Dräger drug test – how accurate is the test?

Why are Canadian police using the Dräger drug test to detect cannabis use?

The Dräger drug test is a device for testing oral fluid samples for drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and cannabis. Law enforcement agencies in Canada use it as a roadside sobriety test. They view it as a quick and non-invasive method of drug testing, with results usually available within minutes.

But the Dräger drug test is not without criticism. For example, it tests for cannabis but not fentanyl. What are you more worried about?

Plus, the manufacturer says it won’t fail in cold weather. But the specs say the device works between 5°C and 40°C and the test kits are only good between 4°C and 30°C.

This is not ideal in a country where eight months out of the year -10°C is the norm.

We’ve covered this device here before. Studies confirm that this device gives far too many false positives to be considered accurate. So how can you avoid it?

criticism of the test

There are some criticisms of the Dräger drug test that have been voiced by some. One complaint is that the device can produce false positive results due to the presence of certain over-the-counter drugs or other substances that can mimic the presence of drugs.

Another criticism is that the test can only detect drugs that someone has used recently. It is not effective in detecting long-term cannabis use. Long-term cannabis use makes all the difference in determining current sobriety.

For example, a veteran smoker with lots of THC in their fat cells will handle a car more safely after smoking a joint than a novice smoker who has only smoked for a few years. Critics also say that the device’s sensitivity to cannabis is too high. If someone smokes a joint on Friday night, they could test positive for cannabis for the next 72 hours.

The Dräger drug test does not offer the accuracy of oral fluid tests compared to traditional blood or urine tests. Of course, using blood or urine to test for cannabinoids encounters the same long-term problem.

Another problem is how users can bypass the test. There are also concerns about the possibility of human error during the testing process and police misuse of the device.

Not to mention driving under the influence of what? Screaming kids in the back seat? A stray dog ​​trying to climb out the window? Or sober road rage that causes critical judgment?

Can you beat the Dräger drug test 5000?

Some people online claim they can bypass this Dräger Drug Test 5000, but as with most of these types of claims, we should take them with a pinch of salt.

But is there any truth to that? Can you beat a Dräger Drug Test 5000?

Although we can’t confirm this, the internet says that food makes the difference. Because of the enzymes in bananas, you will test positive for alcohol if you eat enough before you are tested with the Dräger 5000.

Is there a food group that decreases cannabis detection? So far it seems to be working the other way. Certain foods will give you a false positive.

Because THC is a fat-binding molecule, you’d do well to include high-fat foods in your diet. Whether you eat healthy fats (red meat, avocado) or unhealthy fats (pizza, fries) doesn’t matter.

If you’re going somewhere and have smoked at any point in the past few days, brush your teeth (good advice) is a must. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash if you wish, but watch out for the alcohol content.

If you can’t afford to have your license revoked over stupid prohibition fears, then it’s a good idea to have adulterants like hydrogen peroxide nearby.

Fakers can alter drug test results, whether you use mouthwash before a saliva test or mix bleach with urine to spoof the results.

Some common examples of adulterants include bleach, vinegar, and commercial products labeled “detoxifiers” or “cleansers.”

However, it is important to note that most modern drug tests, such as the Dräger 5000, can detect contaminant use, so using them is not a reliable way to cheat a drug test. However, it may buy you some time.

It goes without saying that this does not constitute advice on any illegal activity, including drug test cheating. This post is for informational purposes only.

Does the Dräger Drug Test 5000 test for impairment?

The Dräger Drug Test 5000 is not used to determine an impairment, but rather the presence of certain drugs or their metabolites in the body. These tests detect recent drug use rather than impairment at the time of the test.

Which begs the question: what is the relationship between drug use and impairment?

Of course, it may vary depending on the type of drug, the method of use, the individual’s tolerance and sensitivity to the drug, and other factors. Some substances have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, slowing down cognitive and motor functions. Stimulants tend to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and general alertness.

It all depends on how much the user took, how often they used it and how long they used it. It is indisputable to point out that first-time users experience severe impairment compared to regular users who have built up a tolerance.

And then there is the mind-body issue. Although The Science™ followers dismiss the problem, the mind seems separate from the body. Whatever substance you take while driving, however confused you may feel, seeing those red and blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror will sober you up real quick.

And what about legal drugs? The argument is that legal opioids, for example, do not cause impairment when doses are within the therapeutic range. Couldn’t we say the same about cannabis?

And indeed, if you want to pass a curbside cannabis test in Canada, the best way to do it is to register as a medical cannabis patient.

Of course, this may be a short-term solution, as the federal government would like to scrap the medicinal cannabis program altogether.