6mamspecql
A blood test that detects 6-MAM, a specific marker for heroin use in the body.
{"6-MAM is a unique byproduct of heroin breakdown","This test helps confirm recent heroin use","Results are reported as positive or negative (presence/absence)","The test uses a blood sample collected from a vein"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32099-4
- Short code
- 6MAM
- Synonyms
- 6MAM Spec Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 397936007
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of venous blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 6-Monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) test is a laboratory blood test that looks for the presence of 6-MAM in your blood. 6-MAM is a unique substance produced when your body breaks down heroin. Unlike other opioids such as morphine or codeine, only heroin produces 6-MAM as a metabolite, making it a specific marker for heroin use.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood will be placed in a special tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test looks for the presence (positive) or absence (negative) of 6-MAM in your serum.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered for various reasons including: monitoring for heroin use in substance abuse treatment programs, workplace drug testing, pre-employment screening, or as part of a comprehensive toxicology evaluation. It may also be used in clinical settings to help diagnose opioid overdose or in forensic investigations.
How long does 6-MAM stay in my system?
6-MAM has a relatively short detection window in blood, typically up to 24-48 hours after heroin use. This is shorter than heroin itself or morphine, which is why timing of the test is important. The exact detection time can vary based on factors such as dose, metabolism, and individual body chemistry.
Reference range
Negative (Not Detected)N/A
No special preparation required. Inform patient that this test detects heroin use. Collect specimen according to standard phlebotomy procedures. Document any medications or substances recently consumed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I take prescription opioid pain medications?
How long does it take to get results?
Can a positive result be wrong?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy