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Opiate Screening Facts

Drug screens detect opiate use by identifying the presence in the body of opiates and opiate metabolites, which are the byproducts of opiates that remain in the body after the effects of the drugs have worn off.

  1. Definition

    • Opiates are legal and illegal drugs derived from the opium poppy plant. Heroin, codeine and morphine are examples of opiates.

    Features

    • Opiates depress central nervous system activity and produce analgesic effects. Opiates are highly addictive and can cause overdose and death.

    Types

    • The main types of drug screens are urine, hair, blood, saliva and sweat tests. All standard drug screens test for opiates, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP; these drugs are known collectively as the SAMHSA-5.

    Time Frame

    • According to IPassedMyDrugTest.com, opiates may be detected in urine, blood, and saliva for approximately five to seven days. The detection period for common hair tests is approximately 90 days.

    Considerations

    • According to Erowid.org, poppy seeds, most prescription pain medications, Nyquil and certain antibiotics may produce a false positive opiate drug screen.

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