If you like to take the odd trip, you may be wondering if it can land you in trouble. After all, failing a drug test can have very serious consequences for your career and even your freedom in some cases, but there's a number of questions to answer. Do drug tests look for LSD use? How long does LSD/acid stay in your system? How can you prepare for a drug test?
Is LSD/acid commonly tested for?
It's actually not that common to test for LSD use, even in extended drug tests. LSD is not on the SAMHSA-5 list of drugs, so your basic 5-panel test won't pick it up. LSD is also chemically distinct, so it doesn't tend to trigger false positives for any other drugs.
That said, drug testing labs are constantly evolving the range of drugs they test for, so never assume that you won't be tested for LSD. There are also specific tests for LSD that can be ordered on request when there's a specific suspicion.
How long does LSD/acid stay in your system?
LSD is actually metabolized very quickly by the body, with there being little or none left in your system after 24 hours. Unfortunately, its metabolites can linger a little longer in the body, and these may be detected by a drug test.
Urine tests, for example, typically have a detection window of 2-24 hours for LSD, but this increases to four days if the 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD metabolite is tested for. When looking for LSD, saliva tests can also usually detect any use from the last two to four days.
Hair tests are also a potential problem, as they can usually detect drug use from the last 90 days. There's no guarantee that the lab will even be looking for LSD, but if it is, expect the 90-day detection window to apply to you.
How can you prepare for a drug test?
A good place to start would be to find out, without triggering any suspicion, which drugs you'll be tested for. If you'll just be tested for the basic SAMHSA-5 groups of drugs, you don't need to worry about failing for LSD use. For an extended drug test, however, you'll need to obtain a specific list of what you will be tested for.
The second way you can prepare is by avoiding any LSD use in the four days or so before a drug test, although this won't help with hair drug tests.
If neither of these options works for you, detox products can help to get you through your test. For example, detox drinks can be used shortly before a urine drug test to trigger the production of clean urine for drug tests. You can also prepare for saliva tests by using a detox mouthwash before giving a sample. With any detox product, always follow the instructions closely.
You may be particularly worried about hair drug tests due to the long 90-day detection period, but even these can be safely taken after using a detox shampoo.
