The Complete Guide to Drug Testing: What You Need to Know

June 20 2024, by Willy van Knippenberg
9 min reading time

Learn all about drug testing: methods, detectability of substances like THC and GHB, and how long drugs stay in your system. Discover natural alternatives and purity testing. Get informed now!

In modern society, drug testing has become an essential tool for employers, law enforcement, and medical institutions. While simple methods like smell tests and observation were once used, today's drug tests are much more advanced and accurate. In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into how drug testing works, which substances can be detected, and how long these substances remain in the body. We'll also pay specific attention to substances like HHC and LSA seeds, and whether they are detectable on standard drug tests. We'll also point out some natural alternatives to popular party drugs like MDMA and products for testing drug purity.

How do drug tests work?

Drug testing can be performed in various ways, depending on the substance being detected and the test method used. The most common methods are:

Urine tests : This is the most common method and can detect a wide range of substances.
Blood tests : These are often used for accurate measurements and can detect recent drug use.
Saliva tests : These are less invasive and can detect recent drug use within a short time frame.
Hair tests : These can detect drug use over a longer period (up to 90 days).

Urine tests

Urine tests are the most commonly used drug testing method due to their simplicity and effectiveness. They can detect a wide range of substances, including THC, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and benzodiazepines. The detection period varies by substance, but most substances are detectable within a few days to a week after use.

Blood tests

Blood tests are highly accurate and can detect the presence of drugs almost immediately after use. These tests are often used in legal and medical settings. The detection period is shorter than with urine tests, usually lasting up to several hours or days after use.

Saliva tests

Saliva tests are less invasive and can be performed quickly and easily. However, they are limited in their detection period, usually 24-48 hours after use. These tests are suitable for detecting recent drug use.

Hair tests

Hair tests offer a longer detection window, up to 90 days after use. However, they may be less suitable for detecting incidental use and are more expensive and complex to perform.

History of Drug Testing

Drug testing has come a long way since its inception. In the early years, drug testing was primarily used by law enforcement to detect drug abuse. With the advent of new technologies and methods, drug testing is now more accessible and reliable than ever. This evolution has led to drug testing being widely used in various sectors, from workplaces to sports organizations.

Detectability of specific substances

Below we discuss the detectability of some common and specific substances in drug tests:

HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)

HHC is a relatively new substance and a derivative of THC. Because HHC is new, fewer standard tests are available that specifically test for it. However, it is possible that HHC could be detected in comprehensive drug panels designed to detect synthetic cannabinoids.

LSA seeds

LSA (lysergic acid amide) is a natural substance found in certain types of seeds, such as morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose. LSA is often not detected by standard drug tests. Specific tests are needed to detect LSA, and these are less common. The detection period for LSA is usually short, a few days after use.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis and one of the most common substances tested for. THC can be detected in urine, blood, saliva, and hair. The detection period varies widely, up to 30 days in urine, a few hours in blood, 24-48 hours in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant and can be rapidly eliminated from the bloodstream, but it remains present in urine and hair for a longer period. The detection period is 2-4 days in urine, 1-2 days in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, are often tested for their stimulant effects. The detection period is 1-3 days in urine, 12 hours in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

MDMA, known as Ecstasy, is popular in the party scene. It can be detected in urine, blood, saliva, and hair. The detection period is 1-3 days in urine, 1-2 days in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

Opioids

Opioids, including heroin, morphine, and oxycodone, are frequently tested due to the opioid crisis. The detection period is 2-3 days in urine, 12 hours in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, used to treat anxiety and insomnia, have a detection period of 1-7 days in urine, 1-2 days in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

PCP is a dissociative agent that can cause hallucinations and severe behavioral changes. Its detection period is 7-14 days in urine, several hours in blood, 1-3 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates, sedatives that are increasingly less prescribed, have a detection period of 2-4 days in urine, several hours in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.

GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate)

GHB is a depressant often used as a recreational drug. Its detection period is short, usually 12-24 hours in urine, a few hours in blood, and 1-2 days in saliva. Because of this short detection period, it is more difficult to identify on standard drug tests.

How long do drugs remain detectable in your body?

The detection period for drugs in the body varies significantly depending on the substance, dosage, frequency of use, and the testing method. Here are some general guidelines:

THC : Up to 30 days in urine, several hours in blood, 24-48 hours in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.
Cocaine : 2-4 days in urine, 1-2 days in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.
Amphetamines : 1-3 days in urine, 12 hours in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.
Opioids : 2-3 days in urine, 12 hours in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.
Benzodiazepines : 1-7 days in urine, 1-2 days in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.
PCP : 7-14 days in urine, several hours in blood, 1-3 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.
Barbiturates : 2-4 days in urine, several hours in blood, 1-2 days in saliva, and up to 90 days in hair.
GHB : 12-24 hours in urine, several hours in blood, 1-2 days in saliva.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Testing

What happens if I test positive for drugs?

If you test positive for drugs, the consequences can vary depending on the situation. For employees, it can lead to disciplinary action or dismissal. In legal situations, it can lead to prosecution or other legal consequences. It's important to understand the specific rules and consequences that apply to your situation.

Can I cheat on a drug test?

Cheating a drug test is difficult and risky. Most modern tests are designed to detect attempts at cheating, such as using urine substitutes or detox products. It's always best to be honest about your drug use and accept the potential consequences.

How can I prepare for a drug test?

If you know you're taking a drug test, it's important to avoid drugs and stay hydrated. Also, read the instructions carefully and make sure you have all necessary documents and identification with you.

Natural Alternatives to Party Drugs

Royal Party Shots XTC alternatives

For those looking for legal and natural alternatives to popular party drugs like MDMA, several products are available. Here are some examples:

MDAA (6 pieces) : A natural alternative to MDMA with a similar euphoric effect.
MDMA Gummies : These gummies offer a legal way to have an MDMA-like experience.
XTCY (6 count) : A herbal formula that mimics the effects of ecstasy without illegal substances.
Royal X – Herbal XTC : A powerful herbal blend designed to provide an intense, energetic experience.

Check out our full range of natural party drugs

Drug Purity Testing Products

In addition to providing information about drug testing, we also offer products that allow you to test drug purity. Here are some examples of these products:

Cocaine Tester - Purity : Test the purity of cocaine with this reliable kit.
LSD Tester : Check the purity of LSD with this simple test kit.
EZ Test for MDMA : Test the purity of MDMA/Ecstasy.
EZ Test for GHB : Specifically designed to detect the presence of GHB.
Ecstasy Tester : Determine the purity of ecstasy with this test kit.
EZ Test for Ketamine : Test the purity of ketamine.
EZ Opiate Test Kit : Specially designed for testing opiates such as heroin and morphine.
Cocaine Tester : An easy way to test cocaine for purity.

View our full range of drug test kits

Scientific Background

Drug tests work by detecting specific metabolites in the body, which are formed when a substance is metabolized. These metabolites often persist in the body longer than the parent substance, making them a more reliable indicator of drug use. Different test methods are designed to detect specific metabolites, depending on the substance and the test used.

Conclusion

Drug testing is a vital tool in many industries and situations. Whether you're an employer looking to ensure workplace safety or an individual preparing for a medical or legal test, it's important to understand how these tests work and what they can detect. By being aware of the detection periods and specific methods, you can be better prepared and take the necessary steps to approach your test with confidence.