Drug Testing for Phencyclidine (PCP) Use

Phencyclidine (PCP) remains one of the most dangerous and unpredictable dissociative drugs in circulation. Recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that approximately 0.3% of Americans aged 12 or older reported using PCP in the past year₁. Let us examine the basics of drug testing for Phencyclidine (PCP) use, including a brief history, effects of the drug, testing requirements, windows of detection and cutoff levels.

What Is PCP?

Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP or “angel dust,” is a dissociative anesthetic that was originally developed in the 1950s for surgical use. It was discontinued for human use in 1965 due to its severe side effects, including post-operative delirium and psychosis₂. However, the drug still remains in use as a veterinary tranquilizing agent.

It is currently classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, indicating both high abuse potential and severely restricted medical applications₃.

In its pure form, PCP exists as a white crystalline powder that readily dissolves in water or alcohol. On the street, it’s commonly found in various forms:

• Powder (white or colored)
• Tablets or capsules
• Liquid
• Leafy materials (marijuana, mint, oregano, or parsley) sprayed with PCP

Street samples often contain contaminants and varying concentrations of PCP, making dosing extremely unpredictable. PCP is sometimes sold as MDMA or other drugs without the user’s knowledge, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Common routes of administration include:

• Smoking (most common)
• Oral consumption
• Snorting
• Intravenous injection
• Sublingual absorption

PCP’s Effect On The Body

PCP primarily acts as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist in the brain, but also affects other neurotransmitter systems₄:

1. Glutamate: Blocks NMDA receptors
2. Dopamine: Increases release and blocks reuptake
3. Serotonin: Moderate effects on various receptor subtypes
4. Norepinephrine: Increases synaptic levels

These mechanisms produce effects within 2-5 minutes when smoked, or 30-60 minutes when taken orally, and usually lasts for 8 hours or more for typical doses, or up to 24-48 hours for higher doses₅.

Users commonly experience the following immediate effects:

• Dissociation from environment
• Feelings of strength and invulnerability
• Severe disorientation
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Altered perception of pain
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Impaired coordination
• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Nystagmus (repetitive eye movements)
• Hyperthermia

Severe adverse effects can include:

• Seizures
• Psychosis
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Respiratory depression
• Coma
• Death

The dissociative effects of PCP can lead to dangerous behavior, including self-injury, suicide attempts, and violent actions toward others₆.

When Is Drug Testing for Phencyclidine (PCP) Use Required?

PCP testing is mandated in various contexts:

Workplace Testing:

• Pre-employment screening
• Random drug testing programs
• Post-accident testing
• Reasonable suspicion testing

The Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing program includes PCP as one of its five mandatory testing categories, alongside marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids₇.

Additional Reasons For Testing:

• Emergency department toxicology
• Law enforcement investigations
• Probation/parole monitoring
• Substance abuse treatment programs
• Child custody cases
• Military drug testing

What Type of Specimens Are Used for PCP Testing?

PCP can be detected in various biological specimens. The type of specimen chosen depends on testing factors like purpose, desired detection window, and method availability.

Urine is the most commonly used specimen for PCP drug testing. Blood, hair and oral fluid (saliva) can also be tested, although they are rarely used.

What Are The Test Cutoff Levels for PCP?

The initial cutoff level for PCP for DOT employees is 25 ng/mL₈. If the sample contains drug levels that exceed the initial cutoff, the sample will be retested using a lower cutoff level to confirm the positive result. The cutoff used for confirmatory testing is 25 ng/mL.

Cutoffs for non-DOT employees typically mirror these same levels.

How Long Is PCP Detectable?

PCP is metabolized by the liver into major metabolites PCHP and PPC. The detection window varies significantly based on several factors₉:

Usage Patterns:

• Single use: 2-7 days in urine
• Chronic use: up to 30 days in urine
• Heavy chronic use: potentially longer

Specimen Type Detection Windows:

• Urine: 2-30 days
• Blood: 1-3 days
• Oral fluid: 1-3 days
• Hair: up to 90 days

Factors Affecting Detection

Several factors can influence PCP detection windows:

Physiological Factors:

• Metabolic rate
• Body mass index
• Kidney function
• Liver function
• Hydration status
• Age
• Gender

Drug-Related Factors:

• Dose consumed
• Frequency of use
• Route of administration
• Drug purity
• Concurrent substance use

Who Are The Main Users of PCP?

PCP use patterns have evolved since its introduction in the 1960s₁₀:

• Initially popular in the 1970s and 1980s
• Use declined in the 1990s but has seen periodic resurgence
• More common in urban areas
• Higher prevalence among:
  • Males aged 18-25
  • Individuals with history of other drug use
  • Urban populations
  • People with mental health conditions

Recent trends show PCP being used in combination with other drugs, particularly marijuana, increasing the risk of adverse effects₁₁.

Conclusion

PCP remains one of the most dangerous drugs of abuse, with significant risks for both users and those around them. Its unpredictable effects and the potential for violent behavior make reliable testing protocols essential for workplace safety and public health. Understanding detection windows and testing methods is crucial for effective monitoring and intervention strategies. If you or someone you know suffers from PCP addiction, reach out for help from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible

References

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
2. Bey, T., & Patel, A. (2007). Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects. Western Journal of Emergency Medicine.
3. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2023). Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide.
4. Morris, H., & Wallach, J. (2014). From PCP to MXE: A comprehensive review of the non-medical use of dissociative drugs. Drug Testing and Analysis.
5. Medical Review Officer Guidance Manual . (2024, Feb 1). Retrieved from Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/mro-guidance-manual-2024.pdf
6. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2023). Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2020-2022.
7. Department of Transportation. (2023). DOT Drug Testing Program Requirements.
8. 3.DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.85. (2023, June 6). Retrieved from U.S. Department of Transportation: https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40/40-85
9. Baselt, R. C. (2020). Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 12th Edition.
10. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Drug Facts: Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs.
11. American Association of Clinical Chemistry. (2023). Laboratory Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring of Drug Use.