Cannabinoid (THC and CBD) Urine Screening
This test detects the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It helps determine if you’ve recently used cannabis.
["This screening checks for recent marijuana use via urine samples."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59573-6
- Short code
- CANNGF
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Gast Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof plastic container (e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene) without preservative for gastric fluid collection; clean glass or plastic vial for transport.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (qualitative screen) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 44608009
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of gastric fluid (aspirate or lavage content)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or lower): up to 30 days for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been suspected of using marijuana, if you’re part of a workplace drug screening, or if you’re in a program requiring regular drug testing. It can also be used for medical reasons, such as assessing substance use in certain conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample in a sterile container. If you’re undergoing a workplace or legal screening, follow any specific instructions your employer or testing facility provides.
What the Test Measures
The test measures two primary cannabinoids: **THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)**, the psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high,’ and **CBD (cannabidiol)**, a non-psychoactive compound. THC metabolites (like THC-COOH) are detected in urine for up to several weeks after use.
How the Test Works
The test uses a **high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc)** or **immunoassay (imm/ia)** method to identify cannabinoid compounds in your urine. Some tests may also use **nephelometry (neph)** or **electrochemiluminescence (eclr)** for detection.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen collection is typically performed in clinical or forensic settings such as emergency departments, toxicology units, or autopsy suites.
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 this test?
What if my test comes back 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy