Negative-Dilute Result
A drug test reported negative, but on a urine specimen dilute enough that drug concentrations could have been pushed below cutoff levels.
Key Facts
- A negative result on a specimen with creatinine of 2–20 mg/dL and low specific gravity
- Usually caused by drinking large amounts of fluid before the test
- With creatinine of 2–5 mg/dL, an immediate observed recollection is required
- Employers may adopt a policy of retesting all negative-dilutes once
A negative-dilute result means no drugs were detected, but the specimen’s creatinine (2–20 mg/dL) and specific gravity (1.0010–1.0030) show it was more dilute than normal human urine — most often from heavy fluid intake, whether innocent or deliberate. Under DOT rules the response depends on the creatinine level: if it is 2–5 mg/dL, the MRO directs an immediate recollection under direct observation; if it is above 5 mg/dL, the employer may (with a consistently applied written policy) require one retest, and the second result stands. A negative-dilute is not a violation and is not reported as a refusal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to retake a negative-dilute drug test?
- It depends on the creatinine level and the employer’s policy. If creatinine was 2–5 mg/dL, DOT rules require an immediate recollection under direct observation. Above 5 mg/dL, the employer may require one retest if its written policy says so and is applied consistently — and the result of that retest is final. Many employers simply accept a negative-dilute above 5 mg/dL as negative.
- What causes a dilute specimen?
- Most commonly, drinking a lot of fluid in the hours before the collection — sometimes on well-meaning advice to "hydrate," sometimes deliberately to flush drug metabolites below cutoff levels. Certain medical conditions and diuretics can also produce dilute urine. Donors are usually advised to avoid excessive fluids for a few hours before a retest.
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