Drug Testing and Detection Periods of Commonly Abused Drugs

Published May 23, 2010

There are various methods to check for drug abuse by an individual. Various testing methods like urine test, saliva test, hair test, sweat test are done to identify whether or not a specific drug or metabolite (substance formed after processing in body) is present in body. The time after last drug consumption for which the drug as metabolite can be detected is called the drug detection period. The range of detection periods depend on amount and frequency of drug use, type of drug, metabolic rate, body mass, age, sex, and overall health.

The five most commonly abused drugs are Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates (Heroin, Morphine, and Codeine), Amphetamines (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine), and Phencyclidine (PCP). Misusing metabolites of all these drugs also considered as drug abuse. In addition, misusing prescription drugs like Opioids also considered as drug abuse.

Urine Drug Testing:
The detection period for drug abuse depends on the pH level of the urine sample. The detection period of Marijuana is 2-3 days for single use and 12 days for chronic abuse. For Cocaine, it is 2-4 days (it may vary if there are any kidney disorders). The detection period for opiate drugs like Heroin, Morphine, and Codeine is 2-4 days. The detection period for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine is 2-4 days and 3-5 days respectively. The detection period of Phencyclidine (PCP) is 7-14 days for single use and 30 days for chronic abuse.

The detection period of Cannabis is 2 to 7 days for single use and 1 to 2 years for prolonged use. The detection period for Phenobarbital and Methadone is 7 to 14 days and 3-5 days respectively. The detection period for Barbiturates (except Phenobarbital) and Cotinine is 2-3 days and 2-4 days respectively. The detection period for LSD is 2-24 hours. The detection period for Ecstasy (MDMA) is 1-3 days.

Hair Drug testing:
The detection period for drugs is dependent on the length of the hair sample. The detection period for Marijuana is approximately 90 days as it is less sensitive compared to other drugs. The detection period for Cocaine is upto 90 days. The detection period for opiate drugs Heroin, Morphine, and Codeine is 90 days. The detection period of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine is 90 days. The detection period for Phencyclidine (PCP) is 90 days.

The detection period for Cannabis is 2 to 7 days for single use and 1 to 2 years for prolonged use. The detection period for Phenobarbital, Barbiturates, Cotinine, and Ecstasy is upto 90 days. The detection period for Methadone is upto 30 days. The detection period for LSD is upto 3 days.

Saliva Drug Testing:
The detection period for Marijuana is 12-24 hours in saliva drug testing. The detection period for Cocaine is 1-3 days. The detection periods for opiate drugs Heroin, Morphine is 1-3 days. The detection period for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine is 1-3 days. The detection period for Phencyclidine (PCP) is 1-3 days. The detection period for Cannabis is 2 days. The detection period for Phenobarbital is 4 to 7 days. The detection period for Methadone is 24 hours. The detection period for Barbiturates (except Phenobarbital) is 1-2 days. The detection period for Cotinine is 2-4 days. The detection period for LSD is 0-3 hours. The detection period for Ecstasy (MDMA) is 24 hours.

The detection period for hair drug testing is high. Urine drug tests can be performed clinically and also at home, to know if kids and adults are abused to drugs or not. Hair drug tests and Saliva drug tests are often conducted at work places and schools to prevent drug adulteration. Drug testing guidelines and procedures, for laboratory drug testing, are created and controlled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The above mentioned information helps to understand drug testing methods and detection periods of commonly abused drugs.

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Drug Testing and Detection Periods of Commonly Abused Drugs

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