Doctors have used this powerful dissociative anesthetic for medical procedures since the 1960s.More recently, researchers and clinicians have focused on its potential to treat depression and other mental health conditions, along with its growing use as a recreational drug. Because of its growing use, one of the most common questions people ask is: How long does ketamine stay in your system, and how long can it be detected in a drug test?
Several factors influence the answer. For instance, the type of drug test, the amount of the drug used, and the individual’s metabolism all play significant roles. In addition, while the substance leaves the body relatively quickly, traces may still be detectable for days—or even months—depending on the testing method.
How Ketamine Is Processed in the Body?
After someone takes the drug, the liver quickly absorbs and metabolizes it. The substance converts into compounds like norketamine, which the body removes through urine.
The drug’s half-life is about 2 to 4 hours, meaning it takes this long for its concentration in the bloodstream to reduce by half. However, just because the effects wear off within a few hours doesn’t mean the body is completely clear of the substance. Drug tests often look for metabolites, which can remain in the body much longer.
Detection Times by Test Type
Urine Tests
Most drug tests detect ketamine through urine samples.
- Detectable for up to 14 days after use
- Occasional users may test clear in 3–7 days
- Heavy or chronic use can extend the detection window
Read More: Protein in Urine Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Blood Tests
Because blood tests detect ketamine for a shorter period than routine screenings, medical professionals mainly use them in emergency settings.
- Detectable for 1–3 days after use
Saliva Tests
Saliva testing for ketamine is less common, but it can be used for quick screenings.
- Detectable for 1–2 days after use
Hair Tests
Hair follicle testing provides the longest detection window of all.
- Detectable for up to 90 days or longer
- Can reveal a history of repeated drug use.
Factors That Influence Detection
Several variables affect how long ketamine stays in your system, including:
- Frequency of Use – Regular users accumulate metabolites that take longer to clear.
- Dosage – Higher doses remain in the body longer.
- Method of Use – Intravenous use may clear more quickly than oral or nasal routes.
- Metabolism – People with faster metabolisms eliminate the drug sooner.
- Age, weight, and health – Liver and kidney function affect how the body processes the drug.
Why Ketamine May Be Tested For
Unlike substances such as marijuana or cocaine, this drug does not always appear in standard workplace drug panels. However, labs may specifically test for it in:
- Medical settings where ketamine use is suspected
- Rehabilitation programs monitoring multiple substances
- Legal or forensic cases involving impaired behavior
Can You Speed Up Ketamine Elimination?
There are many myths about flushing drugs out of your system quickly through detox drinks, exercise, or excessive hydration. While staying healthy and hydrated supports your body’s natural detox process, there is no proven method to significantly accelerate ketamine elimination. Time is the only reliable factor.
Final Thoughts
This drug leaves the bloodstream quickly, but its metabolites can remain detectable for days or even weeks, depending on the type of test. On average, urine tests can detect it for up to two weeks, blood tests for up to three days, saliva tests for two days, and hair tests for as long as three months.
If you are undergoing drug testing, it’s important to remember that detection times vary from person to person. And if use has become a concern, seeking support from medical or behavioral health professionals can make a significant difference in both health and recovery.
