Cannabinoid (THC and metabolites) Urine Drug Screen
This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and its metabolites, in your urine. It helps determine if you’ve used cannabis recently.
["A simple urine test to detect recent cannabis use."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16243-8
- Short code
- CANWB
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Bld Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Gray-top sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate tube or lavender-top (EDTA) tube for whole blood collection
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80349
- SNOMED
- 395153009
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of whole blood
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for long-term storage
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about substance use, are required to be drug-free for work, legal reasons, or as part of a routine health evaluation. It’s also used in medical settings to assess tolerance or response to cannabis-based treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample in a sterile container. Follow any instructions your provider gives you, such as avoiding certain foods or drinks that might affect results.
What the Test Measures
The test detects cannabinoids, including THC and its metabolites (like THC-COOH), which remain in the body for varying periods after use. High levels suggest recent cannabis consumption.
How the Test Works
This is typically a qualitative immunoassay (screening test) followed by confirmation using a more precise method like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The test looks for specific chemical markers in your urine.
Reference range
Negative: <5 ng/mL (cutoff may vary by laboratory). Positive results reported with quantitative value in ng/mL.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed of test purpose, especially for medico-legal or employment-related testing. Chain of custody documentation may be required for forensic or workplace drug testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink water before the test?
What if I have a false positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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