Metals, toxins and medication
Amfetamines
A urine test for amphetamines shows whether speed or a related substance has been used in the past few days.
Everything about this testWhat it measures
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.
- 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
Positive
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
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.
If your result is abnormal
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
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.
Limitations
- 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.
How common is this
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.
Who is this 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.
Downsides 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.
Sources
- 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
Always discuss an abnormal result with your GP. If a result is strongly abnormal, we try to reach you as soon as possible. Read your result yourself as well and contact your GP if in doubt. A test does not make a diagnosis. Read more about risks and results