It is possible to test for the presence of LSD in urine, but it is a difficult and expensive test to run and is quite uncommon. Unless there is a particular reason to be looking for it, as in the case of an autopsy...it is extremely unlikely that most people will ever run into this test. It is not one of the SAMHSA-5 standardly tested for in the basic drug test, nor is it included in the extended drug tests. It is not chemically similar to any of the drugs tested for, so should not trigger the tests as another substance.

An LSD metabolite created by the body called 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD has a somewhat longer half-life than LSD itself and is one of the main metabolites used to test for LSD use. Although most LSD-specific tests only test positive for less than two days, the metabolite tests for 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD are effective for 3-4 days after LSD ingestion.

Beginning in the early 2000's, some parts of the military began testing for LSD. However, the Feb 18, 2008 Army Times reported that the Department of Defense has stopped most LSD testing military wide. Reportedly this was because only four positive LSD tests were found out of more than 2 million test conducted over a three year period. This cost-benefit analysis resulted in the military ceasing LSD testing as part of their standard panel. As recently as November 2012, however, we have had reports of occasional Army tests including LSD. (Or at least "LSD" being included in the list of drugs that the testee is informed they will be tested for. Whether or not the testing actually takes place is unknown.)

LSD is no longer included in the standard "DoD Illicit Drug Testing Panel", as published in the "DoD instruction 1010.16 published Oct 10,2012". See http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/101016p.pdf.

We have been told that the Air Force will court martial airmen on the basis of a single positive test for LSD.

If you know anything else about the military's handling of drug tests, let us know.