What Does KET Mean On A Urine Drug Test?

What Does KET Mean on a Urine Test? Ketamine Drug Testing Explained

What does KET mean on a urine test? KET stands for ketamine. If you see "KET" on a drug test cup, strip or lab report, it refers to the test that screens for ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic that is increasingly misused in the UK.

Not every drug test includes a KET line, so knowing what to look for matters. This guide explains what a KET result means, how to read it, how long ketamine stays in urine, saliva, blood and hair, what the law says, and which tests will detect it.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is an anaesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine. In hospitals and ambulances it is used for anaesthesia, sedation and pain relief. A form of it called esketamine is also used to treat some cases of depression that have not responded to other treatment. Outside medicine, ketamine is used recreationally for its dissociative effects. Users often describe feeling detached from their body and surroundings, and high doses can cause a "K-hole", a state of near-total detachment.

Illicit ketamine usually appears as a white crystalline powder that is snorted. Street names include K, ket, Special K and Vitamin K. Once ketamine is in the body, the liver breaks it down into norketamine and other metabolites, which leave the body in urine. You can find more background on our ketamine information page.

Is ketamine legal in the UK?

No, not for recreational use. Ketamine has been a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 since 2014, when it was moved up from Class C. Possession, supply and production are criminal offences. Legitimate use is limited to medical and veterinary settings.

Ketamine use has continued to rise, especially among young people. In 2025 the government asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to consider moving it to Class A. In January 2026 the ACMD recommended that ketamine should stay Class B. It argued that reclassification alone would be unlikely to reduce harm, and that better education, treatment and support were needed. At the time of writing, ketamine remains Class B.

Ketamine and driving: ketamine is one of the drugs with a fixed legal limit for drivers, set at just 20 micrograms per litre of blood. Exceeding it is an offence even if your driving does not seem affected. UK police roadside kits screen only for cannabis and cocaine. However, officers can carry out a field impairment assessment and take a blood sample at the station to check for ketamine. Read more about drug-driving limits in our post on roadside drug tests.

Does ketamine show up on a drug test?

Yes, but only if the test includes a KET line. Ketamine is not detected by the cannabis, cocaine, opiate or amphetamine lines, so a basic test without KET will miss it completely. Many smaller panels, and some recruitment and driver tests, leave ketamine out.

Within our own range, for example:

• The ALLTEST Workplace 13, Railside & Construction 12 and Behemoth 17 cups all include KET
• The ALLTEST Recruitment 7 cup and the Industry 10 Split Key cup do not include KET
• Our 6 drug saliva test and 12 drug Driver saliva test do not include KET, but the Workplace 10, Workplace (ALC) 11 and Construction 12 saliva tests do

Always check the full drug list for "KET" or "ketamine" before you buy. You can browse every test that includes it in our ketamine drug tests collection.

What does a positive KET result mean?

A non-negative (preliminary positive) KET result means ketamine was found in the sample above the test's cut-off level. On most rapid urine tests the cut-off is 1000 ng/ml. Our Railside & Construction 12 cup uses a more sensitive 500 ng/ml cut-off, and our saliva tests detect ketamine at 50 ng/ml.

A non-negative result tells you ketamine was taken recently. It does not tell you how much was taken, exactly when, or whether the person was impaired at the time of the test. It is also a screening result only. Ketamine given legitimately in hospital or by a paramedic, or prescribed as part of depression treatment, will produce the same result. Every non-negative KET result should therefore be confirmed by a laboratory before any decision is made.

How to read the KET line on a drug test

Find the window or strip labelled KET. Like every other drug line, it has a control line (C) and a test line (T):

• Negative: both the C line and the T line appear. Any visible T line counts as negative, however faint.
• Non-negative (preliminary positive): only the C line appears, with no T line
• Invalid: no C line appears, so the test must be repeated with a new device

Read negative results at 5 minutes and allow up to 10 minutes for non-negative results to develop. Rapid drug tests work the opposite way to pregnancy tests. A line in the T zone means the drug was not detected.

