May 11, 2026 · Journal of addiction medicine · DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001707

Prolonged Fentanyl Detection on Urine Drug Testing: A Case for Revising Interpretation Frameworks in the Setting of Chronic Use

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The authors investigate the prolonged detection of fentanyl in urine drug tests (UDT) among individuals with opioid use disorder, highlighting cases where positive results persisted for 170 and 210 days after last use, contrary to existing guidelines suggesting a detection window of only 1-3 days. They argue for the urgent need to revise interpretation frameworks for UDT to prevent misattribution of abstinence and to protect families from unnecessary legal and social consequences. The study emphasizes the importance of considering extended detection windows in clinical and child welfare contexts.

Noemi Plaza, Tresne Hernandez, Simone Vais

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