How Long Can PCP Be Detected In Your System?

Originally created as a general anesthetic, this drug is now classified as a Schedule II illicit drug. It can be detected for as long as 90 days, and as short as 1 day, depending on the testing method.

Phencyclidine (PCP), often called the street drug name “angel dust,” is a synthetic hallucinogenic drug. It is not commonly tested for via standard drug tests, but specialized tests can detect it.

The effects of PCP include psychosis, hallucinations, dissociative episodes, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and other side effects. Small amounts of it can act as a stimulant.

PCP Detection Times

The half-life of PCP is 7 to 46 hours. This means that within this time about half of the drug will have left your system. However, many forms of testing can detect it for longer than this.

Average detection times vary for this substance depending on personal factors and the testing method used.

Read on to learn the detection time for this hallucinogenic drug.

Urine Tests For PCP

A urine sample test can detect PCP substance abuse for up to 14 days. Certain forms of urine testing may be able to determine the amount of drug used, not just its presence.

Blood Tests For PCP

For about 1 day, a blood sample can confirm PCP use. With blood testing, the actual drug itself is being detected, meaning a positive result can be found nearly immediately after substance use.

Saliva Tests For PCP

If you are being tested for PCP abuse via saliva testing, positive results can occur for up to 3 days after your last dose. Saliva tests are very accurate, and false positives are rare.

Hair Tests For PCP

PCP drug use can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days. This detection window can be longer, depending on the length of hair. It takes about 7 days for traces to be detectable in hair.

How Long Does PCP Testing Take?

How long it takes for results from a PCP test to come back depends on a few factors. Most notably, it depends on which type of drug testing was used.

For example, saliva testing and urine testing can be done onsite via rapid testing or sent to a lab. Hair and blood testing methods are always sent to a laboratory to be tested.

Lab testing naturally takes longer than rapid testing, and you’ll receive a result within 24 to 48 hours. The results are usually more accurate than rapid testing, so this is the preferred method.

What Personal Factors Affect Drug Test Detection Times For PCP?

Many factors can change the amount of time PCP stays in your system, and therefore how long it can be detected.

Some of these factors can include:

• what dose of PCP was ingested
• the method of ingestion
• body mass
• age
• gender
• certain health conditions
• simulations use of other drugs, such as LSD, ketamine, or benzodiazepines

Chronic use of PCP makes it detectable in the body for longer periods of time.

Get Started With PCP Addiction Treatment Today

Healthcare providers at Spring Hill Recovery Center are well versed in many forms of substance use disorder, including PCP abuse.

Our treatment programs will help you or a loved one through detox, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings. Call today to see if our addiction treatment center in New England is right for you.