A drug test showing a low concentration of creatinine, alongside an absence of detected substances, indicates a diluted specimen. This can occur due to excessive fluid intake before the test, potentially masking the presence of drugs. For instance, a subject might consume large amounts of water to lower the concentration of detectable metabolites in their urine.
Accurate drug screening is crucial in various settings, from workplaces to clinical trials. Diluted specimens complicate the interpretation of results, potentially leading to inconclusive outcomes and necessitating retesting. Understanding the causes and implications of dilution helps ensure the integrity and reliability of drug testing programs. Historically, attempts to manipulate drug test results have driven advancements in detection methods and strategies for mitigating such practices.