Does Vicodin show up on drug tests?

Yes, Vicodin shows up on drug tests. However, detection periods range according to many different variables including the type of Vicodin test and the length of time you’ve been using the drug. Learn more about Vicodin drug testing and how Vicodin shows up on drug tests here.

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Types of Vicodin drug testing

Drug testing is a science and ranges from highly specific, and expensive testing that require skilled lab technicians …. to quick and easy tests that are cheaper. Most commonly, drug tests for Vicodin use urine, which has the benefit of being inexpensive and less intrusive than other types of tests (blood test). Although Urine testing is the most cost effective, reliable, and widely used test for Vicodin and hydrocodone, it does have its disadvantages. Urine tests for Vicodin cannot indicate the amount of Vicodin in the blood and can be easy to alter. Other testing and screening tools use specimens other than urine (sweat patch, hair testing). The main types of drug tests used to detect Vicodin include:

  1. urine
  2. blood
  3. hair
  4. saliva
  5. sweat

Urine testing for Vicodin

One single dose of hydrocodone can be detected in urine for 6-24 hours after consumption. However, the sensitivity of detection relies upon the precision of the test. In a recent study, urine samples containing low to moderate concentrations of hydrocodone went undetected a by conventional commercial immunoassays called Coat-A-Count morphine in urine (CAC) but were detected by other tests such as TDx opiates (TDx), Abuscreen radioimmunoassay (ABUS), and EMIT opiate assay. All tests in the study required a 300-ng/mL cutoff.

Vicodin detection times on drug tests

Vicodin will show up on a drug test if you take Vicodin within a specific amount of time of the test. But this time period (detection time) for Vicodin varies according to a number of personal and individual variables. To summarize, how long Vicodin stays in the system and whether or not it will show up on a drug test depends on a few factors.

Will Vicodin show on drug tests?

The amount and frequency of use, a person’s metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, drug tolerance, and urine sample will all determine whether or not Vicodin shows up on a certain drug test, or not. In general, the following guidelines apply to opiates such as Vicodin, Codeine or Morphine.

Saliva tests – Opiates can be detected in saliva 12 hours – 5 days after taking them.

Urine tests – Opiates can be detect 2-4 days in the urine.

Hair tests – Opiates can be detected up to 90 days in the hair.

Why order a drug test for Vicodin?

Courts, schools, workplaces and living environments order drug testing for a few reasons:

  • Drug tests can help identify and treat Vicodin addicts.
  • Vicodin drug testing can determine the presence of hydrocodone in the body for medical purposes (help evaluate overdose or poisoning).
  • Vicodin drug testing can determine the presence of hydrocodone in the body for legal purposes (pretrial court monitoring of drug use).
  • Drug tests can help monitor Vicodin dependency.
  • Drug testing for Vicodin might help predict and reduce the drug’s misuse.

Vicodin testing discussion

If you’re wondering whether or not you should reveal your Vicodin use to an employer, school or partner you are not alone. Many people wish to keep their medical status private. However, if you are using Vicodin as prescribed you should have nothing to worry about. If you’re trying to cover us Vicodin use for some reason…you might have a problem with addiction. Do you have a question about Vicodin testing? Please ask below. We’ll be happy to help.

Reference sources: Forensic drug testing for opiates 1995
Pretrial drug testing: an overview of issues and practices
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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