Other abbreviations you might see on a drug test

KET is one of many short codes printed on drug test devices. These are the ones you are most likely to see next to it:

Code	Drug
KET	Ketamine
THC	Cannabis
COC	Cocaine
OPI / MOP	Opiates (morphine, codeine, heroin)
6-MAM	Heroin-specific metabolite
AMP	Amphetamine
MET / mAMP	Methamphetamine
MDMA	Ecstasy
BZO	Benzodiazepines
MTD	Methadone
BUP	Buprenorphine
OXY	Oxycodone
TML	Tramadol
FYL	Fentanyl
K2	Synthetic cannabinoids (Spice)
PCP	Phencyclidine
BAR	Barbiturates
TCA	Tricyclic antidepressants

Urine tests for ketamine

Urine is the most widely used sample for ketamine screening. Ketamine and norketamine are cleared through the kidneys, so urine shows use over the past few days.

• Best for: pre-employment, random testing, treatment monitoring and home testing
• Strengths: longer detection window than saliva, results in about 5 minutes, low cost per test
• Limitations: samples can be diluted or tampered with. Cups with built-in adulteration strips help to flag this.

Saliva tests for ketamine

Our oral fluid tests detect ketamine at 50 ng/ml for up to around 2 to 3 days. Saliva testing suits situations where you need to know about recent use, such as after an incident at work. Collection is done face to face, which makes the sample very difficult to tamper with.

• Best for: post-incident testing, reasonable cause testing and on-site screening
• Strengths: non-invasive, observed collection, no toilet facilities needed
• Limitations: shorter detection window than urine

Blood and hair tests

Blood and hair testing for ketamine is carried out in a laboratory. Ketamine has a short half-life of a few hours, so blood testing usually detects it for only around 24 to 48 hours. Blood tests are mainly used in hospitals, in forensic cases and in drug-driving investigations. Hair testing can show a pattern of ketamine use over roughly 90 days. It cannot show very recent use, because hair takes time to grow above the scalp.

How long does ketamine stay in your system?

The table below shows typical detection windows for ketamine. The urine and saliva figures are based on the cut-off levels of the tests we sell.

Test type	KET cut-off	Typical detection window
Saliva	50 ng/ml	Up to 2 to 3 days
Urine (standard)	1000 ng/ml	Up to 3 to 5 days
Urine (more sensitive)	500 ng/ml	Up to around 5 days, longer after heavy use
Blood (lab)	Lab dependent	Typically 24 to 48 hours
Hair (lab)	Lab dependent	Up to 90 days

After a single use, ketamine is usually detectable in urine for around 1 to 3 days. Frequent, heavy use can extend this to around a week. For full cut-off tables, see our urine drug detection times and saliva drug detection times.

What affects how long ketamine can be detected?

• Amount and frequency: regular, heavy use builds up ketamine and its metabolites and extends the window
• Liver function: the liver breaks ketamine down, so reduced liver function slows clearance
• Kidney function: ketamine metabolites leave the body in urine, so reduced kidney function prolongs detection
• Age and body composition: metabolism slows with age and differs between individuals
• Other substances: drinking alcohol or using other drugs at the same time can affect how ketamine is processed
• Hydration: very dilute urine can push levels below the cut-off. This is why good tests check specific gravity.
• Test cut-off: a 500 ng/ml test detects ketamine for longer than a 1000 ng/ml test

Can a KET result be a false positive?

Rapid drug tests use antibodies that react to a drug's chemical structure, and occasionally another substance can cross-react. False positives on KET are uncommon, but they can happen. Some results are also genuine but legitimate, for example after ketamine given in A&E, during surgery or by a paramedic, or as part of treatment for depression.

That is why every non-negative result should be confirmed by an accredited laboratory using GC-MS or LC-MS before any action is taken. Our Urine Lab Confirmation Pack includes ketamine, comes with full chain of custody paperwork and is analysed by a UKAS accredited UK laboratory. Samples are usually processed within 5 working days of arriving at the lab. If you test regularly at work, the Split Key PRO Workplace cup screens for ketamine and keeps part of the sample sealed, so the same sample can go to the lab.

Why do employers test for ketamine?

Ketamine affects coordination, perception, memory and judgement. It can also leave people confused or drowsy for some time after the main effects wear off. In safety-critical work, that is a serious risk. Long-term use is linked to serious health problems, including damage to the bladder (often called "ketamine bladder") and the liver. These can affect attendance and performance long before anyone realises what is wrong. Ketamine testing is increasingly common in:

• Construction
• Rail
• Transport and logistics
• Warehousing and manufacturing
• Healthcare and care settings

Testing helps employers keep people safe, apply their drug and alcohol policy fairly, and spot when someone may need support. Find out more on our workplace drug testing page, or browse our workplace drug tests.

