Captiva Lab Answers: How Long Do Drugs Stay In Blood And Urine

Charlotte, North Carolina based Captiva Lab recently published an informative blog post explaining that it is not always easy to know the exact time when hair, urine, saliva, or blood will be clear of both drugs and their metabolites. This is due to the fact that different substances metabolize at varying rates. The testing laboratory also highlights that drug test results can be influenced by a number of other factors, including time, hydration, body mass, frequency of substance use, and more.

As noted in the blog post, at https://captivalab.com/blog/how-long-do-drugs-stay-in-urine/, a urine-based drug test is one of the most popular and widely used forms of toxicology screenings in the world since it offers an accessible way to test for the most common types of drugs. However, experts claim that urine test results aren’t always as clear-cut as they seem, due to the significant differences found in various forms of common drugs. The precision of urine testing mainly varies because a cut-off level is determined for each individual drug, rather than all drugs at once.

Rhyan Walcott, Director of Operations at Captiva Lab, explains that there are a number of factors that can significantly affect drug test results. “Most drug users believe that time is the only factor that affects drug test results but, in reality, numerous elements come into play to influence a positive or negative drug test result,” he says. For instance, hydration could easily affect the outcome of a drug test. For certain types of drugs, water consumption dilutes urine to a point that drugs are more likely to be less detectable. Secondly, he points out that individuals with a high body mass index are more likely to test positive for drugs because known substances last longer in fatty tissues, creating an extended period in which drugs can be detected.

Walcott further asserts that the frequency of drug use greatly affects the concentration of drugs in the body. “A good example is the chemical THC in marijuana. Depending on usage patterns, THC can remain in the body’s fatty tissues for extended periods, and may be detectable for several weeks or even up to a month in heavy users,” he says. Other factors can affect drug test results as well, including the individual’s urine PH level, metabolism rate, drug tolerance, and so on.

According to a published article, at https://busnsci.com/2019/08/16/how-drugs-are-tested-and-how-long-do-they-remain/, experts state that methamphetamine metabolites can be found in urine and blood for at least 2-3 days after use. Meanwhile, the detection window for cocaine in the blood is 1-2 days and 12-21 days in urine. Marijuana, on the other hand, is detectable in urine within 5 days or less for occasional users, but may be present for several weeks in those who are heavy users. Furthermore, opiates like heroin are detectable in urine for 2-7 days and blood for around 6 days, while Morphine, for example, can only be detected in the blood for around 12 hours and urine for 3 days.

Walcott points out that it is important to send specimens directly to a reference lab like the Captiva Lab for a wider panel of definitive testing. Captiva Lab is a full-service reference lab that provides resources for medical professionals, while also serving a wide range of patient communities in the area. They specialize in substance abuse toxicology and related disease panels, helping doctors, nurses, and counselors properly screen patients and participants to ensure the highest possible standards of care. “Through our training, state-of-the-art lab equipment, and corporate ideals, we are able to remain committed to both scientific and ethical standards,” asserts Walcott.

Furthermore, he states that Captiva Lab considers it their mission to be a center of excellence for laboratory drug testing. In fact, their facilities are CMS accredited, and their lab technicians and specialists are proud members of the AACC and CAP. “Our experts are committed to ongoing research and development that will assist our clients in the improvement of patient care. As a leader in substance abuse toxicology and diagnostic services, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards and methodologies in clinical lab testing, and seek to contribute proactively to industry and peer groups in by providing advanced toxicology solutions for patient care,” says Walcott.

Complete details can be found on Captiva Lab’s website. Interested parties may also connect with Rhyan Walcott at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyan-walcott-mba/ or follow Captiva Lab on their official social media pages to stay up to date with their latest news and important announcements.