Drug Detection Time
The question of how long after the inclusion of a substance it can be determined is both of analytical and forensic interest. A whole series of parameters is playing a role:
- The sensitivity of the method, which ultimately determines the physical detection limit. For non-specific methods is the Cut-Off value must be observed.
- The concentration of the substance in the body. This depends on the amount of substance uptake, the body mass,the distribution factor and the frequency of consumption.
- The half-life of the substance or its metabolites in vivo.
- The kind of investigation materials (blood rsp. serum, urine or hair samples) and possibly the kind of storage and stabilization.
Regarding the expected drug levels in the samples it has to be differ between a normal only once consumption, a long-term consumption and a single overdose, leading to intoxication.
The following table provides an overview. For details, see the description of the individual drugs.
| Drug | Blood | Urine | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzodiazepines | 12-96 h (dependending on substances) |
1-8 days | |
| Cannabis THC |
One time consumption a few hours permanent consumption some weeks as THC-COOH |
3-4 days, permanent consumption >30 days |
6-12 month at 6 cm hair length |
| Cocaine | 1-1,5 hr metabolites several hrs |
metabolite 3-5 days | 6 month at 6 cm hair length |
| Heroin Morphine |
2 hrs as morphine |
1-4 days | 6 month at 6 cm hair length |
| Amphetamines Ecstasy |
7 - 30 hrs (dependending on substances) | 1-3 days | 6 month at 6 cm hair length |
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