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The following chart from Wikipedia gives approximate detection periods for each substance by test type.[1] The ranges depend on amount and frequency of use, metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, and urine pH. For ease of use, the detection times of metabolites have been incorporated into each parent drug. For example, heroin and cocaine can only be detected for a few hours after use, but their metabolites can be detected for several days in urine. In this type of situation, we will report the (longer) detection times of the metabolites.
- NOTE 1: Oral fluid or saliva testing results for the most part mimic that of blood. The only exception is THC. Oral fluid will likely detect THC from ingestion up to a maximum period of 18-24 hours
- NOTE 2: Urine can not detect current drug use. It takes approximately 6–8 hrs. or more post-consumption for drug to be metabolized and excreted in urine. Similarly, hair requires two weeks, and sweat, seven days.
Approximate values for detection periods
| Substance |
Urine |
Hair |
Blood / Oral Fluid |
| Alcohol |
6–24 hours [3] |
up to 90 days |
12–24 hours |
| Amphetamines (except meth) |
1 to 3 days[4] |
up to 90 days |
12 hours |
| Methamphetamine |
3 to 5 days[5] |
up to 90 days |
1–3 days[5] |
| MDMA (Ecstasy) |
24 hrs |
up to 90 days |
25 hours |
| Barbiturates (except phenobarbital) |
1 day |
up to 90 days |
1 to 2 days |
| Phenobarbital |
2 to 3 weeks[6] |
up to 90 days |
4 to 7 days |
| Benzodiazepines |
Therapeutic use: up to 7 days. Chronic use (over one year): 4 to 6 weeks |
up to 90 days |
6 to 48 hours |
| Cannabis |
3 to 7 days, up to >30 days after heavy use and/or in users with high body fat [7] |
up to 90 days [7] |
Up to 24 hours |
| Cocaine |
2 to 5 days with exceptions for certain kidney disorders |
up to 90 days |
2 to 5 days |
| Codeine |
2 to 3 days |
| Cotinine (a break-down product of nicotine) |
2 to 4 days |
up to 90 days |
2 to 4 days |
| Morphine |
2 to 4 days |
up to 90 days |
1 – 3 days |
| Heroin |
3 to 4 days[8] |
up to 90 days |
1– 2 days |
| LSD |
24 to 72 hours (however tests for LSD are very uncommon) |
up to 3 days[citation needed] |
0 to 3 hours |
| Methadone |
3 days |
up to 97 days |
24 hours |
| PCP |
3 to 7 days for single use; up to 30 days in chronic users[9] |
up to 90 days |
1 to 3 days[9] |
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