If you have never heard of kratom, it is a tree native to many countries in southeast Asia. When initially discovered, kratom’s leaves were consumed for their stimulating effects. The leaves were used for recreational purposes, however, it was discovered that there are many medicinal and even spiritual reasons that lead someone to consume kratom.
In modern society, this herbal plant is often used in brewing tea for easy consumption. Kratom teas is typically consumed for energy and/or pain relief. Additionally, kratom is also utilized for medicinal purposes such as addressing anxiety and depression.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?
The answer to this extremely common question comes down to the type of drug test being performed. The vast majority of drug tests for kratom will NOT be able detect kratom in your system. This is simply due to the fact that traditional 5-panel drug tests are not properly equipped to detect the metabolites of kratom within the human body.
Even more advanced instant drug tests with 10 or 12 panels will not be able to detect kratom metabolites. The reason this is the case is due to the fact that the active components in kratom or mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytraginine – neither of which are opiates, amphetamines, benzodizapenies, barbitruates, or other common types of drugs that are tested for with an instant drug test.
However, there are many other types of drug tests available that are more advanced than a traditional drug test purchased online, at a pharmacy, or at a convenience store. Some of these tests CAN show a positive result for kratom, but ONLY IF the drug test itself is equipped to detect kratom metabolites specifically.
Urine Testing for Kratom
Urine testing is by far the most commonly used method for drug testing – especially in the United States. These tests produce quick results, are straightforward, and do not require the use of needles – making them a very appealing form of drug test for both the sample provider and the sample collector.
But not all urine tests are the same. Outside of traditional instant cup drug tests, there are 2 common forms of laboratory tests used for urinalysis.
IA & Qualitative Urinalysis Testing for Kratom
Immunoassay (IA) urine tests – also known as qualitative tests – are a very quick way to provide a more advanced form of urine test than a traditional instant cup. Urine samples are run through an analyzer to determine whether a substance is present in the urine sample. More often than not, these test results are simply a positive or negative result.
These analyzer machines utilize reagents that test for specific types of substances. Without the use of reagents that detect mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytraginine, there will not be a positive result for kratom using this method.
LC-MS & Quantitative Drug Testing for Kratom
The most accurate form of urine drug test is LC-MS which stands for liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. LC-MS testing is similar to IA testing, but is far more in-depth and accurate. This type of test is almost exclusively used for individuals who have failed a drug test before, and the tester needs to get a quantitative confirmation on specific levels of substances detected in a urine sample.
Kratom is detectable in this form of drug test, however, the proper reagents need to be used in order to test for kratom’s metabolites. If these reagents are not requested or used in the test, there will not be a positive result for kratom.
Blood Testing for Kratom
Kratom is 100% detectable in human blood, however, there is not much data that indicates how long the metabolites are able to be detected in a blood sample. Blood tests are typically only used in true medical settings such as hospitals. Generally speaking, reagents that detect kratom’s metabolites are not used in these forms of tests unless specifically requested.
Saliva Testing for Kratom
Saliva testing is not nearly as common when it comes to drug tests, simply because they are known to be less reliable and less accurate than urine or blood tests. With that being said, it is still required for the saliva test to specifically look for kratom metabolites – something which is not common.
Hair Testing for Kratom
Hair testing is typically only used in very strict scenaries – such as government oriented tests. Research indicates that kratom is detectable in human hair for up to 10 days. However, once again, if the test itself is not utilizing the proper reagents for detecting mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytraginine, there will be no positive result for kratom.
Browse Products at Tusk Kratom
Tusk Kratom aims to provide its customers with pure and high-quality products such as kratom capsules, kratom powders, and kratom extracts! Our formulas NEVER incorporate pathogens, metals, or chemicals. The kratom leaves are organically sourced from the best Asian vendors that are proud of their traditional farming heritage. Browse our store today!