Why do false positives happen?

Understanding the confusion behind your readings.

​You followed every rule, stayed compliant, and still—your monitor flagged a “positive.”
You feel anxious, maybe even accused. What went wrong?

Many participants assume a reading always means alcohol use. In truth, that number is just data, and like any data, it can be influenced by far more than one factor. The reality is that alcohol monitoring technology is sensitive. It’s built to detect alcohol molecules, but it doesn’t always know where those molecules came from.

​Everyday life introduces countless possibilities: a medicated cough drop, hand sanitizer, or even a health condition can create a temporary spike. Add in differences between breath and skin-based devices, and it’s easy to see why confusion and false alarms happen.

But the problem isn’t just the device. It’s the lack of clear, science-based education. Participants are told what to do, not why. Without understanding the “why,” you’re left to guess - and guessing can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

The good news? There’s a way to separate fact from fear.

Inside the myCAMprogram, we explain exactly how these devices detect alcohol, what influences those readings, and the practical steps that keep your data accurate. You’ll learn how to document what matters and protect yourself with confidence, not panic.

Key takeaway: False positives don’t always mean failure. Sometimes, they mean missing information.

Learn what your device is really measuring at mycamprogram.com.