The use of “Lean” raises questions about its detectability in drug screenings. This article explores whether its ingredients are detectable through standard drug tests.
What is Lean?
“Lean,” also known by street names such as “purple drank,” “sizzurp,” or “dirty Sprite,” typically refers to a concoction that includes prescription-strength codeine cough syrup and promethazine. These two pharmaceutical components are often combined with a soft drink, creating a recreational beverage. The mixture’s intended effects, which can include euphoria, a sense of dissociation, and drowsiness, stem from the opioid properties of codeine and the antihistamine effects of promethazine.
Key Components and Their Detectability
The primary active ingredient in Lean is codeine, an opioid routinely detectable in standard drug panels (e.g., 5-panel or 10-panel tests). It metabolizes into morphine, which is also a detectable substance. Urine tests can detect codeine for 24 to 72 hours, blood tests for up to 24 hours, and saliva tests for up to four days. Hair follicle tests offer the longest detection period, up to 90 days.
Promethazine, an antihistamine, is generally not included in routine drug test panels. While specialized or expanded toxicology screens could potentially detect it, this is uncommon for standard screenings. Promethazine can be detected in urine for 48 to 72 hours, in blood for up to 24 hours, and in saliva for 2-3 days. It has also been reported to cause false-positive results for amphetamines in some immunoassay drug screens.
Factors Influencing Detection
Several physiological and usage-related factors can influence how long codeine, derived from Lean, remains detectable in a person’s system. The dosage consumed and the frequency of use directly impact detection times; higher doses or more frequent ingestion generally lead to a longer presence of the substance in the body. Individual metabolic rates vary significantly among people, influencing how quickly the body processes and eliminates substances. Hydration levels can also play a role, as increased fluid intake might dilute urine samples. However, laboratories often test for creatinine levels to identify diluted samples, which can be flagged as suspicious. While less significant for codeine compared to some other substances, body fat can sometimes store certain compounds, potentially extending their detection window. The overall health of an individual, particularly the function of their liver and kidneys, can affect the body’s ability to metabolize and excrete codeine, thereby influencing detection times.
Interpreting Test Results
A positive drug test result for codeine does not automatically indicate illicit use. A Medical Review Officer (MRO), who is a licensed physician with specialized knowledge in drug testing, plays a significant role in interpreting these results. The MRO’s function is to review laboratory findings and engage in a confidential conversation with the individual to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the positive result. It is important for individuals to provide valid prescription information for any detected substances, such as codeine, to the MRO for verification. Without a verifiable prescription, a positive test for codeine could lead to various consequences, including employment implications or legal ramifications depending on the context of the drug test. Federal guidelines, like those established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), outline procedures for MRO review and verification of prescriptions in workplace drug testing programs.