Which ketamine drug test should I use?

For a quick, low-cost check for ketamine alone, the ALLTEST ketamine urine test strip is the simplest option. For workplace screening, the Railside & Construction 12 cup detects ketamine at the more sensitive 500 ng/ml cut-off. The Workplace 13 cup is a popular all-rounder. For recent use, choose the ALLTEST saliva Workplace 10 barrel.

Test	Sample	KET cut-off	Best for
Urine Drug Test Strips (Ketamine)	Urine	1000 ng/ml	Low-cost single drug checks at home or work
ALLTEST Railside & Construction Cup (12 drugs)	Urine	500 ng/ml	Construction, rail and industrial workplaces
ALLTEST Workplace Cup (13 drugs)	Urine	1000 ng/ml	General workplace screening
Split Key PRO Workplace Cup (10 drugs)	Urine	1000 ng/ml	Workplaces that want lab confirmation from the same sample
ALLTEST Behemoth Cup (17 drugs)	Urine	1000 ng/ml	Broad screening, including synthetic opioids and Spice
ALLTEST Saliva Workplace Barrel (10 drugs)	Saliva	50 ng/ml	Recent use, post-incident and reasonable cause testing
ALLTEST Saliva Workplace (ALC) Barrel (11 drugs)	Saliva	50 ng/ml plus alcohol	Drug and alcohol testing in one device
Urine Lab Confirmation Pack	Urine (lab)	GC-MS	Confirming non-negative screening results

Frequently asked questions

What does KET stand for on a drug test?

KET stands for ketamine. It is the standard abbreviation printed on drug test cups, strips and panels, and used on laboratory reports.

What does a positive KET result mean?

It means ketamine was detected above the test's cut-off level, which shows recent use. It is a preliminary screening result and should be confirmed by an accredited laboratory before any decisions are made.

How long does ketamine stay in urine?

After a single use, ketamine is usually detectable in urine for around 1 to 3 days, and for up to 3 to 5 days on a standard 1000 ng/ml test. Heavy, regular use can extend this to around a week.

Will ketamine given in hospital show up on a drug test?

It can. Ketamine used for sedation, pain relief or anaesthesia is the same drug, so it will trigger the KET line. If you have had treatment involving ketamine, tell the person running the test before you give a sample.

Do police test drivers for ketamine?

Yes. Ketamine has a legal driving limit of 20 micrograms per litre of blood. Roadside kits only screen for cannabis and cocaine, so police check for ketamine with a blood sample taken at the station.

Can you test a drink or powder for ketamine?

Yes. Our ketamine drink dipsticks can help check for drink spiking. Our ketamine residue test checks powders and surfaces for traces of the drug.

Final thoughts

KET on a urine test means ketamine. It is detectable for up to around 2 to 3 days in saliva, up to 3 to 5 days in urine on a standard test, and up to 90 days in hair. Because many tests do not include a KET line, the most important step is choosing a kit that does. Always confirm a non-negative result with an accredited laboratory before acting on it.

With ketamine use rising across the UK, adding KET to your screening is one of the simplest ways for employers to close a gap in their testing. For families, it gives clear answers about a drug that is often underestimated.

Need more choice? Visit our specialist site, UK Drug Testing

The kits above are the ones I recommend most often for ketamine. If you are building a full workplace testing programme, though, you may want a wider choice. Our specialist sister site, UK Drug Testing, stocks a much larger range for employers and testing professionals.

Over there you will find:

• Dual chamber split cup urine drug tests, plus saliva drug tests from 4 to 13 panels
• Breathalysers
• Workplace drug and alcohol testing starter packs
• Laboratory confirmation tests
• Online drug test training
• The free Drug Detection Window Calculator

Not sure which test is right for your workplace? Take the quick quiz for a recommendation, or speak to the UK Drug Testing team Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, on 01263 731 168.

Sources: ACMD: Ketamine, an updated review of use and harms (January 2026); House of Commons Library: Ketamine; The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Ketamine etc.) (Amendment) Order 2014; The Drug Driving (Specified Limits) (England and Wales) Regulations 2014; GOV.UK: Drugs and driving, the law; Drug Testing Kit urine and saliva detection tables.