Urine
Amphetamines
A urine test for amphetamine (speed) and related substances. For monitoring your own use or a medical question.
€ 53,00
All tests
Metals, toxins and medication · Urine
Amphetamines (urine)
A urine test for amphetamines shows whether speed or a related substance has been used in the past few days.
At a glance
- Measured in urine
- In 2 test panels
- No special preparation
Explanation
Amphetamines (urine): what is measured?
The analysis looks in urine for amphetamine, the active substance in speed, and related substances such as methamphetamine. The ADHD medicines dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine are also amphetamines. This screening test is an immunoassay: a test with antibodies that reacts to a group of substances and not to one single substance. The laboratory uses a cut-off of 500 µg/l; the test does not measure whether someone is under the influence at this moment.
What can it detect?
- Use of speed (amphetamine) or methamphetamine in the past few days
- Use of ADHD medicines that are themselves an amphetamine, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine
Result
What does the result mean?
Positive result
A positive result means there is amphetamine or a related substance in the urine above the laboratory's cut-off. According to the Trimbos Institute, speed is detectable in urine 1 to 5 days after use, longer with heavy and frequent use; the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry (NVKC) gives 2 to 3 days for amphetamines. Anyone taking dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine for ADHD correctly tests positive, because these are amphetamines themselves. Some other medicines can also give a positive result without any amphetamine having been used. A positive result shows that a substance is in the body; it is not a diagnosis and says nothing about dependence, the amount or the time of use.
Negative result
A negative result means no amphetamine or related substance was found above the cut-off. This does not completely rule out use: very shortly after use, or if use was more than a few days ago, the result can be negative. Ecstasy (MDMA) is chemically similar to amphetamine, but an amphetamine test detects it inconsistently; a negative result therefore does not rule out ecstasy use. Diluted urine from drinking a lot can bring the value below the cut-off.
After an abnormal result
With a positive result that may have consequences, the laboratory has the result confirmed with a second method of analysis that can tell amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA apart. The GP then looks at medicines and the context: amount, frequency, symptoms and any wish to cut down or quit, and refers to addiction care if needed.
Reliability
How reliable is the test?
The test says something about use in the past few days, not about health or the extent of use. Without knowing which medicines someone takes, a positive result cannot be interpreted. The Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry (NVKC) states that a positive result of a screening test must be confirmed with a second, different method of analysis; a confirmation test is not included in this test.
What can affect the result?
- A screening test reacts to a group of substances and can give a false-positive result; according to the Trimbos Institute, bupropion, venlafaxine, promethazine and mebeverine, among others, can give a positive result with some tests. Confirmation with a different method is needed before a result can carry weight.
- Dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine for ADHD correctly give a positive result. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is not an amphetamine, but the Trimbos Institute also lists it among the medicines that can give a positive result with some tests.
- Ecstasy (MDMA) is detected inconsistently; this test is not suitable for showing or ruling out ecstasy use.
- Fluid intake determines how concentrated the urine is; diluted urine can give a negative result.
Who it is for
Who is the test useful for?
Useful for
Useful for a medical question, for example in addiction care or with unexplained symptoms in which amphetamine use may play a role, or for anyone who wants to monitor their own use. Anyone worried about their own use will get more out of help with cutting down or quitting than out of a test.
How common is it?
In 2025, 1.4 percent of adults in the Netherlands had used amphetamine in the past year, about 210,000 people. Use is most common among men and young adults. Most users take it once or a few times a year.
Nationale Drug Monitor (Trimbos Institute and WODC)
Drawbacks and risks
- A positive result caused by an ADHD medicine or a cross-reaction can wrongly be read as drug use.
- A result without a confirmation test can wrongly be used as evidence.
Get tested
Amphetamines (urine): test panels
Amphetamines (urine) is part of these test panels. You order online and have your blood drawn at a collection point or collect the sample at home.
Evidence
Sources
This explanation is based on Dutch guidelines and independent information. It is general information, not a diagnosis. Discuss an abnormal result with your GP.
More about risks and results- Trimbos-instituut, drugsinfo.nl: Speed, aantoonbaarheid in speeksel, bloed en urine
- Trimbos-instituut, drugsinfo.nl: XTC / MDMA, aantoonbaarheid
- NVKC, allesovertesten.nl: Drugstest
- Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas (Zorginstituut Nederland): Dexamfetamine
- Nationale Drug Monitor (Trimbos-instituut en WODC): Amfetamine
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