Cannabinoid (THC and metabolites) screening in urine
This test detects the presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and its active metabolites in your urine, often used to screen for recent cannabis use.
["Checks for recent cannabis use via urine sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19294-8
- Short code
- CANNB-CON
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Cfm Meth Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, screw-capped plastic urine collection cup without preservative; chain-of-custody container if required
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmatory analysis following immunoassay screening
- CPT
- 80349 (with reflex to quantitative: G0480)
- SNOMED
- 395169000
- Specimen volume
- 30–50 mL (minimum 10 mL)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2–8°C): up to 14 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for forensic specimens. Room temperature: stable up to 3 days for screening, less reliable for confirmatory.
- 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 to evaluate recent cannabis use, assess compliance with workplace or legal drug policies, or monitor treatment responses in certain medical conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample in a private setting, typically collected in a sterile container.
How the Test Works
The test uses a sensitive method to detect THC and its metabolites, which remain in the body for varying periods after use. Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than quantifying exact amounts.
What the Results Mean
A positive result indicates recent cannabis use. A negative result means no detectable THC metabolites were found in your sample. Follow-up testing may be needed for confirmation.
Reference range
Negative: < 15 ng/mL (confirmatory cutoff). Reportable range typically 5–2000 ng/mL. Threshold varies by regulatory and clinical context (SAMHSA workplace testing cutoff: 15 ng/mL).N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed that adulteration or dilution of specimen may be detected. Specimen should be collected under observation per chain-of-custody protocol if required by ordering institution or workplace testing program.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is commonly used for screening purposes due to its simplicity and effectiveness in identifying recent cannabis exposure. It’s not designed for long-term monitoring but can help assess acute use patterns in clinical or legal contexts.
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink water before this test?
What if I have a false positive result?
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