What Is MTD On a Drug Test? (And the Best Way to Beat It)
When it comes to drug testing, employers who want to screen for additional drugs beyond the standard drug test may consider a methadone (MTD) test.
If you work for a company conducting MTD drug tests, you may wonder how to pass one. After years of research, I have found a way to beat MTD on a drug test.
But first, let’s answer the question of what MTD is on a drug test.
Quick Summary
The duration that methadone stays in your system will depend on the type of test and can range from weeks to months.
The 10-panel MTD drug test is perfect for those who need to determine if methadone is present.
The MTD Rapid Test is a urine-based screening test used to screen for various conditions and diseases and provides results in just minutes.
What Is MTD on a Drug Test?
MTD on a drug test is the schedule ii drug – methadone. The MTD Rapid Test (Urine) is a rapid, urine-based screening test that does not require any instruments.
Methadone (MTD) has been used since the 1970s to help people withdraw from opioids and manage addiction or pain. Unlike other opioids, methadone’s half-life is longer, and its effects last significantly longer.
This means that those addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers can take prescribed methadone as a substitute and live their everyday lives.
Methadone is used frequently in hospitals to help detox patients and those who suffer from neuropathic pain. However, some Medical Doctors prefer morphine over methadone because the withdrawal symptoms from MTD are more severe and last longer than morphine.
What is Methadone (MTD)?
Methadone is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid dependence through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and aid in pain management with other opioids. When taken correctly, methadone is safe and effective.
Methadone allows patients to achieve long-term recovery and lead active lives with purpose, despite their pain. Treatment plans that include methadone focus on the whole person, involving behavioral health therapies such as counseling [1].
“Methadone belongs to a class of drugs called opioids (narcotics). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work similarly. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.”
– Femi Aremu, Clinical Pharmacist
Several things determine how much time methadone spends in your system. A person’s age, weight, dose, metabolism, liver function, and other health conditions matter.
The length of time someone uses methadone, how often they use it, and the dosage amount all affect the time the substance stays in one’s system.
Based on opinions from healthcare professionals, how long methadone stays in your system differs significantly, anywhere from 2 days to as many as 13 days, depending on the type of test used.
1. Urine Tests
Urine tests are the most common form of testing for methadone use. The timeframe in which urine tests can detect methadone is one hour to two weeks after ingestion. Urine tests are noninvasive and easy to administer, making them relatively inexpensive.
2. Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are an easy and noninvasive way to test for methadone use. They can detect traces of methadone in saliva 30 minutes after ingestion, and those traces can stay there for a few days afterward.
3. Hair Test
Hair tests can detect methadone use over an extended period. As opposed to urine or saliva tests, which only show recent drug use, hair follicle tests can reveal drug usage dating back months. This makes them ideal for spotting individuals with long-term methadone habits.
4. Blood Test
Methadone is detectable in the bloodstream up to a few days after the last use. Blood tests are accurate but expensive, which is why they are not commonly used to test for methadone.
Does Methadone Show Up on Drug Tests?
No, methadone does not show up on drug tests unless the test provides methadone screening. If the drug test you are taking specifically tests for methadone, it will show up. The MTD drug screen is usually included in 10-panel drug tests and above.
The three ways to test for MTD are a cup test, a 10-panel drug test, or an oral swab. Let’s explore each one further.
1. Drug Test Cups
Although drug test cups are easy to use, accurate, and accessible, they require a private setting, such as a restroom, to administer the test.
2. 10-Panel Drug Test
The 10-panel MTD drug test is ideal for anyone wanting to screen for the use of illicit drugs, including:
Amphetamine (AMP)
Barbiturate (BAR)
Buprenorphine (BUP)
Cocaine (COC)
Marijuana (THC)
MDMA
Methadone (MTD)
Methamphetamine
Opiates
Oxycodone
Morphine
Heroin
3. Oral Swabs
Oral swabs that use saliva to screen for drugs are administered by collecting samples from the donor’s mouth. The benefit of oral swabs is they require less privacy than urine samples and can be given quickly on-site or in a nearby room.
Saliva oral swabs typically test for these ten illicit drugs:
Amphetamine (AMP)
Barbiturate (BAR)
Benzodiazepines (BZO)
Buprenorphine (BUP)
Cocaine (COC)
Marijuana (THC)
MDMA (MDMA)
Methamphetamine (MET)
Oxycodone (OXY)
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Methadone (MTD)
Morphine
FAQs
What Are the Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms Of Methadone?
The side effects and withdrawal symptoms of methadone include dizziness or fainting, lightheadedness, weakness, chronic fatigue, and sleep problems such as drowsiness, insomnia, constricted pupils, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
Why Test For Methadone?
People test for methadone because, like other drugs, it can impair an employee’s ability to do their job safely and effectively.
Have You Got a Drug Test Coming Up?
If you have a drug test coming up, it is essential to know what kind of drug test you are taking to prepare accordingly. If the test includes an MTD panel, ensure you understand how long the drug stays in your system and its cutoff levels on a positive result.
After several trials, I’ve concluded that detoxing is the best way to clean your system, but always try to get a doctor’s opinion first. One of the best detoxing drinks I have tried was Clear Choice Rescue Cleanse.
The Clear Choice Cleanse helps your body to remove toxins and restore balance by triggering specific cleansing processes, all using natural ingredients.
Lisa is a content writer, blogger, and entrepreneur. When she is not managing her business, Colonial Stores, Lisa spends most of her time researching about synthetic urine products to review. She loves sharing her learnings in a form of blogging that’s why she built a website to connect with many people. You can read more about me here.
