In the US, steroids have long been used for various legal, medical, and illegal purposes. This controlled III substance in the US has been approved for use in smaller quantities for both human and veterinary purposes.
It is estimated that over 1 million individuals in the US use them illegally, including bodybuilders and athletes who are heavily dependent on them. However, whether you are an athlete, a patient, or simply curious, there is a question that always pops up in your head. “How long are steroids detectable in your system?” Well, the answers vary from person to person.
Without a prescription, these steroids are not allowed to be distributed, and there might be legal penalties. Understanding how long a steroid will stay in your system, how they are detectable, what factors can affect accurate steroid detection, and how professional drug testing can help is essential to avoid legal consequences. Let’s break it down for you.
What are steroids?
Steroids or anabolic steroids are artificially synthetic substances that work efficiently just like the male hormone testosterone. These are commonly abused performance-enhancing drugs that athletes and bodybuilders use to build muscles, reduce muscle damage while working out and enhance muscle repair.
Steroids are commonly available in two main categories, orals and injectables. Orals have a faster onset of action compared to injectables. For medical purposes, these drugs are prescribed in cases of delayed puberty, primary hypogonadism, and other testosterone deficiencies.
Will steroids show up in a drug test?
Yes, steroids are detectable in various drug tests, but not in all. It depends on some factors such as the drug test you choose, how long after administration you take the test, and the method you use to take the drug test.
Steroids will not show up in tests like at-home drug test kits, which are often used to detect commonly misused street drugs.
How long do steroids stay in your system?
The period in which a drug stays in your body varies from person to person. It also depends on various factors, including how the steroids were administered in the body, in what quantity, and whether it was mixed with some other drug or taken alone.
Each drug has a half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the drug to be flushed out of the system.
- Steroids with shorter half-lives stay in the system for a shorter period, and the body eliminates them more quickly, thereby limiting the detection window.
- Steroids with longer half-lives remain in the body for a longer period, extending their effects and ultimately the detection window.
| Type of steroid | Detection time |
| Oral steroids (Shorter half-life) | 3-6 weeks |
| Injectable steroids (stays longer) | 1-3 months |
| Corticosteroids (for medical use) | A few days to weeks |
What factors can affect how long steroids stay in your body?
Several factors determine how long steroids are detectable in your system.
Type of steroid use
Oral steroids have a faster reaction, metabolising quickly, which ensures a shorter detection window compared to injectable ones. Therefore, orals can be detected only within a month of administration, while injectables can be detected even after a month.
- Metabolism rate
If your metabolism is fast, the drug will likely leave your system more quickly.
- Dosage
The higher the dosage and the longer the duration of use, the more it ultimately increases the detection window.
- Age, weight, and health
Healthy kidneys and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help your body to remove substances more efficiently.
Which drug tests are available for steroid screening?
Urine drug test (up to 28 days)
The most common, trusted, and accurate ways to detect steroids are urine tests. Traces of steroids can be detected in urine samples for up to 28 days after the last use. However, it varies with a person’s metabolism and the quantity they consume.
Blood test (up to 14 days)
This test provides fast results in detecting steroids even after 14 days of last use.
Saliva test ( up to 24 hours)
Although this test is not commonly employed because of its small detection window. However, experts use this test alongside a urine or blood test for more conclusive results.
Hair follicle test (up to 12 months)
Due to its longer detection window, this test is often employed for legal cases. The minute quantities of steroids remain on the keratin of your hair follicles. This helps law enforcement to make a monthly report over a set period.
What happens if a steroid drug test comes back positive?
If a drug test for steroids comes back positive, it might have serious legal consequences, which will depend on why the test was requested in the first place. It can lead to disqualification or possible termination from employment.
If the test is requested in a relevant custody case, the results will impact the court’s final decision and can also deny your visitation claims. However, it does not directly make the person guilty, and in some cases, individuals are allowed to request a reconsideration of the case if they are willing to go to rehab.
Take the First Step to Safety: Book Your Drug Testing Today!
Conclusion
The misuse of these synthetic steroids poses various health risks, including kidney or liver problems. Failing a drug test has some consequences for athletes and can affect their future careers. However, knowing how detection works doesn’t help you pass the test, but it can help protect your health.
At Choice DNA, we are committed to providing you with accurate information, enabling you to make informed choices for your health and career. Our confidential testing services are designed to trace even the smallest traces of steroids. We utilise advanced equipment and follow strict procedures to deliver accurate drug test results, particularly in sports-related cases.
Give us a call at (800) 219-4362 and get started today!
