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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Drug Screening

Ketamine

A ketamine urine test is a qualitative screening that detects the presence of ketamine or its metabolites in urine. Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic used medically for anaesthesia and pain management, but may also be used as a recreational substance.

What It Measures

This test detects the presence of ketamine and its primary metabolite norketamine in urine. Ketamine is metabolised in the liver, and norketamine is the predominant urinary metabolite. The test provides a qualitative result indicating whether these metabolites are present above the assay cut-off level.

Ketamine is not typically included in standard workplace drug screening panels, requiring a targeted assay for reliable detection.

Why It Matters

Ketamine detection is relevant for clinical assessment, substance use monitoring, and forensic evaluations. While ketamine has legitimate medical applications, its recreational use may be associated with urological, cognitive, and psychological effects.

Targeted testing supports accurate identification and helps distinguish medical from non-medical use when clinical context is considered.

When to Test

Testing may be relevant when ketamine use is suspected, as part of an extended drug screening panel, during treatment monitoring, or in forensic or clinical evaluations. Standard drug panels do not typically include ketamine.

Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on when targeted ketamine screening is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can ketamine be detected in urine?
Ketamine and its metabolite norketamine are generally detectable in urine for approximately 2 to 4 days after use. The detection window may vary based on dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.
Is ketamine detected on standard drug tests?
Ketamine is generally not included in standard workplace drug screening panels such as the 5-panel or 10-panel tests. A specific, targeted assay is required for reliable detection of ketamine and its metabolites.
What should I expect from a ketamine urine test?
The test involves providing a urine sample, which is analysed for ketamine and norketamine. Results are qualitative, indicating detection above or below the assay threshold. Confirmatory testing may be performed using mass spectrometry.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.