Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test? Factors Affecting Results

Will Standard Workplace Drug Tests Find Kratom?

The short answer is: probably not at this time.

Most standard workplace drug testing panels are not designed to detect kratom. Federal workplace testing panels typically exclude kratom and instead test for substances such as marijuana (THC), benzodiazepines, cocaine, and opiates.[1] And although kratom is an opioid receptor agonist, its active compounds are structurally different from opioids, meaning that a standard drug test will not detect it.

Below is a summary of common workplace drug tests and whether kratom is typically identified in those tests:

Does Kratom Appear in Urine Samples?

Urine samples are most often used when someone is tested for kratom, and detection ultimately comes down to whether or not the laboratory conducting the test is checking for kratom specifically. Laboratories that specialize in toxicology testing for urine samples are able to accurately identify mitragynine and its metabolites.[2]

Detection periods in urine tests can vary greatly from one person to another:

• Infrequent Users: Kratom may be detectable for approximately 1–2 days.
• Frequent Users: Detection may continue for 3–5 days or longer
• Chronic or Excessive Users: Detection may last 7 days or longer.

The detection windows listed above represent rough estimates, as every individual metabolizes substances at varying rates. Two people taking the same amount of kratom can produce different results on a urine test.[7]

Which Specialized Tests Detect Kratom?

Laboratories use two primary chemicals to detect kratom: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the chemicals responsible for kratom’s physiological effects.[3] Laboratories use these chemicals as target compounds when attempting to confirm kratom in a sample.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is considered the “gold standard” for detecting kratom.[4] LC-MS/MS involves separating various compounds within a sample and identifying each compound.

LC-MS/MS is the preferred identification method used by laboratories when confirming kratom presence. Another possible identification method includes gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS may also be used, but it is not as commonly associated with kratom.

Because specialized tests are expensive and require a specific request rather than being part of a standard screen, employers don’t typically use them unless there is suspicion of impaired performance or a specific violation of policy.

When Would Someone Be Tested for Kratom?

There are a few reasons someone may be testing for kratom or other substances. The most common are listed below:

Employment: Many employers do not include kratom in their standard screening panels. However, safety-sensitive workplaces such as transportation workers or operators of large equipment may have panels that include kratom.

Probation or Court-Ordered Testing: In some jurisdictions, courts may ask laboratories to conduct broader drug screens. These screens might include kratom if ordered in connection with a defendant’s case.

Rehabilitation Programs: Rehabilitation centers may monitor clients’ use of kratom as part of their recovery process. Organizations involved in addiction rehabilitation programs vary in their approaches to recovery and kratom.

Pain Management Clinics: Pain clinics may expand their testing protocols beyond opioids to get a clearer view of medications being taken by patients. This includes monitoring patients who take kratom.

How Long is Kratom Detectable?

Due to differences among laboratories’ methodologies for detecting metabolites in specimens during analysis, detection windows can vary significantly among types of drug tests.

What Impacts Kratom’s Detection Time?

Variables influencing the length of time that kratom remains detectable include:

• Frequency of consumption
• Amount consumed
• Metabolic rate
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Body composition
• Strength of product

While hydration can affect clearance of substances from the body, drinking additional water will not meaningfully speed up removal of kratom from the body. Research indicates that liver and kidney functions play far more significant roles in metabolism of substances than does hydration.[5]

Product potency also plays a role. More concentrated extracts or kratom powders containing higher levels of active alkaloids per unit can remain detectable longer than lower concentrations.[6]

Can Kratom Trigger a False Positive Result on Any Form of Drug Test?

Fortunately, false positives for opioids resulting from kratom exposure seem rare. Preliminary rapid screening tests can occasionally yield unexpected results. Confirmatory testing, employing more accurate techniques such as LC-MS/MS, can assist in distinguishing between kratom and other substances, reducing potential misinterpretations.

What If I Test Positive for Kratom?

Depending on context:

• Employment: Some employers will discipline employees for a positive result while others have no written policy dealing with kratom.
• Medical Treatment: Your physician may discuss this with you and any supplements you consume.
• Court-Ordered Testing: Sanctions can vary based on jurisdiction and the terms of your case.
• Athletic Organizations: Some athletic organizations have established their own policies regarding prohibited substances, which could include kratom.

Each employer or organization has varying policies, so it would be wise to investigate what policies exist governing your circumstance versus making assumptions about outcomes.

Preparing for an Upcoming Drug Test

To prepare for your drug test, the most beneficial thing you can do is learn what type of test you will undergo instead of speculating. Learn your employer’s or program’s policy on kratom prior to undergoing the drug test. Inform your medical practitioner if you’re consuming any dietary supplements, including kratom, so they have knowledge regarding your entire health status.

Do not make assumptions based solely on past negative test results. A past test that did not detect kratom does not guarantee that a future test, possibly even a custom or expanded panel, will produce the same result.

When to Get Help for Kratom Use

Everyone reacts differently to kratom, and for many consumers, what starts off as recreational use can turn into habitual use. Some signs that someone could benefit from assistance with managing their use of kratom include:

• Increasing doses needed to experience desired effects
• Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using kratom
• Struggling to cut back or quit even if you desire to
• Consuming kratom regardless of any adverse impacts experienced
• Interference with job-related duties, relationships, or daily responsibilities

There are resources available if this resonates with you. Treatments provided by trained professionals can be customized based on individual need rather than offered as standardized solutions. Everyone recovers in ways that fit their lives. Seeking personalized guidance toward support offers a promising beginning toward recovery.

Conclusion

Standard drug tests generally do not detect kratom, but specialized laboratory testing can identify its active compounds when specifically ordered.

Ultimately, whether kratom is detected depends on the specific test being used, not simply on whether a drug test is performed at all. If you have questions or concerns about your kratom use or an upcoming test, reaching out to a healthcare provider or treatment professional can offer clarity and peace of mind.