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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Urine Analysis
    1. Detection Periods in Urine
  2. Hair Testing
  3. Substances and conditions which can cause a false positive
  4. Where to buy opiate drug testing kits

Urine Analysis

The standard "NIDA 5" drug test includes testing for cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and opiates. Standard laboratory tests for opiates are performed by immunoassay. Results are confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

The guidelines for what qualifies as a positive test result are set by a group called the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA). The detection level of the initial screen (immunoassay) is 300 ng/ml, although it can detect levels as low as 20 ng/ml. The GC/MS test, which is required to announce a positive result, also has a cutoff of 300 ng/ml*. In other words, the level of opiates in the body must be above this level on both the immunoassay, and GC/MS, in order to qualify for a positive result.

A standard urine analysis will detect the presence of morphine, codeine, and 6-acetyl-morphine. Heroin breaks down into all three of these substances in the body. The presence of codeine is indicative of either heroin, morphine, or codeine use. The ratio of codeine to morphine present in the body can help determine the origin, though that is rarely a factor. The test company typically does not care whether it is codeine or heroin. A positive result is, well, a positive result. Other opiates that are not metabolized into these chemicals are not detectable in a standard drug test.

Low-to-moderate use of oxycodone typically will not result in a positive result; however, high dose oxycodone use has been reported to cause a positive result. Hydrocodone is not converted into morphine or codeine, and therefore is not detectable; however, some places will test specifically for hydrocodone because of its availability, and popularity. Buprenorphine can be tested for, but will not cause a false positive in a standard drug screening.

 

Detection Periods in Urine

DRUG
DETECTION PERIOD
STANDARD DRUG TEST
EXTENDED DRUG TEST
Buprenorphine
3-30 days
NO
RARELY
Codeine
3-4 days
YES
YES
Dihydrocodeine
3-4 days
NO
SOMETIMES
Heroin
1-4 days
YES
YES
Hydrocodone
3-4 days
NO
SOMETIMES
Hydromorphone
3-4 days
NO
NO
Meperidine
4-24 hours
YES
YES
Morphine
84+ hours
YES
YES
Oxycodone
3-4 days
NO
RARELY
Tramadol
4-5 days
NO
NO
Source: Erowid.org

 

Hair Testing

Hair testing is one of the least invasive methods of testing for drugs. When a drug is ingested, it circulates in a person's bloodstream, which in turn, nourishes growing hair follicles. As a result, traces of the drug is stored in each piece of hair. The average rate of growth for human hair is about one-half of an inch per month. The typical hair drug test utilizes a 1.5 inch piece of hair, which results in the individual's drug history for the past 90 days. It takes anywhere from 5-7 days for a drug to be detectable using a hair test.

 

Substances and Conditions which can cause false positives

  • Diabetes
  • Dextromethorphan (DXM - in most over-the-counter cough medications)
    • Nyquil
    • Vicks Formula 44
  • Kidney disease
  • Kidney infection
  • Liver disease
  • Poppy seeds
  • Prescription painkillers
  • Various quinolones & antibiotics

 

Where to buy opiate drug testing kits

 

*On one page Erowid.org indicates the cutoff for a GC/MS opiate screening is 150 ng/ml, although 300 ng/ml is listed on several other pages on their site. A cutoff level of 300 ng/ml was more frequently encountered during research, and from reputable organizations.

 

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