Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and What Your Results Mean
A urine test that detects the presence of amphetamines, a type of stimulant drug.
{"This test checks if amphetamine-type drugs are present in your urine","It can detect both illegal drugs (like methamphetamine) and certain prescription medications","Results are typically reported as positive or negative","The test is often used for workplace drug screening or medical monitoring"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105967-4
- Short code
- Amphet Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Amphet Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and why might my health care provider recommend it for me?
The urine amphetamine test is a screening test that detects the presence of amphetamine-type stimulants in your urine. Amphetamines are a class of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, including illegal substances like methamphetamine and prescription medications used for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.
How is this test performed, and what should I expect during the appointment or procedure?
A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory using immunoassay techniques, which can detect even small amounts of amphetamines. If the initial test is positive, a confirmatory test (such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) may be performed to verify the results.
What do the results of this test mean, and how will my doctor use them to guide my care?
Results are typically reported as either "Positive" (meaning amphetamines were detected) or "Negative" (meaning no amphetamines were found above the detection threshold). A positive result may indicate recent use of prescription ADHD medications, over-the-counter cold medications containing pseudoephedrine, or illegal stimulant drugs.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is commonly used for workplace drug screening programs, substance abuse monitoring, and in certain medical settings. It helps healthcare providers identify recent use of stimulant medications or illicit drugs. For patients prescribed amphetamine medications (such as Adderall, Vyvanse, or Dexedrine), a positive result may be expected and should be discussed with the ordering provider.
Frequently asked questions
How long do amphetamines stay in urine?
Can prescription medications cause a positive result?
Is this test painful?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy