PCP Detection Timelines [INFOGRAPHIC]

PCP Basics

Drug Name: Phencyclidine
Drug Class: Hallucinogen
Street Names: PCP, Angel Dust, Love Boat

Drug Testing for PCP

The latest statistical reports on drug use in the U. S. report a 10% increase in people’s involvement of substance abuse problems. According to studies about drug use in the workplace, 80% of employees admit they used chemicals in the workplace. So, is it any wonder that companies are drug testing more and more? Why do employers require these tests?

Drug testing has become part of many companies’ safety measures at workplace. Employers believe drug screening to be a tool that helps avoiding and preventing accidents and lawsuits. Building a drug prevention program in the workplace decreases the employee’s compensation claims and premiums.

Further, screening for drug presence of chemicals like PCP is an effective method of identifying those who need help before things reach a devastating level. Progression of drug use impacts not just a person’s work performance, but their entire life. If nothing is done and the number of employees who use drugs increases, the U.S will have to deal with a nation that constantly battles with substance abusers who have low productivity, bad health and accidents.

PCP Drug Test Detection

When, where, and how is PCP detected in the body? There are four main drug testing samples used to detect PCP. These include:

1. Blood: A blood test measures the amount of PCP in the blood at the time the blood is drawn. These types of tests are considered the only way to determine legal intoxication. A blood test can identify PCP from 1 to 3 days after the last dose.
2. Hair: PCP, just as many other drugs, can be detected with a hair follicle drug test for up to 90 days.
3. Saliva: An oral fluids test, collects saliva from the inside of the mouth. The saliva is tested for the use of drugs during the previous few hours up to one to two days. Saliva is easy to collect and test, so this is one of the simplest and least invasive types of drug testing. PCP shows on saliva tests 5 days after your last use.
4. Urine: Urinalysis shows the presence of PCP residues that remain in the body after the effects of this drug have worn off. PCP can be detected in the urine in a timeline of 14 – 30 days.

If you want to learn more about drug testing and detection periods of certain substances, download our free e-book The Definitive Guide To Drug Testing.

PCP Drug – Detection Times Influencers

The most important factors which determine how long will PCP remain in your system are:

• age
• body mass
• food intake / hydration
• liver function
• metabolic rate
• sex
• dosage / amount taken
• frequency of administration

IMPORTANT: Whether or not your urine, blood, and saliva test will show PCP presence is individual. The information in this infographic should be used as a general guideline only.

PCP Detection Timeline Questions

In this drug test detection infographic we point out some of the key points about PCP drug detection windows. If you still have concerns and/or questions, please do not hesitate to ask us in the comments section below. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries.

Reference Sources: Medline Plus: Drug Testing
Medline Plus: Substance use – phencyclidine (PCP)
CESAR: Phencyclidine (PCP)

About the author

Lee Weber

Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.