Yes, drug testing bites, bigger than just about anything imo.

Here is a sample from the drug testing policy I copied from a manual:

"If a drug screen is positive for prescription drug use, the employee must provide to the medical review officer a bona fide verification of a valid current prescription for the drug identified in the drug screen. The prescription must be written by a medical doctor and be in the employee's name."

When they say "current" they aren't referring to the drug expiration date... they are talking about the time period the script is supposed to cover. They divide the quantity by the number of tablets per day according to the instructions, and that's how many days it is "current." Personally, I would not walk into a test without knowing up front what their policy is. If you know where the test is being given, just call them and ask what their policy is on testing with regard to prescription drugs, you don't have to identify yourself. The place I went to added the word "local" before "medical doctor," so telling them about my out-of-state OP prescription was out of the question anyway, I didn't even try -- not all places have that requirement I don't think.

I've read on this board that ultram does not show up on normal drug screens, they have to test specifically for it, which is only done in very rare circumstances. If you're one of those rare individuals who actually gets some pain relief from it, that's one option, you could switch off for a few days. Otherwise, you may also be selling yourself short if you don't at least consider that you may be able to explain your situation to your employer and get some understanding. The testing place is just going to go by the book and not consider any other factors, but the boss might just be willing to work with you on it and recognize the validity of your pain management regimen. If you explain that the pain meds are only needed occasionally and that you save them up, he may be understanding, perhaps he has even had some personal experience that might help him (or her) relate. Then again, maybe not, it's just something to consider. Good luck, I hope you get thru it ok.