Drug Information · Detection Times

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

Ketamine is typically detectable in urine for 2–4 days after a single use. In blood, ketamine clears within 24 hours, though its metabolite norketamine is detectable for slightly longer. Hair follicle tests can detect ketamine use for up to 90 days. Ketamine is increasingly included in standard UK drug testing panels.

⚠️ Driving under the influence of ketamine is a criminal offence. The UK legal limit for ketamine is 20 micrograms per litre of blood.

Ketamine detection windows by test type

Test type
Detection window
Notes
💧Urine
2–4 days (heavy users: up to 14 days)
Norketamine metabolite detected; used in workplace and police tests
🩸Blood
Up to 24 hours
Rapid clearance; ketamine has a short half-life
🦷Saliva
24–48 hours
Roadside UK DrugWipe testing
💇Hair
Up to 90 days
Used for employment and legal drug history screening

Estimates only. Individual results vary based on metabolism, body weight, hydration, and frequency of use.

Detection times for other substances

Frequently asked questions

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How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System? | Detection Times UK | SoberNation