Drug Detection Time
The following drug detection table provides aproximate detection time for each illicit substance by test type. The ranges depend on amount and frequency of use, metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, and urine pH.
Drug Detection Table
amphetamine/methamphetamine ("pep pills,""speed," "ice," "meth") ------48 hrs.
barbiturates ("downers," "yellow jackets,""red devils"):
short-acting ----24 hrs.
intermediate-acting -----48-72 hrs.
long-acting ------7 + days
cocaine ("coke," "snow") ------48-72 hrs.
marijuana ("pot," "grass," "Mary Jane," "MJ"):
single use ------3 days
moderate use (4 times/week) -----4 days
heavy use (daily) -------10 days
chronic heavy use ------21-27 days
methaqualone (quaaludes) -----7 + days
phencyclidine (PCP, "angel dust") -------8 days
Urine Drug Test
Urine Drug test requires that one provide a sample of urine. Either a drug test panel is used on site for immediate results, or the sample is sent to a lab. While some people attempt to defeat a urine test by drinking large amounts of water, a sufficiently diluted sample may be rejected due to its clear color. Some herbal extracts are marketed as a quick detox, but their efficacy is questionable.
Hair Drug Test
Hair testing is quite accurate and can go back 6 months or longer, showing any illicit drugs used in a sort of timeline. As hair grows out, any drugs used are encased in the hair shaft, so the longer the hair, the longer back in the individual's drug history the lab can detect.
Saliva Drug Test
Saliva drug tests can detect drug use during the previous few days. These tests can be ordered over the internet, then mailed off to a lab for testing.
The rates of false positives and false negatives have decreased as drug testing procedures have improved. A study of 31 laboratories conducted by the American Association of Clinical Chemists, found only 3 percent false negatives and no false positives. Critics of testing point out, however, that improvements in drug testing do not mean that the number of incorrect results have fallen to zero...