Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a prescription opiate drug that can be detected in the blood for 24 to 48 hours on average.
Dilaudid is prescribed for pain relief but can also be misused for its effects. Dilaudid abuse may cause a longer detection window, especially if taken in large doses.
Detecting Dilaudid Through Blood Tests
On average, Dilaudid can be detected through a blood test for 24-48 hours after the last use. Because the detection window is so small, a blood test for Dilaudid is uncommon.
Factors That Can Affect How Long Dilaudid Stays In Blood
Not all bodies metabolize Dilaudid at the same rate. The amount of time it takes for Dilaudid to clear the blood may depend on a variety of personal and health-related factors.
These factors include:
- age
- amount taken
- drug formulation (i.e. liquid or tablet)
- liver and kidney function
- metabolic rate
- frequency of use
- use of multiple drugs
Dilaudid can be prescribed in tablet form or as a liquid solution. If you are taking the extended-release form of Dilaudid, this may stay in your system for closer to two days.
Why Blood Drug Tests Are Used For Dilaudid Detection
Blood drug tests can detect the use of drugs like Dilaudid very quickly. A blood test may be ordered if someone appears to be actively under the influence of Dilaudid.
Blood tests are not the preferred method for testing someone for drug use. Compared to urine tests they are more invasive, expensive, and have a shorter detection window.
Find Treatment For Dilaudid Abuse
Getting off Dilaudid can be difficult to do alone, and should not be attempted. Beginning a detox program is the safest and most effective way to get off Dilaudid.
Detox programs can offer:
- medicine for withdrawal symptoms
- medical supervision
- aftercare support
After detox, additional treatment in a substance abuse rehab program may be recommended if you’ve been taking Dilaudid in ways other than prescribed by a doctor.
Getting off opioid drugs can be dangerous without medical support. Call our helpline today to find an opioid treatment program that’s right for you.
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- HealthPartners—Interpretation of Opiate Drug Screens
https://www.healthpartners.com/ucm/groups/public/@hp/@public/@ime/@content/documents/documents/cntrb_031044.pdf - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—Dilaudid
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019891s024%2C019892s029lbl.pdf - U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed—Detection times of drugs of abuse in blood, urine, and oral fluid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15228165/
