Tag: Hair follicle test

The length of time a drug remains detectable in the body varies significantly, influenced by a complex interplay of factors. This variability means that while some substances are cleared within hours, others, particularly with chronic use, can be detected for weeks or months after the last dose, making the question of exactly how long do certain drugs stay in your system quite complex.

In 2023, methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Concerta, was the 50th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States [1.5.6]. For those prescribed this medication, a common question is, **how long does Concerta stay in your hair?** This is particularly relevant for hair follicle drug tests, which have a long detection window.

While most drugs are cleared from the body within days or weeks, hair follicle tests can detect some substances for up to 90 days or even longer [1.4.3, 1.4.4]. So, can drugs stay in your body for years? The answer is complex, involving drug type, body tissues, and testing methods.