PCP
Phencyclidine
Primary Products
DrugSURE® Integrated Test Cups
DrugSURE® Dip Tests
OralTox® Oral Fluid Tests
ng/ml
Cut-Off Levels
Rapid Urine Test: 25 ng/mL
Rapid Oral Fluid Test: 3 ng/mL
WOD
Window of Detection Times
Urine Specimen: 1 – 3 Days
Oral Fluid Specimen: 48 Hours
What is PCP?
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative anesthetic originally developed in the 1950s for medical use, but it was discontinued in humans due to severe psychological side effects, including hallucinations and violent behavior. Today, PCP has no accepted medical use in people, though it remains an illicit recreational drug known for producing detachment from reality, erratic behavior, and profound changes in perception.
Illicit PCP is sold in various forms: as a crystalline powder, tablets, capsules, or a liquid (PCP dissolved in ether or similar solvents). Powder and crystal forms may appear white, yellow, or tan. It is commonly smoked by applying the liquid or powder to plant material (e.g., marijuana, mint leaves), but it may also be snorted or ingested.
Effects:
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Intense euphoria or dissociation (“out-of-body” sensations)
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Distorted perception of time, sound, and sight
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Feelings of extreme strength or invulnerability
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Agitation, aggression, or violent behavior
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Hallucinations or psychosis
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Numbness, loss of coordination, or blank stare
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Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
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Nausea, dizziness, or drooling
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Risk of seizures or coma at high doses
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Long-term cognitive impairment or mood disturbances
Commons Slang Terms:
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Angel dust
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Wet
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Embalming fluid (street term for PCP-soaked cigarettes)
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Rocket fuel
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Sherm / Sherman stick
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Ozone
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Hog
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Supergrass
Legal Status:
PCP is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., reflecting a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in humans. Because of its association with unpredictable behavior, aggression, and acute medical emergencies, PCP is a routine target on multi-panel drug tests used in workplaces, treatment centers, criminal justice programs, and emergency settings.
For point-of-care rapid toxicology testing programs, PCP is considered a standard analyte due to safety concerns and regulatory expectations across safety-sensitive environments. When a rapid screening device yields a presumptive positive, policies require confirmation by laboratory testing (typically GC/MS or LC/MS/MS) to differentiate true positives from rare cross-reactivity events. Programs must also maintain clear documentation, legal defensibility, and chain-of-custody procedures consistent with federal and industry standards.