Definition - What does masking agent mean?
A masking agent is a substance used in order to try to conceal the presence of prohibited drugs in his or her system. Usually, the masking agent is ingested with the purpose of diluting or hiding any banned substance the person has consumed. Some masking agents are added directly to the urine sample at the time of providing the sample. Part of the duty of a good collection technician is to minimize the possibility of a donor bringing a masking agent into the bathroom during collection and assessing the sample after collection for suspicious samples that may have been tampered with. How successful a masking agent is in fooling a drug test depends on the type of agent used, the procedures of the drug testing location, and the type of drug test used.
SureHire explains masking agent
A continuing problem for companies that drug test is employees and potential employees who attempt to hide their drug use during testing (and therefore hide the work hazard of an impaired individual on the job). A masking agent is one way that some people attempt to cheat on drug tests. They attempt to hide or mask the presence of a substance in his or her urine by taking a masking agent. Masking agents may be hazardous to the health of those who use them. Many masking agents are diuretics which can cause side effects such as dehydration, dizziness, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances. There are also cases where people have ingested very harmful substances such as bleach in an attempt to fool a drug test. Masking agent issues are particularly prevalent in the athletic industry. Many States have laws prohibiting the sale of masking agents.
