Kratom is a herbal extract that is on the list of Drugs of Concern by the DEA, like Dextromethorphan (cough suppressants) and opioids, and so on.1 If you want to know about a Kratom drug test, you might have medical reasons, like addiction issues or legal purposes. Here, you’ll know all the necessary information, like how kratom is detected in various tests and their accuracy.
If your routine use of Kratom is spiraling into a dependence, reach out to a Kratom addiction treatment near you before it gets out of control. Call 844.445.2565 ChoicePoint to discover your options.
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How is Kratom Broken Down in the Body: Active Test Compounds
Kratom contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are two alkaloids that act on the opioid receptors in the brain. Due to the changes it creates in the brain chemistry, the user feels alertness, a boost in energy, and talkativeness. Additionally, it can create euphoria and reduce pain when taken in larger amounts. That’s why it is often used to get relief from the opioid withdrawal timeline.2
What is Kratom Called on a Drug Test?
As mentioned, the primary hallucinogenic ingredient in extracts from the plant Mitragyna speciosa, also referred to as kratom, is mitragynine. A urine sample’s mitragynine content can be determined using the laboratory-based Mitragynine urine screening. For accurate results, go for a mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine drug test.
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What Class of Drug is Kratom In?Kratom doesn’t belong to any drug class as it is not a controlled substance.
Can Kratom Lead to a False Positive?Indeed, kratom may result in a false positive.3 Because mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine interact with opioid receptors similarly, there have been rare instances of kratom usage leading to false positives for methadone or other opioids.
Does kratom Show Up as an Opiate?Since mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are different substances, kratom won't appear as an opioid on a typical drug test.
What Are Kratom Drug Tests by Type?
Standard drug tests typically do not detect kratom or its active compounds. Kratom doesn’t show on the standard drug tests. So, if a Kratom overdose is the concern that urged you to look for a kratom drug test, you need to consult a toxicology expert or an addiction specialist in NJ.
1. Specialized Kratom Drug Tests
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): It shows and quantifies the alkaloids in Kratom.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): For the quantification, confirmation, and detection of Kratom.
2. Urine Drug Test
When it comes to urine tests, kratom won’t appear on the commonly conducted 5-panel drug test. These kratom alkaloids, which show up in urine about six hours after the last use and can remain there for up to nine days.
3. Blood Examinations
Blood tests can be done to check for kratom. That said, kratom leaves the bloodstream quite fast, so it may show up within a few hours to three days after taking it.
4. Saliva Examinations
Kratom may pop up in a 10-panel drug test for one to two days. But that is unlikely.
5. Hair Follicles Test
For up to ninety days, kratom may show up on a hair follicle test. However, this test is not that common nor preferred for kratom detection.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?
Here is a breakdown of the common queries on can Kratom show up on a drug test before we dig deeper:
- Does kratom show up on a 12-panel test: Yes, it may.
- Does kratom show up on a 10-panel test: Possibly
- Will kratom show up on a DOT drug screen: No
Additionally, there is a drug test that detects Kratom specifically. It’s known as a 10-panel drug test. A 10-panel drug test (and 12-panel/16-panel drug tests) can detect the substance for up to 7 days after use. However, Kratom and drug testing rely on several factors that interfere with the detection window and test accuracy.
Kratom Detection Timeline
Factors That Affect Kratom Drug Test Accuracy
The type and sensitivity of the Kratom drug test, together with a number of specific physiological and use-related factors, affect the accuracy of the test:
| Test-Specific Elements | Individual Aspects | Other Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Test: Kratom alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) are not usually detected by standard drug tests (5, 10, or 12-panel). On these typical panels, kratom has zero accuracy. | Dosage and Frequency of usage: Higher dosages and long-term, chronic usage cause the body to accumulate kratom metabolites, elongating the detection window. | Hydration and Diet: Drinking a lot of water may dilute the urine sample and provide a false negative result. Absorption rates are influenced by food consumption. |
| Test Sensitivity: Even days after consumption, more sensitive tests can identify smaller amounts of kratom metabolites, increasing the likelihood of a positive result. | Metabolism: Shorter detection times are typically the consequence of faster metabolism. | Mixing it with other drugs: Kratom can interact with other substances (such as some prescription or over-the-counter drugs like Prozac or Benadryl) and cause a false positive on some panels. |
| Sample Type: The detection windows for various sample types vary. | Age and Body Composition: Mitragynine is fat-soluble. So, older people or those with larger body fat percentages retain kratom for longer periods of time. | |
| Lab Errors: Sample contamination, incorrect labeling, and improper lab storage can all lead to inaccurate results. | Liver and Kidney activity: Since kratom is processed and eliminated by the liver and kidneys, impaired performance in these organs might slow down the elimination process, which, over time, may affect test accuracy. |
Legal Implications of Kratom Detection on a Drug Test
In the US, Kratom is legal at the federal level, while state and local laws differ. Even though you may come across it as a dietary supplement, the lack of FDA approval4, kratom’s use remains controversial.
