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:
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 |