Detection times

Detection times for opiates – morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone

Opiates and opioids are a broad group comprising both natural (morphine, codeine) and synthetic (oxycodone, tramadol, methadone, buprenorphine) substances. Detection times vary markedly.

Detection window

  • Saliva test

    Detection window
    1–48 hours

  • Urine – rapid test (morphine/codeine)

    Detection window
    1–3 days

  • Urine – heroin (6-MAM)

    Detection window
    8–24 hours6-MAM is a specific marker for heroin

  • Urine – oxycodone

    Detection window
    2–4 days

  • Urine – methadone/buprenorphine

    Detection window
    3–7 days

  • Hair

    Detection window
    Up to 90 days (3 cm hair segment)

Times are approximate and vary with dose, frequency, individual metabolism and cut-off value.

Factors that affect detection time

  • Which specific opioid – large differences between the substances
  • Prescription painkillers – very common, MRO review standard
  • Liver metabolism
  • Poppy seeds in the diet (rarely triggers a result)

Related

Frequently asked questions about opiates and opioids

Heroin is metabolised to 6-MAM (6-monoacetylmorphine), which is specific to heroin use. The presence of 6-MAM in confirmation analysis is conclusively heroin, not legitimate morphine use.

Dig deeper by substance

Substance-specific detection times

Detailed detection windows, contributing factors, and frequently asked questions per substance.

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Detection times for opiates – morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone