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Cannabinoid Screening (Plasma) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your blood plasma. It helps determine if recent cannabis use has affected your system.

Quick summary

["This screening helps assess potential exposure to marijuana-related substances."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19073-6
Short code
CANNU
Synonyms
Cannabinoids CtO Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine collection cup with secure screw-cap lid. For chain-of-custody testing, use tamper-evident container with temperature verification strip.
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
50
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Immunoassay (EIA/EMIT) screening; confirmatory testing by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
80307
SNOMED
251411007
Specimen volume
30-60 mL of urine; minimum 10 mL required for analysis
Stability
Room temperature (15-25°C): up to 48 hours for screening; Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 6 months for forensic/confirmatory testing. If specimen cannot be analyzed within 48 hours, refrigerate or freeze.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been suspected of recent marijuana use, if you’re experiencing symptoms linked to cannabis exposure (such as altered mood, dizziness, or impaired coordination), or if you’re part of a study or program monitoring substance use.

What Does the Test Involve?

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The blood is then processed to separate plasma, which is analyzed using HPLC to detect cannabinoid compounds. Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than quantifying exact amounts.

What Are Common Symptoms of Cannabinoid Exposure?

Cannabinoids can cause temporary effects like euphoria, relaxation, or altered perception. More severe reactions may include confusion, increased heart rate, or coordination issues. However, symptoms vary widely and may not always appear immediately after use.

How Long Does It Take to Get Results?

Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times.

Reference range

Negative: below cutoff threshold of 50 ng/mL for initial screening. Positive results require confirmatory testing. SAMHSA-recommended cutoff is 50 ng/mL for screening and 15 ng/mL for GC-MS confirmation of THC-COOH (11-nor-delta-9-carboxy-THC).N/A

Specimen: urine

No fasting required. Patient should be informed that certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements (e.g., hemp-containing products, proton pump inhibitors, NSAIDs) may cause false-positive results. Specimen collection may require observation and chain-of-custody documentation per institutional protocol.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Cannabinoid Plasma Screen

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result suggests recent exposure to cannabinoids, but it doesn’t confirm the exact amount or duration of use. It may prompt further evaluation by your healthcare provider.
Can this test detect long-term cannabis use?
No, this test only detects cannabinoids in your blood plasma at the time of testing. Long-term use isn’t assessed here; other tests or urine samples may be used for that purpose.
Does this test include THC or CBD only?
This test screens for cannabinoids broadly, including THC (the psychoactive compound) and other cannabinoids, but specific breakdowns of THC metabolites may require additional confirmatory testing.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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