Phencyclidine (PCP), also referred to as Angel Dust, is an illicit substance that causes hallucinogenic effects. PCP can be detected in the body through different tests, which can be used to help manage PCP withdrawal and addiction, in criminal investigations, or to inform medical decisions.
PCP can be detected with urine, blood, or hair tests, which can provide accurate detection in different time windows. PCP detection and elimination can be impacted by the individual’s age, weight, and amount of PCP use.
| Type of test | Peak detection time | Detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | From 4-6 hours after use | Around one week, up to 14 days |
| Blood | 1-2 hours after use | Up to 2 days |
| Hair | Several days after use | Up to 90 days |
- Phencyclidine (PCP) is an illicit drug of abuse that causes hallucinogenic effects.
- PCP has a half-life of around 21 hours, and its effects can last up to 48 hours.
- PCP can be detected for many days after use with a range of tests.
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How long does phencyclidine (PCP) linger?
Phencyclidine (PCP) has a half-life of around 21 hours, which means that the body has eliminated half of the drug in this time. It usually takes around five half-lives for a substance to be entirely eliminated, which means that PCP is often gone from the system within 5 days. [1]
PCP is a hallucinogenic drug, which is illegal in the United States and used illicitly to produce euphoric and mind-altering effects. The effects emerge within minutes and can last up to two days. [2]
PCP is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Because of this, people with impaired liver or kidney functioning may eliminate PCP more slowly. Other factors can also impact the metabolization and elimination of PCP, including the amount and duration of PCP use. [1]
What a PCP trip feels like and how long it lasts
PCP is available in various forms, most commonly powder, tablets, and liquid, and is administered by smoking, snorting, or ingesting. The dose, form, and route of administration can impact the potency and duration of effects. [2]
After smoking PCP, effects emerge within 2-5 minutes, and after ingestion, they emerge within 30-60 minutes. These effects can continue for 4-8 hours, although some effects can continue for up to 48 hours. [2]
High doses can cause hallucinogenic effects, while lower doses cause dissociative effects. Other effects of PCP include: [2][3][4]
- Feeling disconnected from reality
- Euphoria or ‘high’
- Feeling extremely strong
- Lack of fear or inhibition
- Numbness
- Impaired speech and coordination
- Bizarre movements or postures
- Increased heart rate
- Increased temperature
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Inability to feel pain
PCP drug tests and detection times
There may be circumstances in which it is necessary to test for PCP. This could include roadside testing during traffic stops, workplace screening, criminal investigations, or during addiction treatment. Tests that can be used to detect PCP include urine, blood, and hair tests. [3][5]
Urine tests
Urine tests are the most effective way to check for PCP, as the drug is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. PCP can be detected in urine within hours of use and can be detected for around 4-6 days. It may be detectable for 7-14 days after prolonged and chronic use. [3][5]
Blood tests
PCP can be detected in the blood within two hours of use and only for up to 48 hours. [1][5]
Hair tests
PCP may be detectable in hair samples after around a week and for up to 90 days. [5]
Factors influencing PCP detection and elimination
Multiple factors can influence the detection and elimination of PCP, including:
- Age and weight, as these can impact metabolism—older individuals and those with higher body fat may metabolize substances more slowly
- Liver and kidney function, as PCP is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, so impaired functioning can delay elimination times
- Additional substance or medication use, as other substances might impact PCP effects, or could cause false positive results
- The amount and frequency of PCP use, as higher doses and prolonged use can cause longer elimination times
What to do if you test positive for PCP
If you test positive for PCP, you may experience legal consequences. It may be advisable to seek legal representation. Additionally, you may benefit from advice and support from a medical professional or substance use specialist to help manage your substance use.
False positives
If you believe that this result is incorrect and you have not used PCP, a follow-up test may be necessary. Inform the doctor or person conducting the test of all medications you are taking, as this information can help recognize false-positive results.
False positives can occur, meaning that a test has indicated the presence of PCP incorrectly. This may be due to other medications, including tramadol and Benadryl. Further tests can be conducted to help ascertain accurate results. [6]
Clearing angel dust: Health risks and seeking help for PCP use
PCP causes stimulant and depressant effects on the central nervous system (CNS), which can cause dangerous short-term and long-term consequences. Large doses can lead to overdose, organ failure, heart issues, seizures, coma, or death. [2][3]
Long-term use of PCP can cause dependence and addiction to develop. It also increases the risk of serious health issues, particularly cognitive issues such as memory loss and mental health conditions such as severe anxiety and depression. [2]
People who are struggling to cut down or stop PCP use or are experiencing serious physical and mental health effects of PCP use may require professional advice and support. Treatments are available, including therapies, medications, and rehabilitation services.
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