellow Dock Root,

 Organic Red Clover Leaf, and Flower.

 

WHEN DOING DILUTION it is important to use a diuretic with fluids to speed voiding urine with  allot of potassium salts 

DIURETIC HERBS AND SPICES:

• Roselle
• Horsetail
• Black Cumin
• Dandelion
• Caraway
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Juniper

 It is important to understand that relying solely on these types of drinks to pass a drug test is not a reliable or foolproof method. Dilution by its nature means you can drink too little and your positive too much fluids and your Negative Dilute and will need to retest . The most effective way to detoxify from repeat use of THC, is to abstain from drug use and allow sufficient time for your body to naturally eliminate the substances. This is sped up only by cardio and intermittent fasting. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a balanced diet, can support the natural detoxification processes of your body.

 

Creatine used in Dilution for drug testing how its being done wrong.

Creatine used in Dilution  for drug testing how its being used wrong.  

 Dilution is ...

Dilution refers to the process of decreasing the concentration of a urine sample by consuming excessive fluids with the intention of manipulating a negative outcome on a drug test. Another approach is consuming substances like diuretics (e.g., coffee, cranberry juice) that increase urine output.However, it's important to note that urine drug tests have measures in place to detect dilution attempts. 

Laboratories typically analyze multiple parameters in the urine, including creatinine levels, specific gravity, and pH, to assess the sample's validity. Diluted urine often has low creatinine levels and a lower specific gravity compared to normal urine, indicating that it has been tampered with.

laboratories routinely analyze samples for creatinine and specific gravity levels. Creatinine is a waste product generated by muscles and serves as a measure of urine concentration. Specific gravity, on the other hand, measures the ratio of water to other substances in urine and is another indicator of concentration. Typical creatinine levels in urine range between 20 and 400 mg/dL, while normal specific gravity falls between 1.002 and 1.030. Specimens with a creatinine level above 2 mg/dL or below 20 g/dL, and a specific gravity lower than 1.001 or 1.003, are considered diluted.

If a test is determined to be a negative-dilute result, it is highly likely that an employer will request a second test regardless of the underlying reason. However, in some cases, employers may accept a doctor's note stating that an individual has a shy bladder, which requires consuming large amounts of water to produce a urine specimen, as a valid explanation for a dilute test.

The outcomes of a positive dilute test are considered equivalent to any other positive test. The presence of drugs is detected, and the consequences remain the same.

 In drug testing scenarios, dilution is generally considered an adulteration method and is not a reliable way to pass a drug test. Laboratories are aware of these techniques and have established protocols to detect diluted samples. A negative dilute result occurs when a urine specimen tests Negative  for a particular drug metabolite while also having a crashed specific gravity and creatinine level.

 If a diluted sample is identified, it may be deemed invalid, and further testing or consequences may be implemented, such as retesting or considering it a positive result.

 

Methods of Dilution

 Various items are inevitably added to a standard dilution of consuming a liter a hour of some sports drink and diuretics. most notably would be creatine, certo or pectin , and some times you hear people saying to use charcoal. People cant help but think they are improving things regardless if they have any proof to the claim .

adding random things are pointless for one , your still diluting with tons of fluids.

If items like pectin were so important then why don't they drink it with a cup of water instead of a gallon ?  well besides that fact it would turn to a glob in their stomach .  Pectin is just fruit fiber and it may help you create a bowel movement its not releasing THC from body fat. Same goes for charcoal, which is consumed by mouth into the stomach where it is usually used to aid in poisoning JUST CONSUMED AND STILL IN THE STOMACH.  


consuming creatine will not give you extra creatinine levels

How Creatine Works

 Creatine is a substance found naturally in muscle cells. It helps your muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or high intensity exercise.

 Taking creatine as a supplement is very popular among athletes and bodybuilders. They use it to gain muscle, enhance strength, and improve exercise performance

About half of your body’s creatine stores come from the food you eat — especially red meat and seafood — and the rest is made in your liver and kidneys from amino acids. About 95% of the body’s creatine is stored in the muscles, mainly in the form of phosphocreatine. The other 5% is found in the brain and testes .

