Does Acid (LSD) Show Up on a Drug Test?

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If you or a loved one is taking LSD (also known as acid) and are facing a drug test, it’s possible that the substance could be detected. While the standard urine test, a common workplace screening method, may detect LSD, many tests don’t include it in routine screening. This is partly because LSD is often used in tiny amounts, making it harder to identify.

However, whether or not LSD shows up on a test depends on the type of test used, the time elapsed since the last dose, and factors like dosage, usage patterns, metabolism, and body weight. Generally, if a drug test specifically screens for LSD, there’s a strong likelihood of detection.

How Long Does LSD Show Up on a Drug Test?

The detection window for LSD varies by test type. Here’s a general breakdown of how long LSD can show up after use:

  • Urine Tests: LSD is detectable in urine for 1-4 days. Standard urine strip tests typically detect LSD within 1-3 days, yielding a result within minutes. More advanced urine spectrum analysis can identify traces up to four days post-use.
  • Blood Tests: Detectable for about 6-12 hours, as LSD rapidly metabolizes out of the bloodstream. Since blood tests are uncommon in workplace drug screenings, these are rarely used for detecting LSD.
  • Hair and Nail Tests: LSD can appear in hair or nail samples for up to 90 days, depending on hair length and growth rate. However, these tests are not frequently used for LSD detection, as they can be unreliable, particularly for occasional or low-dose users.
  • Half-Life and Dosage: The more you take, the longer it takes for LSD to fully clear your body, as it accumulates metabolites that linger in your system.


    Microdosing and LSD Detection

    Microdosing, typically involving 20 micrograms or less, is popular for self-medicating conditions such as anxiety or depression. These doses, though small, can still accumulate metabolites in the kidneys over time, making detection possible in urine tests. Although hair and nail samples might also show microdosing with prolonged use, these tests remain uncommon for workplace screenings.

    If you’ve been microdosing regularly, it’s increasingly likely you’ll test positive on more sensitive drug tests.

    Factors Influencing LSD Detection

    Several factors impact whether LSD shows up on a drug test:

  1. Time Since Last Use: Most tests are effective within 1-4 days.
  2. Amount Used: LSD breaks down relatively quickly, but larger doses extend the presence of metabolites.
  3. Usage Patterns: Regular, repeated use increases metabolite buildup, raising the chance of a positive result.
  4. Duration of Use: Long-term use can increase metabolite levels, making even small doses detectable.
  5. Body Weight and Metabolism: Higher body fat can store more metabolites, prolonging detectability, especially in those with fatty liver or similar conditions.

LSD Testing in the Workplace

Most workplaces don’t specifically test for LSD due to its minimal dosing. Standard LSD doses (10-200 micrograms) are far smaller than those of other drugs, making detection more challenging. For this reason, many tests require specialized laboratory analysis, like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which is more costly than standard immunoassays.

Employers are unlikely to invest in these advanced tests unless LSD use is suspected.

Seeking Help and Support

If you’re using LSD and feel it’s affecting your career, health, or relationships, it may be time to seek help. Sometimes, people use substances to cope with deeper issues, which can worsen over time. Behavioral therapy, counseling, and support networks can help you address these root problems without relying on substances.

While LSD isn’t typically classified as addictive, it may contribute to or worsen mental health challenges, increase anxiety, or serve as an unhelpful coping mechanism.

At Asana Recovery, we offer a range of treatment options, including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, to support those dealing with substance use. For more information on our services, please reach out to our team in Orange County, California, to explore a treatment path tailored to your needs.

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Hallucinogens DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, June 2023, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Drug Testing.” SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “LSD.” MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610047.html

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “What Are the Long-Term Effects of LSD?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, March 2023, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/hallucinogens/what-are-long-term-effects

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