Some of the states where the use of Kratom is banned:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Sarasota County in Florida
- San Diego
- California
- Jerseyville, Illinois
- Franklin
- New Hampshire
- Much of northeast Mississippi
If you can’t manage Kratom use, and the quantity and frequency keep increasing, ChoicePoint offers the best outpatient therapy in NJ. Fill this form to connect to our CARF-certified team.
Seek Help For Kratom Addiction At ChoicePoint
Kratom has psychoactive compounds that turn habitual usage into a dependence like wildfire. If you are using Kratom more than usual or have an upcoming test, you can get help from an insurance-covered detox in NJ at our luxury rehab.
Our 7 Day Rehab and Detox in NJ is a combination of medications and addiction therapies to give you a push to be addiction-free. Call 844.445.2565 to know your treatment options.
Words of A ChoicePoint Alumni
Here are some user experiences to help you understand what you may go through:
ChoicePoint was such an amazing place to focus on my recovery. They helped me so much to focus on my recovery, helped me stay clean, and also helped me become a better person. I will definitely miss this place. Thank u to my counselor, Melissa Darrien, and my peers in group, and all the counselors and staff at ChoicePoint for helping me be me again. best rehab I've ever been to. Thank u so much.- Our Valued Patient
More Details on Kratom Drug Test
Got particular queries on: does Kratom show on a drug test? Here are the answers:
1. Are there drug tests that can show how much kratom someone has taken? For say, if someone takes 50 pills a day.
The specialized tests that determine a high concentration of the compounds in Kratom. But the exact number of pills that a person takes won’t be determined.
2. I just failed a drug test for kratom, but have never taken the stuff. Any idea how this happened?
There are certain prescription drugs, like benzodiazepines, opiates, and certain cough suppressants, that can result in a false-positive urine test.5
3. I’m not using kratom, but I’m testing positive in a Kratom drug test. What should I do?
Request a confirmation test that specifically detects the active compounds in Kratom, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
4. I have heard recently that kratom can cause a false positive for methadone during a urine drug screen. Can anyone attest to the validity of this?
According to research, Kratom can result in a false positive urine test for Methadone.
How long does kratom tea stay in your system if you are getting a drug test?
The average detection window, or the timeline of its retention in your system, is 7-9 days.
References
- https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/Kratom-Drug-Fact-Sheet.pdf
- Rogers JM, Smith KE, Strickland JC, Epstein DH. Kratom Use in the US: Both a Regional Phenomenon and a White Middle-Class Phenomenon? Evidence From NSDUH 2019 and an Online Convenience Sample. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021 Dec 20;12.
- Pierre C, Gineste C, Bazydlo L. A Kratom Metabolite Causes False Positive Urine Drug Screening Results for Methadone. American Journal of Clinical Pathology [Internet]. 2020 Oct [cited 2025 May 3];154(Supplement_1):S19–20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcp/aqaa137.035
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA and Kratom [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2019. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
- What drugs are likely to interfere with urine drug screens? | Drug Information Group | University of Illinois Chicago [Internet]. Available from:
https://dig.pharmacy.uic.edu/faqs/2021-2/may-2021-faqs/what-drugs-are-likely-to-interfere-with-urine-drug-screens/
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
Struggling with Kratom Use? Get Help at ChoicePoint NJ Rehab
Struggling with Kratom Use? Get Help at ChoicePoint NJ Rehab