Creatine monohydrate absorption is close to 100% [27], and when 2 g of Cr is consumed in an aqueous solution, it reaches peak plasma concentration in approximately 1 h. 

 
During exertion, your muscles convert the stored creatine molecules into energy, which assists in muscle contraction. After being used for energy, creatine is broken down into creatinine, which re-enters the bloodstream en route to the kidneys. 

 
 When you supplement, you increase your stores of phosphocreatine. This is a form of stored energy in the cells. It helps your body produce more of a high energy molecule called ATP.

Most of the creatine in the body is stored as phosphocreatine (66%), while the remaining portion exists as free creatine (33%). On average, the total creatine pool (phosphocreatine + free creatine) in the muscles of a normal-sized person is around 120 grams. Each day, about 1 to 2% (2-3 grams) of the total creatine pool is broken down and converted into creatinine within the muscles. The creatinine is then excreted in the urine.

The body has the capacity to store up to 160 grams of creatine. Therefore, one can think of the normal creatine content in the muscles (approximately 120 grams) as a gas tank that is about 75% full. Scientific studies consistently report that dietary supplementation of creatine can increase muscle creatine and phosphocreatine content by 10-40%. Consequently, supplementing with creatine allows individuals to fill up their creatine storage tank to about 150-160 grams (25-30%). However, people may respond differently to creatine supplementation, with some experiencing increases in muscle creatine content as little as 5-15%, while others may see an increase of 15-40%.

TYPES OF CREATINE 

Creatine monohydrate and creatine ester are two forms of creatine, a popular supplement known for its potential to enhance athletic performance. Let's delve into the differences in absorption and their potential impact on creatinine levels: 

1. Creatine Monohydrate: 

• Absorption: Creatine monohydrate is well-researched and has been shown to be efficiently absorbed by the body. It is the most studied and commonly used form of creatine. 

• Creatinine Levels: Creatinine is a byproduct of creatine metabolism. While creatine monohydrate supplementation may lead to a slight increase in creatinine levels, this is generally considered normal and not indicative of kidney dysfunction. It's crucial to stay hydrated when using creatine to support kidney function. 

2. Creatine Ester: 

• Absorption: Creatine ester is a form of creatine that has been chemically altered to potentially improve absorption. However, research on creatine ester is limited compared to creatine monohydrate, and some studies suggest that the ester form may not be as effective in increasing muscle creatine levels. 

 it has been found that under normal physiological conditions, creatine ethyl ester is very unstable and is largely converted into creatinine in the gastrointestinal tract, where it is also absorbed. Spillane et al¹³ demonstrate this in an experiment in which serum creatine and creatinine measurements were taken from healthy volunteers who either consumed creatine ethyl ester, creatine monohydrate or a placebo. It was found that serum creatinine levels approximately tripled after the ingestion of creatine ethyl ester, while serum creatine only marginally increased. The ingestion of creatine monohydrate caused serum creatine to increase significantly and only caused a marginal increase in serum creatinine.

Therefore, regardless of the small amount consumed during a dilution method, it does not convert into creatinine but rather gets stored. Additionally, the amount of creatinine in so-called detox drinks like Q Carbo is extremely insignificant. Your body only excretes what it breaks down, which means you need to regularly consume creatine and engage in heavy weight lifting to create the waste material that is creatinine.

 HOWEVER  HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS 

There IS a way you can get  creatinine  not creatine in volume you need during dilution. You will need to prepare it ahead of time. 20 grams of creatinine mono hydrate in orange juice, (this is needed for the acid ) and store at room temp for 3 days. Now you have creatinine that can be rejected and pissed out .  

The effect of creatine ingestion on urinary creatinine concentration: Does supplementation mask a heavy dilution?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170516/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34559477/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8401986/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2649889/