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From: Robert Swotinsky, MD
Password: orange
Date: 31 Aug 2009
Time: 11:45:52 -0700
Remote Name: 75.236.239.30
The high concentration is difficult to interpret in a non-normalized urine specimen, i.e., without taking into account dose, timing, creatinine, etc. Even with taking those into account, it's still difficult to interpret the concentration. I think you just have to accept that it's consistent w/use of codeine.
The other part of your question, about old prescriptions, is more interesting. Search this discussion board for "old prescription" or similar terms and you'll find the topic discussed in detail. To my dismay, there are many MROs who say they won't accept prescriptions that are more than 12 months old. To my greater dismay, FMCSA has posted a FAQ on its web site stating that prescriptions more than 12 months old are not acceptable legitimate medical explanations. (See FAQ #91 as of 8-31-09. The numbering sometimes changes, but the FAQ remains posted there for the past few years.) Nevertheless, in my opinion, with a 14-month old codeine prescription and a non-DOT test, I'd accept the prescription as a legitimate explanation for the positive result. Perhaps you're letting one more codeine abuser off the hook, but it's even more likely that you're saving some poor soul from becoming road kill in a program intended to target and deter heroin abuse.