How Long Do SARMs Stay In Your System? What the New Research Says [Case Study]

🧠 Key Takeaways
- SARMs can stay in your system from a few days to over 3 weeks, depending on the compound and testing method
- Half-life is not the same as detection window — full clearance may take multiple half-lives
- RAD-140 and LGD-4033 are among the longest-lasting and most commonly detected
- Most workplace tests do not screen for SARMs, but athletic and military panels may
- Only authorised research use is compliant under UK law — these compounds are not approved for human consumption
You’ve probably seen this question asked everywhere — Reddit threads, research forums, even gym locker rooms:
How long do SARMs actually stay in your system?
Whether you’re designing a compliant research protocol, preparing for bloodwork, or just trying to understand metabolic timelines, the answer is more complex than you might think.
Let’s break it down by compound, half-life, detection methods, and the latest 2025 data.
🔍 Quick Summary
SARMs can remain detectable in the body for several days to several weeks, depending on the compound, dosage, and testing method.
While half-life gives a rough estimate of clearance, modern detection (especially LC-MS/MS) can identify trace metabolites well beyond the active period.
🧪 What Determines How Long SARMs Stay in Your System?

Several key variables impact detection windows:
- Half-life of the compound
(e.g., RAD-140: ~60 hours, Ostarine: ~24–36 hours) - Dosage and duration
Higher doses and longer use = longer detection - Metabolism and individual clearance rate
Liver enzymes, hydration, genetics all play a role - Form of administration
Oral solutions vs capsules may slightly alter metabolism - Type of test used
WADA-level urine tests are much more sensitive than home blood panels
Available resource : Half-Life Calculator
⏱️ Detection Windows by Compound (2025 Estimate)
| Compound | Half-Life (Approx.) | Estimated Detection Window |
|---|---|---|
| Ostarine (MK-2866) | 24–36 hours | Up to 10–14 days |
| RAD-140 (Testolone) | ~60 hours | 2–3 weeks or more |
| LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) | 24–36 hours | Up to 3 weeks |
| YK-11 | ~6–10 hours | ~5–7 days |
| S-23 | ~11–12 hours | 7–10 days |
| MK-677 | ~24 hours | ~5–10 days (non-SARM) |
⚠️ Note: These are estimated for urine testing via LC-MS/MS. Detection in hair or blood could vary.
Updated guidance : SARMs Guide for the UK
🧬 Half-Life ≠ Clearance Time
A compound is not considered “cleared” just because the effects are gone.
It typically takes 5–7 half-lives for a compound to leave the body below detectable levels — and even then, some ultra-sensitive lab equipment can still find metabolites.
For example:
- RAD-140 (60h half-life) → may require 2–3 weeks for near-complete clearance
- LGD-4033 has been detected 21 days post-exposure in WADA-tested athletes
🔬 Types of Drug Tests and What They Can Detect
| Test Type | Sensitivity | SARMs Detectable? |
|---|---|---|
| Urine (LC-MS/MS) | Very High | ✅ Yes |
| Blood Test | Medium | ⚠️ Possibly |
| Saliva Test | Low | ❌ Rarely |
| Hair Test | Extremely High (long window) | ✅ Some cases |
Most sports testing agencies, like WADA, use LC-MS/MS and can detect SARMs at levels < 1 ng/mL.
Core reading : Can SARMs be detected in a drug test?
📜 Real Cases: Detection of SARMs

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), Powerlifting — 2025
- In June 2025, CCES announced a three‑year sanction for a powerlifter after a competition urine test (from 7 December 2024) showed presence of both RAD‑140 and another SARM (ostarine). cces.ca
- This illustrates that RAD‑140 remains detectable in real-world anti-doping analyses (not just experimental labs), and confirms that detection windows can extend beyond the active period of use.
International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) — 2024
- In May 2024 the IPF publicly sanctioned an athlete who tested positive for RAD‑140 in a urine sample collected Dec 2023. Powerlifting Federation
- The violation was listed under prohibited “Other Anabolic Agents,” per the list maintained by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). World Anti Doping Agency
- The case proves that RAD‑140 detection, via approved doping‑control labs, is operational and “real life” — not hypothetical.
Population‑Level Study: Swedish Urine Samples (2024)
- In a study published in 2024, a lab analyzing routine urine samples (not just elite‑athlete tests) found SARMs in a non-negligible number of cases. Among 542 male samples, ~4% tested positive for at least one SARM. PubMed
- The most common SARMs identified were LGD-4033, RAD‑140, and ostarine. Over half of the SARM‑positive samples contained two or more SARMs. PubMed
- The study also found that 40% of SARM‑positive samples also contained classical anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), showing “stacking,” and complicating detection and interpretation. PubMed
- Conclusion: SARM use (including RAD‑140) isn’t limited to elite athletes — there is “real world” use in the general population, and detection methods are capable of identifying them.
Supplement Contamination & Anti‑Doping Sanctions
This highlights a significant risk even for individuals who might not intend to “use SARMs” — supplement mislabelling or contamination can trigger positive detection.
There are multiple publicly documented cases where athletes were sanctioned because they tested positive for SARMs present in contaminated dietary supplements — especially ostarine. sportintegrity
📚 FAQs (Clear, Click-Worthy Answers)
Are SARMs detectable in blood tests?
Some may be, but blood tests are less sensitive than urine LC-MS/MS. Most standard labs won’t screen for SARMs unless specifically requested.
How long does RAD-140 stay in your system?
It can remain detectable for up to 2–3 weeks, depending on dosage, metabolism, and test sensitivity.
Further learning : What is RAD140?
Can SARMs be found in military or workplace drug tests?
Typically no — unless the test is customised. SARMs are not part of standard 5-panel tests, but elite testing (like for special forces) may include them.
Does the half-life mean it’s gone in that time?
No — it takes 5–7 half-lives for a compound to clear to non-detectable levels.
What’s the law on SARMs?
Check out our SARMs law Guide
Researcher? Browse our UK SARMs stock here
