Phencyclidine Screen and Confirmation Urine in Arizona

What this test measures

Phencyclidine, or PCP, is a dissociative drug that can be detected in urine after use. The screening immunoassay compares the sample signal to a cutoff set by the laboratory. If the signal is below the cutoff, the result is reported as negative. If it is at or above the cutoff, the result is presumptive positive and typically proceeds to confirmation.

Confirmation is usually performed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry or gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. These methods identify phencyclidine itself and can report a concentration, which helps distinguish true positives from cross-reactive substances. Laboratories may also assess specimen validity using measurements such as creatinine, pH, and specific gravity.

This test is ordered in clinical or authorized testing contexts, and it should be requested through an appropriate provider or testing program. Detection windows depend on factors such as dose, frequency of use, hydration, and individual metabolism, so a negative result does not necessarily exclude exposure at an earlier time. Results are interpreted by the ordering professional.