Cannabinoid Screening in Urine (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds in marijuana, in your urine. It helps determine if you’ve recently used cannabis.
["A simple urine test to detect recent marijuana use."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19290-6
- Short code
- CANNAB-UC
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Pos Ur Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, tamper-evident urine collection cup with secure screw-cap lid. Chain-of-custody container required for medico-legal or workplace drug testing scenarios.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80349
- SNOMED
- 167078009
- Specimen volume
- 30-60 mL of urine minimum; 10-20 mL sufficient for confirmatory analysis
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for prolonged storage. Room temperature: up to 3 days if preserved with sodium fluoride.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
This test screens for cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and its metabolites, which appear in urine after cannabis use. The test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether cannabinoids are present, not their exact amount.
Why Might You Need This Test?
You may need this test for employment screening, legal purposes, or if a healthcare provider suspects recent cannabis use affecting your health or behavior. Some employers or institutions require this test as part of their policies.
How Is the Test Performed?
You’ll provide a urine sample in a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed in a lab using a qualitative immunoassay method, which detects the presence of cannabinoid metabolites without measuring their concentration.
What Are the Possible Results?
The result will be either positive (indicating recent cannabis use) or negative (no detectable cannabinoids). If positive, further confirmation may be needed, but this test alone does not provide a specific amount of cannabis use.
Reference range
Negative. Cutoff concentration typically 15 ng/mL for THCA (11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as per SAMHSA guidelines. Positive result indicates cannabinoids concentration above the established confirmatory cutoff threshold.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should be informed of test purpose. Informed consent may be required for workplace, legal, or forensic testing. Collect sample under chain of custody if applicable.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test detect long-term cannabis use?
Are there any side effects or risks from this 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy