Kratom refers to Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have been traditionally used for various purposes. People typically consume Kratom by swallowing raw plant matter in capsule or powder form, mixing it into food or drinks, or brewing it as a tea. While standard drug tests do not typically screen for Kratom, it can show up in urine tests specifically designed to detect its compounds.
Kratom’s Active Compounds and Detection
The detection of Kratom in urine tests centers on its primary active alkaloids, mitragynine and its metabolite, 7-hydroxymitragynine. Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid in Kratom leaves, and it is metabolized in the body into 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Identifying these compounds often begins with an immunoassay, which is a preliminary screening method. If the initial screen indicates a positive result, confirmation typically involves more sophisticated analytical techniques. These advanced methods include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). These specialized laboratory techniques precisely identify and quantify the presence of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in urine samples, providing definitive results.
Detection Window
Kratom and its metabolites can be detected in urine for a certain period following consumption. For most users, the typical detection window in urine ranges from a few days up to about a week.
While a general range exists, the exact duration for an individual can vary. Some sources suggest that trace levels might be discoverable for more than a week, particularly with heavy or chronic use. However, for the average user, the presence of Kratom compounds in urine is most likely to be identified within five to seven days after the last use.
Factors Affecting Detection Time
Several physiological and usage-related elements influence how long Kratom remains detectable in urine. The amount of Kratom consumed, or dosage, directly impacts how long it stays in the system; higher doses generally lead to longer detection times. Similarly, the frequency of use plays a significant role, as chronic or heavy users tend to have extended detection windows compared to occasional users.
An individual’s metabolism, influenced by genetic factors, liver and kidney function, and overall metabolic rate, also affects the speed at which the body processes and eliminates these compounds. Individuals with faster metabolisms may clear Kratom more quickly. Body composition, specifically body fat percentage, can also influence detection time, as some compounds might accumulate in fatty tissues, potentially prolonging their presence. While not a reliable way to avoid detection, extreme hydration can dilute urine, which might affect test results, though laboratories often account for this by checking urine creatinine levels.
Standard Drug Screens and Kratom
Kratom is typically not included in common “standard” drug screens, such as 5-panel or 10-panel drug tests. These routine tests usually target substances like opiates, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Detecting Kratom specifically requires specialized testing. These targeted tests look for mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are not part of basic drug panels. Such specialized tests might be administered in specific circumstances, including certain employer drug testing policies, forensic toxicology investigations, or within pain management clinics where comprehensive drug screens are common. While not a routine substance for screening, Kratom can certainly be identified if a test is specifically designed to detect its compounds.