Can SARMs Be Detected in Drug Tests?

Can SARMs Trigger a Drug Test?

If you’re part of an authorised human study, you’re probably thinking “Will this show up in a drug test?” – you’re asking the right question.
Spoiler: Standard drug tests? They probably in the clear. But – if they are being tested by the military, pro sports, or under legal investigation? That’s where things get serious.

“SARMs like Ostarine and Ligandrol can absolutely be detected – and they’ve already caused multiple athlete suspensions,” says Dr. Emma Roberts, anti-doping specialist and WADA advisor.

Are SARMs Part of Routine Drug Testing?

No. Typical 5-panel and 10-panel tests (used by most employers) do not include SARMs.

These basic tests check for:

• THC
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opiates
• Benzodiazepines

SARMs don’t fall into any of those categories. So if trial members are applying to an office job or doing routine workplace checks – it;’s likely fine.
SARMs require targeted, expensive testing, like LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) – the gold standard in elite drug testing.

When Do SARMs Actually Get Tested?

SARMs are typically flagged when testing is:

• WADA-level (Olympics, UFC, NCAA, etc.)
• Military or law enforcement
• For legal, insurance, or custody cases
• Part of advanced sports modelling or influencer contracts

“Athletes often think SARMs aren’t being watched – until they pop hot on a targeted screen,” says USADA’s Travis Tygart.

If you’re in any field with performance expectations and liability, assume SARMs can and will be tested.

How Long Do SARMs Stay Detectable?

It’s not just if they test – it’s how long. Here’s an estimated detection window for common SARMs under LC-MS testing:

Compound	Detectable For
Ostarine (MK-2866)	4-6 weeks
Ligandrol (LGD-4033)	4-8 weeks
RAD-140 (Testolone)	Up to 8 weeks+
S23, YK-11, ACP-105	Possibly longer

One microdose of Ligandrol triggered a positive WADA test over 6 weeks later – even after the athlete claimed to stop.

And remember – even “SARMs-free” supplements have caused positive tests due to cross-contamination.
Further reading: Sarms Half-life Calculator

Can You Beat a SARM Drug Test?

Let’s be blunt: you can’t “flush” SARMs out in time for LC-MS testing.Diuretics, masking agents, water loading? Won’t work.
SARMs bind to receptors and leave trace metabolites behind – exactly what high-end testing looks for.
And if you’re trying to cheat a WADA panel? You’re risking a 4-year ban.

Here are the common tactics people use to try to beat drug tests:

1. Dilution (Drinking Excess Water)

• Idea: flush your system by overhydrating.
• Reality: labs check creatinine levels and specific gravity. Too diluted = automatic retest or fail.

2. Diuretics

• Idea: increase urination to eliminate substances.
• Reality: doesn’t eliminate metabolites already stored in fat or muscle. Also triggers a red flag in tests.

3. Detox Kits & Drinks

• Marketed online as “flushers” or “cleaners.”
• Most are glorified diuretics, masking only for THC or opiates, not complex compounds like SARMs.

4. Synthetic Urine

• Used in supervised tests.
• Easily caught by temperature checks, visual inspection, or chemical markers (e.g., urea levels).

5. Adulterants (Adding substances to sample)

• Some try to mix bleach, vinegar, or peroxide into their sample.
• Modern labs detect oxidants and pH tampering instantly.

Examples of recent positive tests

Gil Roberts

• Gil Roberts, U.S. Olympic gold medallist in the 4×400 m relay, tested positive for two banned SARMs (including ostarine) and received a 16‑month ban. Inside The Games
• This illustrates that even elite athletes with medals aren’t immune – the anti‑doping agencies are tracking SARMs explicitly.

Ricky Garard

• In 2017, CrossFit athlete Ricky Garard was stripped of his third‑place finish and banned through 2021 after testing positive for testolone (RAD‑140) and other illicit agents. games.crossfit.com
• Even in “non‑traditional” professional sports (CrossFit rather than football or athletics), SARMs are being detected and punished.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

• MMA fighter Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos accepted a sanction after a positive test under the UFC anti‑doping policy for a SARM. jp.ufc.com
• Shows that combat sports also fall under the radar for SARM‑use testing.

Kayle Leogrande

• In 2017 Kayle Leogrande (cyclist) was hit with an 8‑year ban after testing positive for multiple prohibited substances including four SARMs (ostarine, RAD‑140, LGD‑4033, andarine) among others.
• A dramatic example of how multiple SARM use can lead to maximum sanctions.

Shayna Jack

• Australian swimmer Shayna Jack claimed her positive test for the banned substance Ligandrol (a SARM) stemmed from a contaminated supplement. ABC
• Highlights the supplement contamination risk: even if you didn’t think you were taking a SARM, you might test positive.

To sum up:

• They confirm that SARMs are actively being tested for by anti‑doping agencies.
• They show the serious consequences: stripped titles, long bans, reputational damage.
• They demonstrate that contamination or unknowing use is an issue (e.g., supplement risk).
• They span multiple sports – not just mainstream pro leagues.

Key Takeaways

• Standard drug tests don’t include SARMs
• But sports, military, and legal panels do
• SARMs can be detected 4-8+ weeks after use
• There’s no guaranteed way to hide them
• Many athletes have tested positive – even unknowingly

“If it’s banned, it’s tested – eventually. And SARMs are definitely banned,” – World Anti-Doping Agency.

FAQ – Read This Before You Panic

• Do SARMs show up on a normal workplace drug test?
  No. Basic tests used by 99% of employers do not include SARMs. But jobs in defense, aviation, or security might.
• Will military drug tests detect SARMs?
  Yes. The military uses expanded testing panels and has flagged SARMs like Ostarine and RAD-140 in recruits and active-duty personnel.
• How long does RAD-140 stay in your body?
  Up to 8 weeks depending on your dose, frequency, and metabolism. It’s one of the longer-detectable SARMs.
• Can you detox SARMs out faster?
  No proven method exists. LC-MS testing detects even trace metabolites. No amount of flushing, sweating, or juicing can guarantee a clean test.
• Will SARMs cause a steroid false positive?
  No – SARMs don’t mimic steroids in routine tests. But if the lab is testing for SARMs specifically, they’ll catch it.

Final thought and guidance for authorised clinical trials

To safeguard the integrity of clinical research and protect participants, clinical trial coordinators should establish a clear internal policy on banned substances, including SARMs. This policy must educate trial members – especially in studies involving muscle, metabolism, or hormone pathways – on the risks of inadvertent rule violations, such as using contaminated supplements or unapproved compounds.

Incorporating pre-enrollment briefings, informed consent updates, and ongoing compliance checksensures that participants don’t unknowingly breach WADA or regulatory guidelines. By setting expectations early and monitoring proactively, research teams can avoid reputational damage, data invalidation, or legal challenges, while supporting ethical, transparent science.

Further reading: Are SARMs legal for research?