Cannabinoid Screening in Urine (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It helps determine if you’ve recently used cannabis.
["This test screens for recent marijuana use in your urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110617-8
- Short code
- CANN
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Msmt Usub
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top (serum) vacutainer tube, sterile urine container, or chain-of-custody container as applicable. For serum: no anticoagulant; for forensic samples: tamper-evident container with chain-of-custody documentation.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (screening) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80349
- SNOMED
- 395147008
- Specimen volume
- Serum: 3-5 mL whole blood (yields approximately 1.5-2.5 mL serum). Minimum: 1 mL serum for confirmatory testing.
- Stability
- Serum: Room temperature 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below) up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Do I Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been prescribed medication that could be affected by cannabis use, if you’re suspected of substance use for legal or workplace reasons, or as part of a routine health evaluation. It helps ensure safety and compliance with treatment plans.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll provide a urine sample in a sterile container. The test checks for cannabinoid metabolites, which remain in your system for days after use. Results are qualitative (positive or negative) rather than measuring exact amounts.
What Are My Next Steps?
If the test is positive, your provider will discuss next steps, which may include a follow-up test for confirmation or further evaluation. If negative, no further action is typically needed unless your provider has specific concerns.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates recent cannabis use, but it doesn’t specify the amount or type of cannabis. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider to understand the implications for your situation.
Reference range
Negative: <50 ng/mL (screening cutoff). Confirmatory testing uses a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) typically at 1-5 ng/mL. Cutoff values vary by laboratory and intended use (e.g., workplace, clinical, forensic).N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed that detection windows vary based on usage frequency, dose, metabolism, and specimen type. Collect prior to administration of certain medications where clinically feasible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Cannabinoid Screening in Urine
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
What If I Have a False Positive?
Can I Drink Alcohol Before the Test?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy