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What Does KET Mean on a Urine Test?

Published 18/02/2025

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Understanding Ketamine Testing in Workplaces and Healthcare Settings

Ketamine is becoming a drug of concern in various industries, including healthcare and safety-sensitive workplaces. Employers, occupational health providers, and HR teams need to understand how it appears in drug screening programs.  

If you've come across "KET" on a urine drug test report, or you're wondering, "Does ketamine show in drug tests?", here’s what you need to know from a workplace and healthcare testing perspective.  

What Does KET Mean on a Urine Test?

If you see "KET" on a urine test, it refers to ketamine detection. KET is the standard abbreviation used in toxicology reports and drug testing panels to indicate whether ketamine or its metabolites (such as norketamine) have been identified in a urine sample.  

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that is also used recreationally. It has gained popularity as a party drug, and misuse in workplace settings can present significant safety risks, particularly in industries involving machinery and transportation. Addiction services are also seeing higher levels of admissions because of chronic ketamine use. 

A positive KET result means that ketamine (or its metabolites) has been detected above the test’s cutoff threshold. The detection window in urine varies depending on factors like frequency of use and individual metabolism but generally includes: 

  • Single use: Up to 3 days 

  • Frequent use: Up to 5–7 days 

Urine testing is one of the most common methods for ketamine detection due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to identify recent substance use.  


Does Ketamine Show in Drug Tests?
 

Yes, ketamine does show in drug tests, but not all drug panels will detect it 

Most standard workplace point of care drug tests (5-panel or 6-panel tests) do not include ketamine. However, it is detectable in some POCT 9-panel, 10-panel, 11-panel, 12-panel, 13-panel, 15-panel, and 18-panel tests. Employers or healthcare providers concerned about ketamine use must specifically request a panel that includes ketamine screening. 

AttoSure Drug Test Cups That Detect Ketamine 

AttoSure offers a range of urine drug test cups, with ketamine detection available in the following options: 

  • 9-Panel Cup (GBOA-196): Includes ketamine alongside benzodiazepines, cocaine, MDMA, methadone, morphine, THC, and tramadol. 

  • 11-Panel Cup (GBOA-1116): Adds ketamine to amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, methamphetamine, THC, tramadol, and pregabalin. 

  • 12-Panel Cup (GBOA-1126A & GBOA-1126B): Detects ketamine alongside fentanyl, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, opiates, oxycodone, THC, and more. 

  • 13-Panel Cup (GBOA-1136): Includes ketamine, fentanyl, amphetamines, cocaine, methadone, morphine, pregabalin, and K2/Spice. 

  • 15-Panel Cup (GBOA-1156): Covers ketamine, methadone, fentanyl, K2/Spice, THC, opiates, and more. 

  • 18-Panel Cup (GBOA-1186): A comprehensive option, detecting ketamine, LSD, methamphetamines, oxycodone, pregabalin, and multiple other substances. 

  • 22-Panel Cup (MD-U622-013): The most comprehensive option, including tests for ketamine, nitazenes, xylazines and a plethora of other illicit and prescription drugs 

Employers looking to enforce strict drug policies should consider multi-panel tests that include ketamine screening. 


Why Is Ketamine Tested in Workplace and Healthcare Settings?
 

Ketamine misuse poses significant risks in workplace and healthcare environments, particularly in roles requiring focus, coordination, and decision-making. It can impair motor function, cognition, and judgment, which is why some industries conduct ketamine testing.  

Industries Where Ketamine Testing May Be Required: 

  • Healthcare Addiction to this drug is growing and in extreme cases is leading to chronic and irreversable bladder issues 

  • Construction & Engineering – Safety-critical roles require full alertness. 

  • Transportation & Logistics – Operating vehicles under ketamine influence is dangerous. 

  • Aviation & Maritime – Stringent drug policies exist for pilots, crew, and operators. 

  • Manufacturing & Heavy Machinery – Risks of accidents increase with drug impairment. 

Some employers also conduct random drug testing or pre-employment screening for ketamine use, particularly in safety-sensitive industries.


Key Takeaways
 

  1. KET on a urine test refers to ketamine detection.
  2. Ketamine isn’t included in standard workplace drug panels but does show up in 9-panel, 10-panel, 11-panel, 12-panel, 13-panel, 15-panel,18-panel and 22 panel urine cup tests.
  3. Detection depends on the test type – urine and hair tests provide the longest detection windows.
  4. Certain industries test for ketamine due to safety risks and workplace policies 

At AttoSure, we specialise in workplace and healthcare drug testing. Whether you need urine, saliva, or hair drug testing solutions, we provide accredited, reliable, and discreet testing services tailored to your needs.  

Need workplace ketamine testing? Request a quote today:

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