6mamsalmcnc
A test that detects 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), a specific marker for heroin use, in saliva
{"6-MAM is a unique breakdown product of heroin","This test can detect recent heroin use","Results are typically positive for 24-48 hours after heroin use","6-MAM is specific to heroin and not produced by other opioids"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57300-6
- Short code
- 6MAM-SAL
- Synonyms
- 6MAM Sal-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Oral fluid collection device (e.g., Salivette, Quantisal, or equivalent)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 397540008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL oral fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 6-MAM saliva test detects 6-monoacetylmorphine in your oral fluid (saliva). 6-MAM is a specific metabolite produced when your body breaks down heroin (diacetylmorphine). Unlike other opioid test markers, 6-MAM is unique to heroin use, making it a highly specific indicator.
Why is this test done?
This test is used to determine if someone has recently used heroin. It is commonly ordered in forensic testing, workplace drug screening, legal investigations, addiction treatment programs, and clinical settings where monitoring for opioid use is necessary.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will collect a saliva sample by placing a collection device in your mouth or under your tongue. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. No blood draw or urine collection is required for this specific test.
What do the results mean?
A positive result indicates recent heroin use, typically within the past 24-48 hours. A negative result means no 6-MAM was detected, suggesting no recent heroin use. It is important to discuss your results with your healthcare provider who can interpret them in the context of your medical history and situation.
Reference range
Not Detected (Cutoff: 1 ng/mL)N/A
Patient should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for 10-30 minutes before sample collection. Rinse mouth with water if needed before collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long after heroin use can 6-MAM be detected?
Will prescription opioid medications cause a positive result?
Can passive exposure to heroin cause a positive result?
Is fasting required before this test?
Sources
- 1LOINC Database - 6-MAMSource
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