Are you about to undergo a drug test? Whether for employment, school, or random drug testing, you might be worried that you’ll get positive results for substances you might have tried or even unintentionally ingested in the past days. If you’ve taken meth, more commonly known as methamphetamine, you might be wondering whether a drug test can still detect meth in your system.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different tests used to detect meth and the estimated time that meth stays in your system. We will also list down some factors that affect the duration meth can be detected in the body. Keep on reading to learn more about this topic.
How long does meth stay in your blood?
A blood test can be used to check the presence of meth in your system. However, the detection window is only 24 hours and up to 72 hours after the last dose. This three-day window is short so if you are a one-time user, methamphetamine may not be detected at all after the fourth.
Keep in mind, however, that several factors may affect how long methamphetamine stays in your blood. Depending on these individual factors, the period may vary. For long-time, chronic users, the time frame for meth detection could be much longer compared to occasional users.
How long does meth stay in your urine?
Meth stays in urine for 3 to 6 days but take note that it can only be detected from 4 to 6 hours after the last dose. As the detection window is longer, urine tests are more popular than other types of drug tests.
Urine tests are also much faster, more reliable, and less invasive compared to a blood drug test or saliva test. Meth can be detected using a 5-panel or 10-panel urine drug test along with other popular drugs and illicit substances.
How long does methamphetamines stay in your saliva?
methamphetamine can be detected using a saliva drug test up to 72 hours after the last dose. While not as popular as a urine drug test, saliva tests are usually administered to detect recent drug use.
Again, different factors may affect the duration and accuracy of a saliva drug test. Therefore, chronic meth use may show a positive result in a saliva test even longer than these 72 hours.
How long does meth stay in your hair?
A hair follicle test has the longest detection window in testing drug use. With a hair follicle test, meth can be detected for up to 90 days or 3 months.
This means that long after feeling the effects of meth, it can still be detected in a hair follicle test. This makes it the most accurate method for detecting long-term meth use. Take note that fourteen days should have passed after using meth before it can start to be detected by the test.
However, because of their longer detection period and higher cost, hair follicle tests are not as commonly used as urine, blood, or saliva tests.
What factors affect the time meth leaves your body?
Meth and other substances stay in the system and can be detected by different drug tests even after the effects have long gone. However, the detection period will vary depending on individual factors. The periods enumerated above are just general estimates and can differ from person to person.
Below are some factors that affect how long methamphetamine stays in your body:
- Metabolism
- Kidney and liver function
- Age, weight, height, sex
- Quantity of drugs ingested
- Frequency of use
- Hydration and fluid intake
- Physical activity level
Best methamphetamines addiction treatment programs in Orange County, CA
methamphetamine abuse and addiction is a dangerous habit that can cause havoc in your personal life, career, finances, and relationships. More importantly, the long-term side effects of methamphetamine can cause serious physical and mental health problems.
If you struggle with meth addiction, always remember that help is always available. At Adelante Recovery, our specialized meth addiction treatment programs address the specific needs of individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction.
Located in Orange County, our beautiful facility has top-of-the-line facilities and is staffed with expert medical professionals. We can guarantee that your health and well-being will be our utmost priority.
So give us a call today and let’s help you get your life back on track.