Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters for Your Health
This test checks if a newborn was exposed to amphetamine or methamphetamine drugs during pregnancy by testing the umbilical cord tissue.
{"The test detects amphetamine/methamphetamine exposure in the womb","Umbilical cord tissue is used because it can detect drug exposure over a longer period than urine tests","Results help healthcare providers plan appropriate care for the newborn","A positive result may indicate the mother used these substances during pregnancy","The test uses a confirmatory method (LC-MS/MS) for accurate results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97221-6
- Short code
- Amphet TissCo Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- Amphet TissCo Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a laboratory procedure that examines a sample, such as blood, urine, or tissue, to measure specific substances or detect changes in your body. Your doctor may order it to help diagnose a condition, monitor an ongoing illness, or screen for health problems before symptoms appear. Results are compared with normal reference ranges so your care team can explain what the numbers mean for you.
This test looks for amphetamine and methamphetamine in the umbilical cord tissue. The umbilical cord develops during pregnancy and contains tissue that can trap drugs that passed from the mother to the baby. Unlike urine tests, which only detect recent drug use, cord tissue testing can show drug exposure that occurred over weeks or even months of pregnancy.
The test is usually done in a clinic, hospital, or laboratory. Depending on the type of sample needed, a healthcare professional may draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm, ask you to provide a urine sample, or collect a swab from the affected area. The collection is typically quick and causes only mild discomfort. Afterward, the sample is sent to a laboratory, and your results are generally ready within a few days.
After the baby is born, a small piece of the umbilical cord is collected and sent to the laboratory. The tissue is analyzed using a confirmatory method called liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is highly accurate and specific for detecting amphetamine-type drugs.
This test gives your healthcare team objective information about how your body is functioning, which helps guide accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions. Early detection of abnormalities can lead to timely care, better management of chronic conditions, and prevention of complications. Your results also allow your doctor to adjust medications, track your progress over time, and involve you in making informed choices about your health.
If a baby was exposed to amphetamines or methamphetamines during pregnancy, they may need special medical care after birth. Babies born to mothers who used these drugs may experience withdrawal symptoms, developmental delays, or other health issues. Early detection helps healthcare teams provide the right treatment and support.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates that the newborn was exposed to amphetamine or methamphetamine during pregnancy. This information is crucial for: neonatal care planning, assessing the need for withdrawal treatment, early intervention for developmental concerns, and proper documentation for social services when needed. The confirmatory method ensures highly reliable results that can guide appropriate medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean the mother used drugs?
Is this test mandatory?
Will the results be kept confidential?
What happens if the test is positive?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy