Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has seen a rapid increase in use across the United States, yet its legal and regulatory status remains complex and inconsistent. For many users, this complexity leads to one urgent question: Will kratom show up on a drug test?

The short answer is: It depends entirely on the type of test being administered.

Unlike federally scheduled substances, kratom's active compounds, primarily mitragynine and its more potent metabolite, 7-hydroxymitragynine, are not included in the vast majority of routine drug screens. However, specialized, targeted testing for these specific alkaloids is readily available and becoming more common in certain sectors.

This expert guide will demystify the science behind kratom drug testing, examine the detection windows, and cover the potential for misleading results like a kratom false positive opioid screen.

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Understanding the Basics: Standard Drug Panels and Kratom

The first step in understanding if you will face a kratom drug test is to know which type of screening panel is being used. Drug tests are often administered in panels, indicating the number of different substances they screen for.

 

Does the Standard 5-Panel or 10-Panel Drug Test Detect Kratom?

The most common workplace and legal screenings are the 5-panel and 10-panel urine drug tests.

Drug Test Panel	Substances Typically Screened	Does it Screen for Kratom?
5-Panel	Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana (THC), Opiates, PCP	NO
10-Panel	All 5-Panel drugs PLUS Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, Quaaludes, Propoxyphene	NO (Usually)

 

As shown, the routine 5-panel drug test (the most widely used by employers) does not screen for kratom. This is because standard drug panels are designed to detect substances with a high potential for abuse that are federally classified as controlled substances. Since kratom is not currently scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S., its alkaloids are not routinely included.

The 10-panel drug test also typically excludes it unless the testing agency (like Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp) is explicitly directed to add a specialized test component. Therefore, the phrase "will kratom show up on a drug test" is generally answered "no" in the context of standard screenings.

 

The Key Difference: Opiates vs. Opioids vs. Kratom Alkaloids

A critical point of confusion stems from how kratom works in the body. Kratom’s main compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are naturally occurring alkaloids that interact with the body's $\mu$-opioid receptors. This interaction produces its effects but does not mean it is an opioid, nor does it mean it registers as one on a standard test.

The typical Opiates/Opioid screening looks for compounds like morphine, codeine, and heroin metabolites. Because kratom’s chemical structure is distinct from these compounds, it will not register a positive result on a standard opioid immunoassay. This leads us to the specialized tests.

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The Specialized Test: When and How Kratom is Screened

For individuals under legal supervision, in substance abuse monitoring programs, or in specialized workplace environments (like military or Department of Transportation roles), the answer to "does kratom show on a drug test" changes to "yes, absolutely."

 

What is the Specialized Test for Kratom Called? (Mitragynine Drug Test)

When testing authorities need to confirm the presence of kratom, they specifically screen for the primary active alkaloid, mitragynine. This is often referred to as a mitragynine drug test or a specialized kratom drug screening.

The methodology used for this type of precise detection is highly advanced:

• Screening: Often done via a specific immunoassay designed to look for mitragynine metabolites.

• Confirmation: If the initial screen is positive, the sample is sent for confirmation using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This advanced method can accurately and definitively identify the presence and concentration of specific compounds, including mitragynine metabolites, leaving no ambiguity. Testing codes, such as Labcorp's specialized kratom panel (code 791750), are ordered to ensure this specific analysis is performed.

 

Why Would an Employer or Organization Test for Kratom?

While not mandated for federal drug testing, several organizations are proactively including specialized kratom testing due to policy or safety concerns:

1. Military and Government: The Department of Defense (DoD) has specifically prohibited kratom use among service members, increasing the likelihood of targeted testing.

2. Substance Abuse Treatment: Clinics and monitoring programs frequently test for kratom to ensure compliance with abstinence guidelines, especially given the plant's potential for dependence.

3. High-Risk Workplaces: Companies requiring strict sobriety standards, especially those in safety-sensitive industries, may choose to utilize specialized panels.

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Detection Windows: How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?

 

One of the most frequent long-tail questions is, "how long does kratom stay in your system?" The kratom drug test detection window is highly variable, but scientific research provides approximate timelines based on the elimination half-life of mitragynine.

The half-life of mitragynine—the time it takes for half the drug to be eliminated from the bloodstream—has been estimated to be in the range of 6 to 9 hours, though one study reported a longer terminal half-life. For complete elimination, approximately five half-lives are required.

 

Kratom Drug Test Detection Time by Sample Type

 

The type of test used significantly impacts the potential detection window:

Test Type	Approximate Detection Window	Notes on Detection
Urine Test	5 to 7 days (Up to 9 days for heavy users)	The most common method. Detection starts roughly 6 hours after use.
Blood Test	24 to 48 hours	Used to detect very recent use; shortest detection window.
Saliva Test	1 to 2 days	Rarely used for kratom, but may capture recent use.
Hair Follicle Test	Up to 90 days	Least common for kratom. Research is ongoing, but theoretically possible for long-term use history.

 

Factors Affecting Kratom Detection Time

When considering how long before a drug test should I stop taking kratom, it is vital to remember that individual physiology can dramatically alter these timelines.

