6mamctosalcfmmcnc
This test detects 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), a specific metabolite of heroin, in saliva to confirm heroin use.
{"6-MAM is a unique marker that confirms recent heroin use","It can be detected in saliva within hours to days after use","This is a confirmatory test used for drug screening programs","Results are reported as positive or negative based on a cutoff threshold","The test is often used in workplace, clinical, or legal settings"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77755-7
- Short code
- 6MAMSAL
- Synonyms
- 6MAM CtO Sal Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Oral fluid collection device (e.g., Quantisal, Intercept, OraSure, or equivalent FDA-cleared oral fluid collection device)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 12–100 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 122465009
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 0.5 mL, preferred 1 mL of undiluted oral fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 5-7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14-21 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30-90 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 6-MAM saliva test is a laboratory test that detects 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) in your saliva (also called oral fluid). 6-MAM is a specific metabolite produced when your body breaks down heroin. Unlike other opioids like morphine or codeine, the presence of 6-MAM in the body is a definitive indicator of heroin use, as it is not produced from any other substance.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will collect a saliva sample by placing a collection device in your mouth to absorb oral fluid. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis using confirmatory methods like mass spectrometry, which is highly accurate and specific. The result is typically reported as either positive (above the cutoff threshold) or negative (below the cutoff threshold).
What does the result mean?
A positive result indicates that heroin has been used recently, as 6-MAM can be detected in saliva for up to 24-48 hours after use. A negative result means no detectable 6-MAM was found above the established cutoff level. It's important to note that the cutoff threshold is designed to minimize false positives while ensuring accurate detection of heroin use.
Reference range
Negative (below cutoff of 1 ng/mL). Cutoff concentration: 1 ng/mL for confirmatory testing.N/A
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for at least 10-30 minutes before oral fluid collection. Do not use oral care products, mouthwash, or caffeine within 30 minutes of collection. Inform collection personnel of any medications or supplements recently taken.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does heroin stay detectable in saliva?
Can this test detect other opioids like morphine or codeine?
Is the saliva test accurate?
Can a positive result be false positive due to food or medication?
What happens if my test is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy