A Dental Nurse’s Ordeal: False Positive from OxyShred
A young dental nurse found herself in a shocking situation after testing positive for methamphetamine during a roadside drug test. The incident, which left her in tears and facing potential legal consequences, was later attributed to a popular post-gym energy drink called OxyShred.
The woman, who was driving home from the gym, had consumed a $4.90 can of OxyShred, a caffeine-based drink marketed as a thermogenic fat burner. She claims she drank the last of her can while driving when she was pulled over for a random drug test on the day after Anzac Day.
The Roadside Test That Changed Everything
During the traffic stop, police first conducted a breath test before moving on to a roadside drug test. As she waited for the results, the officer returned and informed her that she had tested positive for methamphetamine.
“I thought he was having a laugh with me,” she said. “I said, ‘Sorry, what?’”
The revelation left her in shock, and she burst into tears as she was taken into a testing van for further swabs. The experience was emotionally overwhelming for her, as she insisted she had never used methamphetamine in her life.
Inaccuracies in Roadside Drug Testing
Traffic law expert Karen Stanley highlighted the issues with roadside drug tests, commonly referred to as “lick tests.” According to her, these tests are only initial screening tools and are not always accurate. If a motorist tests positive, it gives police the authority to conduct additional tests.
Stanley explained that false positives can occur due to various factors, including legal substances such as medications or ingredients in supplements. “Lots of things can give you a false positive,” she said. “The tests are not that accurate and do regularly give that result.”
In most Australian states, drivers are not formally charged until laboratory results confirm the presence of an illicit substance. However, the process can be lengthy, and some people lose their licenses during this time.
The Third Test and a Relief
Despite the initial positive result, the woman was given a third test by police, which came back negative. This allowed her to leave without any charges. However, Stanley warned that things could have been much worse.
“That’s the police going over and above what they have to do,” she said. “People lose their licence this way. Imagine if you were a truck driver or something and that’s your job and your livelihood gone.”
OxyShred and AI Insights
After the incident, the dental nurse turned to ChatGPT to investigate what might have caused the false positive. She listed everything she had consumed that day, including her pre-workout supplement, water, and the can of OxyShred.
According to the AI, the ingredients in OxyShred—specifically bitter orange extract—could potentially trigger a false positive in a random drug test. She shared this information in a video posted on social media, warning others about the risks of consuming similar products.
Social Media Reaction and Warnings
Her video quickly gained traction, receiving over two million views. Many viewers shared their own experiences, with some claiming they also tested positive for drugs after consuming energy drinks or supplements.
One person wrote, “This happened to me, never touched cocaine and mine came up positive for that.” Another commented, “As a FIFO worker, the first thing nurses ask before being tested is if we have had a pre-workout or supplement because it comes up.”
Another viewer added, “The exact same thing happened to my partner. He was gobsmacked when he tested positive—he’s never touched drugs and it was an energy drink.”
Final Thoughts
While NSW Police declined to comment on the accuracy of roadside drug tests, the incident highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the limitations of these tests. For now, the dental nurse remains cautious, urging others to be mindful of what they consume before driving.
