What does "dilute" mean in the context of urine drug testing?

In the context of urine drug testing, "dilute" refers to a urine sample that has a specific gravity below the cutoff level. This occurs when the urine is more diluted than what is considered normal, typically as a result of excessive fluid intake prior to the test. The specific gravity of urine is an important measure because it helps indicate the concentration of solutes in the urine. A diluted sample may suggest that the individual is trying to mask drug use or may also be due to hydration levels.

A specific gravity below the established cutoff indicates that the urine is not adequately concentrated and may suggest dilution. This can raise the possibility of discrepancies in drug testing results, which is why labs have established specific thresholds for acceptable specific gravity levels. Hence, a diluted sample could lead to a retest or other follow-up actions within the testing process.