6mamurqlcfm
This test detects 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), a specific metabolite of heroin, in urine to confirm recent heroin use.
{"6-MAM is a unique metabolite only produced when the body processes heroin","This is a confirmatory test that provides more specific results than initial screening","The presence of 6-MAM in urine indicates heroin use within the past 2-3 days","This test is commonly used for compliance monitoring, workplace testing, and substance abuse treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19322-7
- Short code
- 6MAMU
- Synonyms
- 6MAM Ur Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean, dry, disposable urine collection container (graduated collection cup preferred)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 12–100 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 78012009
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 30 mL; preferred 50-100 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 5-7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 2-4 weeks; Frozen (-20°C or below): 3-6 months
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 6-MAM test is a laboratory analysis that detects 6-monoacetylmorphine in your urine. 6-MAM is a unique substance produced only when your body breaks down heroin (also called diacetylmorphine). Because 6-MAM is not produced from any other substance, its presence in urine is a definitive indicator of recent heroin use.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test uses a confirmatory method (typically gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), which is more accurate and specific than preliminary screening tests. The test looks for the presence or absence of 6-MAM rather than measuring a quantity.
What do the results mean?
A 'positive' result means 6-MAM was detected in your urine, indicating recent heroin use, typically within the last 2-3 days. A 'negative' result means no 6-MAM was detected, suggesting no heroin use during that time window. It's important to note that this test is very specific—other opioids like morphine or codeine will not cause a positive 6-MAM result.
Reference range
Negative - Not Detected (cutoff: 10 ng/mL)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should provide a clean catch urine sample. Avoid excessive fluid intake before collection as it may dilute the specimen. Inform collecting personnel of any medications or supplements being taken.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Will prescription pain medications cause a positive result?
How long after using heroin will this test remain positive?
Is this test confidential?
Can passive exposure to heroin cause a positive result?
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