There are varying detection times involved in drug testing depending on many factors plus also the specimen type used for testing. As show on the image above hair specimens have the longest detection time followed by urine, oral fluid and finally blood. Other factors that determine drug use detection times include:
- When the individual consumed the drug
- How potent the drugs are
- Hydration levels
- Physical activity
- Body mass
- Drug detection times can be much longer for people with increased fatty tissues, because some drugs, or their metabolites, tend to accumulate in those tissues.
Common Questions we Receive on Drug Test Detection Times
- How long does marijuana stay in my system?
- If I used cocaine last weekend, will it show up in my pre-employment test?
- How long do drugs stay in my system?
The answers to these questions vary depending on many factors. Most notably these include the specimen type used for the drug test – blood, oral fluid, urine, or hair. The different drugs that we test for also have varying detection times. The chart below lists the various drugs and the approximate detection times for those drugs. It is important to note these values are not exact, they are approximate because of many different contributing factors.
Drug Test Detection Times
| Drug | Blood Specimen | Oral Fluid Specimen | Urine Specimen | Hair Specimen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amphetamine | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 1 to 3 days | Up to 90 days |
| Methamphetamine | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 1 to 3 days | Up to 90 days |
| Cocaine | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 2 to 4 days | Up to 90 days |
| Phencyclidine (PCP) | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 14 days up to 30 days in chronic user | Up to 90 days |
| Marijuana | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 14 days up to 30 days in chronic user | Up to 90 days |
| Opiates | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 2 – 3 Days | Up to 90 days |
| Barbiturates | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | Short acting: 2 days, Long acting: 1 to 3 weeks | Up to 90 days |
| Benzodiazepines | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | Therapeutic dose: 3 days, Extended dosage, or chronic use (1 or more years): 4 to 6 weeks | Up to 90 days |
| Propoxyphene | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 6 hours to 2 days | Up to 90 days |
| Methadone | Within minutes to hours | 5 – 48 hours | 3 Days | Up to 90 days |
Immediate drug testing is always available. Call 866-843-4545 or place an online order.
Specific Drugs & Specimen Types
This is a question that gets asked very often by both employers and employees. It is important to note that the length of time alcohol or drugs remain detectable in a person’s system will vary depending on the testing method, the amount ingested, medical conditions, and metabolism.
The information below is to be used only as a guideline and may vary significantly.
Ordering a drug test anywhere in the USA is quite easy, best to call 866-843-4545 or order a drug test online.
- Hair testing may go back up to 3 months but may take 5-10 days to become detectable.
- Urine testing may go back 4-6 days but may take 5-12 hours to show up.
- Oral Fluids may go back 1-2 days and tends to show up in as little as 30 minutes.
—–Detection Times/Methods—–
Alcohol
3 – 5 days in urine (ETG Testing) , up to 90 days in hair and around 10 – 12 hours in your blood.
Amphetamines
1 – 3 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair and around 12 hours in your blood.
Methamphetamine
(crystal meth) 3 – 6 days in urine, up 90 days in hair, 24 – 72 hours in your blood.
THC/Marijuana
7 to 30 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair, two weeks in your blood.
Cocaine
3 – 4 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair, 1 – 2 days in your blood.
Codeine
1 day in urine, up to 90 days in hair, 12 hours in your blood.
Heroin
3 – 4 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair, up to 12 hours in your blood.
MDMA
(ecstasy) 3 – 4 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair and 1 – 2 days in your blood.
Methadone
3 – 4 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair, 24 – 36 hours in your blood.
Morphine
2 -3 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair, 6 – 8 hours in your blood.
PCP (Phencyclidine)
1-7 days, heavy 1 – 4 weeks in urine, 24 hrs. in blood, 1-10 days in saliva
Barbiturates
2 – 4 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair and 1 – 2 days in your blood.
Benzodiazepines
3 to 6 weeks in urine, up to 90 days in hair and 2 – 3 days in your blood.
What is the detection time or look back period specifically for hair drug testing?
How long will drugs stay in my hair? Hair testing should always be head hair if at all possible for best results. 1.5 inches of hair provides best results. Our labs detect drug use for up to 90 days with head hair. Hair shorter than 1.5 inches may provide a shorter window of detection as it is typically 30 days look back for every ½ inch of hair. Specialty testing may be available at certain labs we work with for longer hair or to break testing down into increments of ½ inch head hair for 30 day period look back results; specialty testing is more expensive.
With body hair, the look back period is up to 90 days. It is possible that there could be a longer look back period but there are no conclusive studies and no way to give an exact look back period. You can be confident with body hair of a 90 day lookback period.
What are Drug Testing Detection Windows?
When we say the words ‘Drug detection window,’ we are talking about the amount of time it takes before a drug can no longer be detected in your system. There are a number of different factors that can impact the detection window including: the type of drug, the individual consuming the drug, the type of test and the frequency of use. So, when someone asks; “How long do drugs stay in your system?” The answer is really quite complicated and there is no scientific best answer. Many factors determine the detection window of drugs in the body. Keep reading to learn more»
Urine Drug Testing
Urine drug testing is by far the most common method, and it used by all drug screening facilities. It casts a wide net, meaning that it can test for a number of different drugs including marijuana, heroin, oxycontin and other painkillers. Detection times can range depending on the drug, but it typically picks up on new drug use within the last 24-72 hours. Marijuana, however, can be detected for up to 30 days if the subject is a frequent user.
Oral Drug Testing
This is the second most used form of drug testing, and it can detect drug use within the previous 24-48 hours. The thing that employers like about oral drug testing is that it is automatically a direct observation procedure. It is very difficult to cheat on manipulate the results of these tests because the specimen is collected by a professional with direct observation. Oral fluid drug testing detects recent drug use.
Hair Drug Testing
Hair drug testing is becoming a popular form of drug screening. It is often the most effective for the longer window of detection. It can detect drug use as far back as 90 days and similar to oral testing, it is very difficult to manipulate these tests. If a subject decides to shave his/her head, a collector can take arm or leg hair as an alternative. Various hair testing options are available with immediate service throughout the United States.
