Drug Detection Times

Drug Detection Times in urine are expressed below in terms of lower and upper boundaries. The length of time that a drug/metabolite remains detectable in urine can vary, depending on the following factors:

• Amount and Frequency of Use: 

  Single, isolated, small doses are generally detectable at the lower boundary. Chronic and long-term use typically result in detection periods near or at the upper boundary.

• Metabolic Rate: 

  Individuals with slower body metabolism are prone to longer drug detection periods.

• Body Mass: 

  In general, human metabolism slows with increased body mass, resulting in longer drug detection periods. In addition, THC (marijuana's active ingredient) and PCP are known to accumulate in fatty lipid tissue. Chronic users, physically inactive users, and individuals with a high percentage of body fat in relation to total body mass are prone to longer drug detection periods for THC and PCP.

• Age: 

  In general, human metabolism slows with age, resulting in longer drug detection periods.

• Overall Health: 

  In general, human metabolism slows during periods of deteriorating health, resulting in longer drug detection periods.

• Drug Tolerance: 

  Users typically metabolize a drug faster once a tolerance to the drug is established.

• Urine pH: 

  Urine pH can impact drug detection periods. Typically, highly acidic urine results in shorter drug detection periods.

• Note: 

  In a small percentage of cases, users may test positive longer than times shown - most notably in cases of long-term chronic abuse, in individuals with significant body mass and/or body fat, and in individuals with health related issues resulting in abnormally slow body metabolism.