• Dosage and Frequency: The higher the dose and the more frequent the use (chronic use), the longer the kratom alkaloids will accumulate and be detectable. Heavy users consistently test positive for longer periods.

• Metabolism Rate: Individuals with faster metabolisms excrete mitragynine metabolites more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.

• Age and Health: Liver and kidney function, as well as age, play a role in the body's ability to process and eliminate substances.

• Hydration and Body Composition: While hydration can temporarily dilute urine, it is not a reliable way to bypass detection. Body fat percentage and weight can also influence how long kratom remains stored in the body's tissues.

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For consumers interested in purchasing high-quality, lab-tested kratom, always prioritize vendors who provide verifiable purity reports.

 

 

Kratom and False Positives: Avoiding Misleading Results

Perhaps the most anxiety-inducing scenario for a kratom user is the possibility of a kratom false positive for methadone or other opioids on a standard screening.

 

Can Kratom Cause a False Positive for Opioids or Methadone?

While kratom is structurally distinct from traditional opioids, its interaction with the same $\mu$-opioid receptors can, in rare cases, confuse the initial immunoassay screening.

• Methadone Cross-Reactivity: The most documented instance is the potential for a kratom metabolite to cause a false positive result for methadone (or its metabolite, EDDP). This occurs because the antibodies used in the initial screening sometimes cross-react with a structurally similar compound found in kratom.

• Clinical Studies: A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology documented cases where patients using kratom screened positive for methadone via immunoassay, only to test negative upon confirmation testing.

The key takeaway here is that a presumptive positive result is not a confirmed positive result.

 

The Importance of Verification and Confirmation Testing

If you receive a presumptive positive on a standard drug test, it is crucial to request and ensure that a confirmation test (LC-MS/MS) is performed.

1. Immunoassay (Screen): The rapid, less expensive test that is prone to false positives due to cross-reactivity.

2. LC-MS/MS (Confirmation): The gold-standard test that separates compounds with extreme precision. This method will accurately determine if the substance is truly methadone/opioids or if the result was caused by mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

To simplify the process and protect yourself, it is advisable to disclose your use of kratom or any other dietary supplement to the testing administrator before the test is conducted.

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Testing Policies and Legal Status of Kratom

The legal landscape of kratom directly influences why and how often it is included in drug screenings.

 

 The Legal Status of Kratom and Its Impact on Testing

Federally, kratom is not a controlled substance in the U.S., which is the primary reason it is not on the standard SAMHSA-5 drug test panel.

However, the question "is kratom legal everywhere?" is answered with a firm "no." Several states, counties, and municipalities have banned or severely restricted its sale and possession. Where it is banned, organizations have a clear legal justification to include a mitragynine drug test in their screening policies. In these areas, the risk of a positive result carries significant legal and professional repercussions.

 

Kratom Drug Test Cutoff Levels Explained

For specialized testing, a cutoff level must be established. This is the concentration of the alkaloid (measured in nanograms per milliliter, ng/mL) that must be present for the test to be considered positive.

• Labs offering kratom screening often use a cutoff of 25 ng/mL or 1.0 ng/mL for confirmation testing, while rapid dip card tests may use a higher 250 ng/mL cutoff.

If the concentration of mitragynine in the sample is below this threshold, the result is reported as negative, even if trace amounts are present.

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Summary and Next Steps (Mitragynine Testing Facts)

 

To summarize the definitive facts regarding the question, "Will kratom show up on a drug test?":

• Standard Tests (5, 10-Panel): Generally NO, as they are not designed to look for mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine.

• Specialized Tests (LC-MS/MS): YES, these methods are highly accurate and specifically target kratom alkaloids.

• Detection Window: Varies widely, but typically up to 7 days in urine for regular users.

The most prudent approach is always to assume you could be tested. If you are subject to drug screening for employment, probation, or monitoring, you should inquire about the testing policy or abstain from use for a minimum of 7-10 days to ensure a negative result.

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FAQ 

 

 

Q: Does a 12 panel drug test detect kratom?

A: Generally, no. Like the 5-panel and 10-panel versions, a 12 panel drug test screens for a defined set of substances that typically excludes mitragynine and its metabolites. Kratom detection requires a specific, separate test or an explicitly ordered "extended panel" that includes the alkaloid.

 

Q: Can kratom cause a false positive for methadone?

A: Yes, there have been documented instances where kratom use has led to a false positive on an initial immunoassay screen for methadone (or its metabolite, EDDP). If this occurs, a laboratory confirmation test using advanced technology like LC-MS/MS will definitively rule out methadone and confirm the presence of kratom alkaloids instead.

 

Q: How long before a drug test should I stop taking kratom?

A: To minimize the risk of a positive result on a specialized kratom drug test, heavy or chronic users should consider abstaining for at least 7 to 10 days prior to the test. The conservative detection window in urine for mitragynine is approximately 7 days, but individual factors can extend this timeline.

 

Q: Is kratom tested for in workplace drug screens?

A: In most standard private sector workplaces, no, kratom is not included. However, it is increasingly tested for in specific high-regulation environments, such as military branches, some Department of Transportation roles, and certain safety-sensitive industries. Always check your employer’s specific drug policy.