Phencyclidine (PCP), commonly known by street names like “angel dust,” is a powerful dissociative drug initially developed as an anesthetic. Its use in humans was discontinued due to significant adverse effects, including hallucinations and agitation. PCP is eliminated from the body over time, but the duration it remains detectable varies considerably among individuals and depends on several factors.
PCP Detection Windows
The length of time PCP can be detected in the body depends on the type of biological sample used for testing. These detection windows offer general ranges, but individual variability is common.
Urine tests are frequently employed to detect PCP. A single use of PCP can be identified in urine for up to five days. For occasional users, detection can extend to 7-14 days, while habitual users may show positive for up to 30 days.
Blood tests offer a shorter detection window for PCP. PCP is detectable in blood for approximately 24 to 48 hours after use. Blood tests are most useful for detecting very recent use.
Saliva tests can identify PCP for 24 to 48 hours after the last use. These tests can detect PCP within minutes of ingestion.
Hair follicle tests provide the longest detection window, identifying PCP for up to 90 days. This extended window is due to the drug and its metabolites becoming trapped in hair follicles as hair grows. It takes about 5 to 10 days for PCP to become detectable in hair samples.
Factors Affecting Detection Times
Several individual and substance-related factors can influence how long PCP remains detectable in a person’s system. These factors contribute to the wide range of detection times observed across different individuals.
The dosage and frequency of PCP use are key factors. Higher doses take longer for the body to metabolize and eliminate, leading to extended detection windows. Chronic or frequent use can cause the drug to accumulate, resulting in longer detection times compared to infrequent use.
Individual metabolic rates influence how quickly PCP is processed. Differences in liver and kidney function, age, and genetics can affect the speed at which the body clears the drug. Individuals with faster metabolisms eliminate PCP more quickly.
PCP is a fat-soluble (lipophilic) substance, meaning it can accumulate and be stored in fatty tissues. This accumulation can lead to a prolonged presence as the drug is slowly released back into the bloodstream. Individuals with a higher body fat percentage may retain PCP for longer periods.
Hydration levels can also influence excretion. Adequate hydration can support the elimination process, whereas dehydration might prolong the detection window by concentrating urine. Urine pH levels can affect the excretion rate of PCP.
PCP Metabolism and Elimination
The body processes and eliminates PCP through a series of biological steps, primarily involving the liver and kidneys. This metabolic pathway is how the drug is broken down and eventually removed from the system.
PCP is primarily metabolized in the liver. During this process, enzymes transform PCP into various inactive metabolites. This initial breakdown accounts for a major part of the drug’s elimination.
After metabolism in the liver, PCP and its metabolites are primarily excreted from the body through the kidneys in urine. While a small percentage of PCP may be excreted unchanged, the majority leaves the body after conversion into metabolites. The half-life of PCP, the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated, ranges from 7 to 46 hours, with an average of about 21 hours.
The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system, particularly CYP3A, plays a key role in the liver’s metabolism of PCP. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down many drugs and other substances. The specific metabolic pathways can vary among individuals, influencing the rate at which PCP is cleared from the system.