Quick answer
Kratom (mitragynine) is typically detectable in urine for ~3 days after occasional use; 5–7 days after regular use; up to ~9 days documented in chronic users after heavy use. It is not part of standard employment panels.
Not screened on standard employment panels.
Typical cutoff: Specialized LC–MS tests for mitragynine exist (labs vary, often 1–100 ng/mL); not on any standard immunoassay panel.
Detection window by test type
| urine | |
|---|---|
| Occasional use | ~3 days |
| Regular use | 5–7 days |
| Heavy use | up to ~9 days documented in chronic users |
| saliva | |
| Any use | ~1–3 days (specialized) |
| hair | |
| Any use | up to 90 days (rarely offered) |
| blood | |
| Any use | ~2–3 days |
Ranges reflect typical published detection windows and vary with dose, frequency, body composition, hydration and the assay used.
Key details
Kratom is not on standard workplace panels. Its active alkaloids bind opioid receptors but are structurally unrelated to morphine, so opiate immunoassays do not react — a kratom user screens negative on a normal 5/10/12-panel cup.
Specialized liquid-chromatography testing can identify mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, but those tests are ordered mainly by pain clinics, researchers, or coroners, not HR departments.
Some 'legal high' warning systems now test for 7-OH specifically as concentrated extracts grow. If your program tests for novel psychoactive compounds, ask which expanded list applies.
State law matters: kratom is banned in a handful of states and municipalities regardless of testing practices.
False positives & cross-reactivity
- Kratom does not cross-react with standard opiate screens in validated assays; older studies suggested weak methadone-assay interference, resolved by confirmatory testing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does kratom (mitragynine) stay in your system?
In urine, typical detection is ~3 days (occasional use); 5–7 days (regular use); up to ~9 days documented in chronic users (heavy use). Hair can detect use for up to 90 days and saliva/blood windows are usually shorter.
Will kratom (mitragynine) show up on a standard drug test?
No — Kratom (mitragynine) is not part of the standard 5-, 10- or 12-panel or DOT tests. It would require a specialised or expanded assay.
Can anything cause a false positive for kratom (mitragynine)?
Kratom does not cross-react with standard opiate screens in validated assays; older studies suggested weak methadone-assay interference, resolved by confirmatory testing.
How accurate are these detection windows?
They are typical ranges from published literature and assay documentation, not guarantees. Clearance depends on dose, frequency, metabolism and the specific test cutoff used.
Related substances
Cite this page
DrugPanels. “Kratom (mitragynine) Detection Time.” https://drugpanels.com/detection/kratom/. Accessed 2026-09-10.
Sources
- DEA drug scheduling and controlled-substance docket materials — U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration — dea.gov
- Lydecker AG et al., detection of mitragynine in urine, Journal of Analytical Toxicology — Journal of Analytical Toxicology / PubMed — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Detection windows describe typical ranges from the published literature and assay documentation; individual results vary. See our methodology.