The following chart gives approximate detection periods for each substance by test type. Data for urinalysis are reproduced from LabCorp’s . 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 detection times of the metabolites.

Drug Detection Periods

Substance Urine Hair Blood
Alcohol 3-5 days via Ethyl Gluconoride (EtG) metabolite or 10-12 hours via traditional method   12 hours
Amphetamines (except meth) 1 to 2 days up to 90 days 12 hours
Barbiturates (except phenobarbital) 2 to 3 days up to 90 days 1 to 2 days
Benzodiazepines Therapeutic use: 3 days. Chronic use (over one year): 4 to 6 weeks up to 90 days 6 to 48 hours
Cannabis
  • Single Use: 2 to 7 days
  • Prolonged Use: 1 to 2 years
 up to 90 days 2 days
Cocaine 2 to 4 days up to 90 days 24 hours
Codeine 2 days up to 90 days 12 hours
Cotinine 2 to 4 days up to 90 days 2 to 4 days
Heroin 2 days up to 90 days 6 hours
LSD 2 to 24 hours Up to 3 days 0 to 3 hours
Methamphetamine 1 to 2 days up to 90 days 24 hours
Morphine 2 days up to 90 days 6 hours
Methadone 3 days Up to 30 days 24 hours
PCP 14 days; up to 30 days in chronic users up to 90 days 24 hours
Phenobarbital 7 to 14 days up to 90 days 4 to 7 days

* 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.
* Urine can not detect current drug use. It takes approximately 6–8 hrs. post-consumption for drug to be metabolized and excreted in urine. Similarly, hair requires two weeks, and sweat, seven days.

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